Angie Cruz is a novelist and editor. She is the author of
How Not To Drown in A Glass of Water and
Dominicana, which was the inaugural GMA Book Club Pick and the 2019-20 Wordup Uptown Reads selection. It was shortlisted for The Women’s Prize, longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Aspen Words Literary Prize, it was a RUSA Notable Book, and winner of the ALA/YALSA Alex Award. Cruz divides her time between Pittsburgh, New York, and Turin.
Luz Batista is a story artist and illustrator who grew up in New York City, New Jersey, and Atlanta and spent many summers longing for a visit to the Dominican Republic. Luz graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in animation, and she’s currently a story artist and creative consultant at Disney TVA.
Angélica and la Güira is her first picture book. Learn more about Luz at luzbatista.com and follow her @johnnyoctopus on Instagram.
Praise for Angélica and la Güira by Angie Cruz; illustrated by Luz Batista:
★ “This delightful and meaningful read offers young readers a
powerful glimpse into cultural identity, family bonds, and the power of music to bring communal joy and connect to one’s heritage.”
—Booklist, starred review
★ “Cruz’s lyrical and
heartfelt words and Batista’s warm and emotive illustrations truly encapsulate intergenerational and transnational connections between Dominicans—aquí y allá (here and there)… With countless uses and a resonant story, purchase this for all picture book collections.”
—
School Library Journal, starred review
“
Heartwarming themes of familial love and heritage resonate throughout, and Angélica is a resilient and empathetic protagonist; readers will admire her persistence as she searches for belonging. Rainbow-hued swirls emanate from the güira, infusing Batista’s orderly scenes with energy; use of onomatopoeia gives the text an enjoyably rhythmic quality. A melodic tribute to the power of music.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Batista’s digitally created art blends vivid, bright colors and fluid imagery that pairs well with Cruz’s
uplifting text.”
—Publishers Weekly
