Embracing Culture: ‘Mamiachi & Me’ Review and Giveaway

INTRODUCTION

Today I’m happy to share my friend, Jolene Gutiérrez‘s picture book, Mamiachi & Me, which she wrote with her son, Dakota (Abrams, 2025). The book is beautifully illustrated by Mirelle Ortega.

Jolene and Mirelle at the ALA conference in Philadelphia– today!

Jolene and I met at in 2016 at a Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop. Since then I have featured her several times on my blog. Most recently, I shared her award-winning book, TOO MUCH! An Overwhelming Day which has been translated into several languages. Before that, she published Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader and Bionic Beasts. And I haven’t listed them all! Needless to say, Jolene is a prolific writer.

REVIEW

Rosa is getting ready for her big day–it’s her first time to play her violin with her mama who is a mariachi.

Rosa has dreamed of joining the madrinas.

But, as she anticipates the preformance, she’s nervous.

Her mother comforts her: “The música is inside you, Rosa. I named you after someone who inspired me–one of the first female mariachis. She played the violin, just like you. She was brave and strong and you are too.”

The two musicians dance as they get dressed and Rosa’s stage fright fades away. (By the way– I love this illustration’s use of vivid verbs!!)

Despite her fears, the music gives her confidence:

“It’s my time to fly! As I lift my violin, I know this is where I belong. My bow glides across the strings. My violin weaves our notes together into a fabric of sound that settles over us all.”

In the end, Rosa’s voice tells a story and she is met with grand applause.

I enjoyed this inspirational picture book because it shows a young girl conquering her fears and enjoying her new place. The story and illustrations exude joy, and children of all ages will identify with Rosa’s struggles and victory. At the same time, they will learn about Mariachi– unique, Mexican music. To listen to a sample, click here.

BACK MATTER

Six colorful pages at the end of the book provide definitions and explanations, and includes the history of women in Mariachi. The inclusion of this information makes this a great cross-curriculum resource for K-2nd grade.

GIVEAWAY

Jolene is giving away an autographed copy to one fortunate winner! Leave a comment by July 2 and your name goes into the hat. If you are a librarian or educator, let me know and you’ll get two chances. If you read this post online and either decide to follow my blog or are attending ALA–you’ll receive three chances! U.S. addresses only.

*****

WHAT’S HOT…and WHAT’S NOT!

Besides record-breaking temperatures all over the U.S. and oven-like heat in Charlotte, my summer is hot with book events. Besides the events listed on this page, I will also be the guest at several book clubs and giving presentations at local retirement centers. Speaking of book clubs, if you are in one, please consider reading Half-Truths. Readers enjoy hearing my behind the scenes process and I give away a Blue Willow necklace to whoever hosts me. If you’re outside of Charlotte, I’ll come virtually!

I’m escaping the heat and heading northwest to Alaska with my sister-in-law. My blog will be on break for two weeks as I visit a part of the country I’ve always dreamed of seeing. I’ll see you after July 16 with more book reviews and (hopefully) a picture or two of Alaskan wildlife!

Congratulations to Danielle Hammelef who won Elly Swartz’s new MG, SAME PAGE.