“This inviting story showcas[es] mariachi music and Mexican culture and emphasiz[es] the triumph of finding one’s own talent…” ~ Booklist
“…affirming reminder that age and size needn’t be a barrier to following a passion” ~ starred review, Shelf Awareness
Named one of the Best Board & Picture Books of 2024 by the Chicago Public Library
Named one of the Best Kids Books of 2024 by the New York Public Library
Adela wants nothing more than to be a part of her family’s mariachi band, but when she tries the different instruments, everything comes out wrong. La trompeta fizzles, la vihuela squeaks, and trying to dance makes Adela fall on her face. From watching her family, Adela knows that practice makes perfect, but can she find a way to be part of the band in the meantime?
Ages 4-7, Charlesbridge Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1623544447 (English Hardcover)
ISBN-13 : 978-1623544454 (Spanish Hardcover)
Let’s make music together! I love to visit with kids for school or library visits, family literacy nights, book fairs, and more.
Buy The Book!
Buy the book from your favorite local bookstore or buy online:
Amazon (English Edition) Amazon (Spanish Edition)
Want an Autographed Copy?
Denver area stores may have an autographed copy–just ask! You may also order one from me! Just Contact the Moderator.
Meet Illustrator Erika Rodriguez Medina
Get into the mind of a creative genius.
Enhance the Experience with Classroom, Story Time
and Home Activities!
Adela’s Mariachi Band can be shared in a variety of ways with your class, for story time at your library, or at home. Explore the educational and fun activities below.
Fun and Educational Resources
Want to use this book in your classroom, story time or at home?
Coloring Page
Draw yourself playing a mariachi instrument with Papa!
FAQs About ADELA’S MARIACHI BAND
Are you bilingual?
Sadly, no. My grandfather (you can see him in the Author’s Note) came to the United States from Mexico when he was fifteen. When he married and had his kids, inlucding my dad, they encouraged English so my dad didn’t speak a lot of Spanish after he entered school and didn’t speak it to us at all. I am trying to learn so if you’re bilingual, maybe you can help!
Where did you get the idea for the book?
One of my favorite pictures in one of our family photo albums was one of a mariachi band with my grandfather and uncle in it (see Author’s Note). One day I came across it and thought it would be fun to write a story about a mariachi band. I had fun learning about mariachi bands and listening to them in person and online as I came up with the story of Adela and her band.
How are you like Adela in the book?
Many people in my family play an instrument and sing and my mother was a dance major in college. While I like to dance and attended ballet classes when I was young, I didn’t do any other formal taining or performing. When I was younger, I often felt left out when family members got together to play music and sing, just like Adela. But I got to a place where I felt comfortable singing along even thought I don’t have a great voice and just enjoy the talent around me.
