A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!
What’s inside...
Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise and New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa chronicle the life of Rita Moreno, a Puerto Rican superstar celebrated for her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story. From her early days in Puerto Rico to overcoming challenges in the United States and achieving Hollywood success, this picture book biography, adorned with vibrant illustrations and lyrical text, captures the essence of Moreno's groundbreaking achievements in film and her status as the first Latinx person to earn an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. The book includes an informative author’s note and timeline, and is also available in a Spanish-language edition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Rita Moreno face, and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think perseverance is important in achieving goals?
How did Rita Moreno's heritage influence her life and career?
What qualities do you admire most in Rita Moreno and why?
If you could meet Rita Moreno, what would you ask her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it, making a connection to Rita Moreno’s experiences.
Encourage your child to think about how their own background and heritage can influence their dreams and goals, similar to how Moreno's did.
Ask your child to think about what they are passionate about and discuss how persistence and hard work can help achieve their aspirations.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can lead to a deeper discussion about the story's themes.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance, discussing how Rita Moreno’s trailblazing efforts have paved the way for others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The book illustrates Rita Moreno's journey from Puerto Rico to Hollywood and her challenges in breaking racial stereotypes in acting. Her determination to succeed despite obstacles showcases the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to pursue their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, even when they face difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of self-expression
Explanation: Rita Moreno’s career in acting, singing, and dancing highlights the significance of expressing oneself through different art forms. This encourages young readers to explore and embrace their own creative outlets.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in arts and crafts, music, dance, or drama classes to discover their passions and express their feelings and thoughts creatively.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Rita's story emphasizes her roots and how her cultural background played a pivotal role in her life and career. It promotes an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of people around them, enhancing empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to break barriers
Explanation: Rita faced and overcame significant prejudice in an era when Latino actors were given very stereotypical roles. Her bravery in confronting these barriers can teach children the importance of standing up against injustices.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to speak out against unfair treatment they witness, whether at school or within their community, promoting a sense of justice and fairness.
Example Lesson: Importance of hard work
Explanation: Rita Moreno's achievements in earning prestigious awards in entertainment are depicted as a result of her hard work and dedication to her craft.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that achieving significant accomplishments often requires hard work and dedication, motivating them to put effort into their studies and extracurricular activities.