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My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia (Bilingual)



Last updated Thursday, March 9, 2017

Author: Monica Brown
Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 087358872X
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2017

Synopsis: This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz's life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is Celia “[a]n exuberant picture-book biography . . . a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music.”

Note to readers:
•  Read the English part only. If time permits and you are very comfortable reading the Spanish part, you may want to do so during craft/activity time.
•  Be sure to check out the last two pages with Celia's biography and photo.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What type of dance is Celia doing on the cover?

Vocabulary

•  revolution - a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Where is Cuba? (Look up on a map or globe if available.)
•  Why did some people not let Celia sing in their contests?
•  Where is New York? Where is Miami? How far is it from Cuba to New York? From Cuba to Miami?
•  What type of music is blended into salsa? (rock, rumba, mambo, and jazz)
•  Why did people call Celia the Queen of Salsa?

Craft ideas:
•  Write your name in different colors. Add cut-out letters and shapes of musical instruments.
•  Make a cut-out guitar. Add string or rubber bands.
•  Make maracas - a pair of hollow tubes (can use paper towel tubes, paper bags or rolled up thick paper) filled with beans, pebbles, or similar objects, shaken as a percussion instrument.
•  Check our music in March craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2017-music-entertainment/

Special activities:
•  If you comfortable reading the Spanish part, compare some of the Spanish and English words.
•  Dance a salsa, sing and play drums.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!