Mamiachi & Me: My Mamis Mariachi Band (A Picture Book)

(Hardback)

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Description

Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by Jolene and Dakota Gutirrez and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, winner of a Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor, about what it means to be a mariachi in an allfemale band.

Todays the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moos on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesnt like her Is she ready to perform

With her mamiachi and madrinas by her side, Rosas stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutirrezjoined by Mirelle Ortegas beautiful illustrationsprovides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachis signature charro suit!

Reviews

A heartfelt testament to the power of family and culture and the courage to find ones voice. * Kirkus Reviews *

Author Bio

Jolene Gutirrez and Dakota Gutirrez see the magic in music, from singing in a choir to enjoying mariachi performances in Mexican plazas. Dakotas fathers family is from Jalostotitln (a town in Jalisco, Mexico), so mariachi music has a very special place in Jolene and Dakotas lives. When a year of virtual learning meant Dakota couldnt join his high schools mariachi band, the pair teamed up to write Mamiachi and Me as their way of honoring the strength and beauty of women performing in what historically has been a male-dominated art form. Jolene is an award-winning teacher-librarian and author of many books for young readers, including Too Much! She lives in Denver, Colorado, and is an active member of SCBWI and the Authors Guild, part of the KidLitCollective group, and a co-creator of #KidlitZombieWeek and Picture Book Gold. Dakota is a college student at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado, with a passion for music and writing. He is majoring in civil engineering and is active in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and intramural sports. Mirelle Ortega is a storyteller and author-illustrator of River of Mariposas and Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, for which she received a Pura Belpr Illustrator Honor. She was born and raised in Mexico surrounded by amazing mariachi music and Son Jarocho. She now lives in Los Angeles, California.