A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!

The inspiring biography of the incredibly talented Rita Moreno, actor in and executive producer of Steven Speilberg's upcoming West Side Story.

"An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance."—School Library Journal (starred review)

When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn’t know what to expect—but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.

Brought to life by the bold and vibrant illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa (Islandborn), and lyrical text of Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories), this gorgeous tribute to the life and career of the first Latinx person to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award will inspire little dreamers everywhere.

Informative author’s note and timeline also included.

A Spanish-language edition is also available.

Praise for Anika Aldamuy Denise:

“[Anika’s] lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud.”—New York Times Book Review on Planting Stories

Espinosa’s illustrations are as vibrant as the character he portrays....An inspiring account of a woman who followed her dreams.  - Kirkus Reviews

Leo Espinosa’s illustrations are lively and animate....And the book is a positive, compelling look at the only Latinx performer to have earned a Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. - Boston Globe

This upbeat picture book biography…[is] for listeners who twirl and swish their voluminous skirts while singing into their hairbrushes. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Denise and Espinosa, both Pura Belpré Award Honorees, have created a motivating and touching story of a talented and determined Latinx woman. - Shelf Awareness

An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance. - School Library Journal (starred review)

[An] engaging narrative. - Horn Book Magazine