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Rita Moreno: A Little Golden Book Biography



Last updated Monday, February 5, 2024

Author: Maria Correa
Illustrator: Maine Diaz
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 0593645146
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2024

Synopsis: This Little Golden Book about Rita Moreno - Puerto Rican-born star of West Side Story and the first Latina to win an Oscar - is an inspiring read-aloud for young children, as well as their parents and grandparents who are fans.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you know about Rita Moreno?
•  What do you think Rita Morena does for a living?

Vocabulary
•  Outspoken - Direct or open in speech or expression.
•  Social Causes - Issues or problems that affect/influence many individuals within a society and people strive to solve the same.
•  Iconic - Widely known or easily recognized.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why do you think Rita's family left Puerto Rico?
•  If you were an actor or actress, what roles would you like to play?
•  How do you think Rita managed to achieve so much in her life?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a Valentine’s Day card. (READERS: Write the word Valentine on the board or on a piece of paper so they have the correct spelling.)
•  Make puppets by drawing pictures of Rita Moreno and then put the pictures on popiscle sticks.
•  Make trophies out of construction paper.

Special activities:
•  The children can listen and dance to songs from West Side Story. Link: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oae6SW5bgeQ
Lyrics as sung by Rita Moreno:
Here's a place for us
Somewhere a place for us
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Someday a time for us
Time together with time to spare
Time to learn
Time to care
Someday, somewhere
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a time for us
Someday a time for us
Time together with time to spare
Time to learn
Time to care
Someday, somehow
We'll find a new way of living
We'll find there's a way of forgiving
Somewhere
There's a place for us
A time and a place for us
Hold my hand and we're half way there
Hold my hand
And I'll take you there
Somehow
Someday, somewhere

*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!