Cruzita and the Mariacheros
By: Ashley Granillo
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books, Lerner Publishing Group
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Contemporary
Originally Published: April 2024
ISBN: 979-876-560-8500
Official Summary:
“Cruzita is going to be a pop star. All she has to do is win a singing contest at her favorite theme park and get famous. But she can’t go to the theme park this summer. Instead, she has to help out at her family’s bakery, which has been struggling ever since Tío Chuy died. Cruzita’s great-uncle poured his heart into the bakery—the family legacy—and now that he’s gone, nothing is the same.
When Cruzita’s not rolling uneven tortillas or trying to salvage rock-hard conchas, she has to take mariachi lessons, even though she doesn’t know how to play her great-grandpa’s violin and she’s not fluent in Spanish. At first, she’s convinced her whole summer will be a disaster. But as she discovers the heart and soul of mariachi music, she realizes that there’s more than one way to be a star―and more than one way to carry on a legacy.”
Thank you to Hear Our Voices and Lerner Publishing Group for the free ARC of Cruzita in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars for Cruzita!
A debut that is as sweet as a fluffy concha fresh out of the oven. Rich in Mexican American culture; experience a summer in CA from Lupes’ Panaderia and learn about Mexican American music (icons and the sources that inspired them). Learn about what it means to be a friend. Young readers will love Cruzita; she is funny, determined, and caring. Readers wont be able to put down this book as they follow her through her musical journey where she learns about her culture and embraces a new melody.
If you’re still not convinced, maybe a mood board can change your mind.
I did not want to stop reading “Cruzita and the Mariacheros”.
It was a comfort to read, as well as a learning experience. I have mentioned before in previous reviews, but in case you’re new here: 1. Hi! 2 . I am Mexican American and like the main character, Cruzita, have always struggled with speaking Spanish.
The language seems to eternally bind us (Latine folk) and divide us, as we alienate those who don’t know enough or don’t speak it at all. Having a book like this is important because it tells readers it’s okay. If you don’t know Spanish, that’s okay. If you’re unfamiliar with a Mexican pop-star, that’s okay. If you claim to be Mexican American or Latina/e/x, then that is it. You do not need to prove to anyone that you are “insert ethnicity or race or whatever” enough because you are enough. This is a big theme in Cruzita, she doesn’t speak Spanish well and is not familiar with mariachi music. With the help of her teacher, new friends and family members she embraces her culture and loves it now that she knows more about it.
Those who do not identify as Latinx/e/a/o will still love the story as it has the perfect summer feel with adorable and relatable characters that any music loving reader would enjoy reading about. It’s not just about Cruzita learning about her culture, but about her learning what friendship really is. It can help young readers understand the importance of supporting your friends and how to respect their culture.
I cannot recommend this book enough for young readers (ages 11-14). If you are looking for a modern Mexican American story about music, family, and friendship written by a Mexican American author than look no further.
Read-a-likes would include books like “Maizy Chen’s Last Chance” by Lisa Yee.