The inspiring biography of the incredibly talented Rita Moreno, actor in and executive producer of Steven Speilberg's upcoming West Side Story . "An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance."—School Library Journal (starred review) When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn’t know what to expect—but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in  West Side Story  and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar. Brought to life by the bold and vibrant illustrations of New York Times  bestselling illustrator Leo Espinosa ( Islandborn ), and lyrical text of Pura Belpré Honor winner Anika Aldamuy Denise ( Planting Stories ), this gorgeous tribute to the life and career of the first Latinx person to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award will inspire little dreamers everywhere. Informative author’s note and timeline also included. A Spanish-language edition is also available. Praise for Anika Aldamuy Denise: “[Anika’s] lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud.”— New York Times Book Review  on  Planting Stories PreS-Gr 3—Bright colors enrich this biographical picture book about the early life of Rita Moreno, the award-winning Puerto Rican actor, dancer, and singer. Moreno, who was born in 1931 as Rosa Dolores Alverio, displayed a knack for song and dance at a young age. The text guides readers through the story of Moreno's beginnings, from the heartbreak she endured leaving family and Puerto Rico to the moment she won an Oscar in 1962 for her moving performance as Anita in West Side Story. The hardships Moreno experienced, including bullying at school and whitewashed Hollywood culture, are purposefully depicted to introduce children to the weight of Moreno's reality. Denise's author's note pays tribute to Moreno's many accomplishments; this title reflects Denise's appreciation for Moreno's ability to shatter barriers for Latinas and other young women of color. Further examination of the other roles Moreno played in her long career would have added to the narrative's pacing and context. Denise and Espinosa capture Moreno's determination and her genuine joy for performing. Espinosa's digital illustrations portray animated, easy-to-read expressions and scenes made of clean lines and contrasting textures. In particular, Moreno's vibrant performance as Anita is triumphantly represented with swirling flashes of her iconic dance. VERDICT An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance.—Rachel Mulligan, Pennsylvania State Univ. Espinosa’s illustrations are as vibrant as the character he portrays....An inspiring account of a woman who followed her dreams.  - Kirkus Reviews Leo Espinosa’s illustrations are lively and animate....And the book is a positive, compelling look at the only Latinx performer to have earned a Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. - Boston Globe This upbeat picture book biography…[is] for listeners who twirl and swish their voluminous skirts while singing into their hairbrushes. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Denise and Espinosa, both Pura Belpré Award Honorees, have created a motivating and touching story of a talented and determined Latinx woman. - Shelf Awareness An inspirational title for young elementary children. This energetic, illustrated biography honors her determined spirit with colorful exuberance. - School Library Journal (starred review) [An] engaging narrative. - Horn Book Magazine Anika Aldamuy Denise is the Pura Belpré Honor–winning author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré ; A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer! ; and The Love Letter . A proud Puerto Rican daughter from Queens, she now lives in Rhode Island with her family. Visit Anika online at anikadenise.com. Leo Espinosa is an award-winning illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia, whose picture books include the New York Times bestselling and Pura Belpré Honor Book Islandborn by Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Díaz, Goldfish on Vacation by Sally Lloyd-Jones, and Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier. Leo lives with his family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visit him at studioespinosa.com.