La Mariachi

June 12, 2023
A barrier-breaking mariachi performer inspires her hometown through music in this sensorial picture book. Young Tuchi makes a “songful wish” that she will someday play the “rousing rhythms” and “sweet cinnamon melodies” she dances to in the plaza, but her teacher says that mariachi is solely for boys. Believing “it’s time things changed,” Tuchi’s nana teaches her to play the guitarrón to prove she deserves a spot in the school mariachi ensemble. Estrada imbues the text with sonority through experiential imagery and onomatopoeia. Though the time period remains unspecified throughout, italicized Spanish phrases and interweaved cultural details animate Tuchi’s multigenerational Latinx-cued community, and Sonda’s sometimes rigid, color-saturated illustrations conjure a celebratory tone. Back matter describes mariachi instruments. Ages 6–7.

September 2, 2023

Gr 1-4-A love letter to mariachi that calls out its gendered history. Tuchi falls in love with mariachi and how it moves people to sing and dance. However, she's told "Mariachi is only for boys," and is discouraged from playing. She wishes on Se�ora Luna to help her achieve her dream. Disappointed, the girl hides in a storage room where moonbeams helpfully shine on a guitarr�n case holding a traditional bass guitar. It belonged to her nana, who was also discouraged decades ago from pursuing her own desire to play the instrument. Inspired by her grandmother, Tuchi learns to play and blows everyone away at a school tryout. The flap copy mentions that this story is set in the 1970s, but except for a few small details in the art, there's no hint that this takes place during that time period. Sometimes the text is super flowery, and the multiple extended metaphors make this more appropriate for an older audience or as a read-aloud. The rich and colorful illustrations reflect the narrative's effervescence. Spanish is sprinkled throughout, with the translation seamlessly following soon after. A glossary is included with more translations, and a visual glossary featuring photos of female mariachi musicians playing the traditional instruments is also presented in the back matter. Readers will cheer on Tuchi as she fights against outdated, sexist rules. She and her family have brown skin. VERDICT A powerful debut picture book that will inspire all girls to push against the obstacles that keep them from pursuing their passions.-Shelley M. Diaz

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2023
Tuchi dreams of playing the guitarr�n in a mariachi band, but she falters when she learns girls are not allowed in the ensemble. Hearing the mariachi band playing in the plaza inspires Tuchi. But she's disappointed when her teacher, Mr. Sanchez, tells her she can't play in the school's group: "Mariachi is only for boys." Later, when her grandfather plays with his friends, Tuchi asks to join in but is told that mariachi requires "strength and stamina. It's just for boys." After she finds her grandmother's old instrument, her Nana encourages her by teaching her how to play and emboldening her to stand up for herself. Although Tuchi is unfairly discouraged by the adults she trusts early in the book, her grandmother's mentorship, love, and heirloom guitarr�n help Tuchi prove that she belongs in the mariachi band and that girls deserve the same opportunities as boys, especially in the classroom. Tuchi's grandmother is a wonderful example of a positive role model, and their close and nurturing intergenerational relationship will resonate with many. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout; a glossary defines them. Characters are brown-skinned and cued as Latine; the focus on mariachi implies a Mexican setting. Music notes weave through the bright, cartoonlike illustrations, evoking Tuchi's passion for mariachi. Musically inclined readers will appreciate backmatter with information on other mariachi instruments, with photos. Uplifting and harmonious. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-7)

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