REINA RAMOS WORKS IT OUT

A Latine girl navigates a conflict at school.

Mr. Li’s class will be hosting a wax museum. Students will dress as notable figures and stand like statues—until they come alive for visitors. Reina Ramos has her heart set on dressing as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who was strong (“like my mami and abuela—and me!”) and loved to paint. Reina is crushed when her friend Nora picks Frida for the project, and she must sort out her big feelings of disappointment and frustration. But Nora and Reina talk to each other about the project and smooth over their friendship. Reina’s abuela helps her think of another amazing Latine star to emulate—singer Celia Cruz—and the wax museum is a success. Lessons about flexibility, communication, and caring are embedded in a sweet school story. Readers won’t be able to resist Reina’s spunky enthusiasm and her tender heart. Reina is brown-skinned, her classmates are depicted with a variety of skin tones, and Mr. Li presents as Asian. A brief glossary at the end of the book illuminates the lives of the famous Latine role models the students have selected for the wax museum.

A sparkling tale starring a resilient young protagonist.