La Guitarrista
By: Lucky Diaz
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Picture Book
Published: May 2 , 2023
Reviewer Marisa Marquez
Canta loves to look at the guitars in the display window of the guitar store. One day she is lucky to find an old discarded one that she can make her own. With the help of her community she is able to make repairs, learn to play, and start a band. Lucky Diaz and Micah Player have done it again, just like in Paletero Man, they are able to create a story that is fun and powerful. Diaz writes in lovely prose that are complimented by the playful illustrations. Bonus there is a song that will make any storytime a dance party!
I knew both myself and M were going to love La Guitarrista, as soon as I saw it.
Not only is it by Lucky Diaz, an instant buy author, but the cover features a brown little girl with a determined grin and a guitar in her hand; it radiated with fun and a great theme.
Reader’s follow Canta as she is given encouragement by: her mother, Fernanda who owns the furniture store down the block, Lupita the automotive painter, and Clemente the music teacher. They all boost her spirits as she works toward her dream of being a guitar player.
Not only does she work to repair her guitar, but to find her sound, or rather her confidence to be who she is and be proud.
Canta struggles with wanting to be accepted by a group of musicians who tease her about her sound and her guitar. She doubts her abilities because of the naysayers. Later, she is reminded that what really matters is what she thinks and believes. With newly restored confidence she is then able to create music with others. Canta’s journey with her guitar illustrates how to be confident in who you are and to surround yourself with those who love and support you; together your dreams will surely come true.
By the end of our reading of La Guitarrista, Melody was asking for an instrument. She wants a flute and I can’t wait to see what this little musician will want to play next.
Ready to read? Buy the book at my Bookshop!