Purchase to Support Our Program

“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).”

– 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

Angélica and la Güira

Written by Angie Cruz
Illustrated by Luz Batista
Published by Kokila

A young girl harnesses the power of music to bridge the distance between the Dominican Republic and Washington Heights in this jubilant picture book debut by Angie Cruz.

Angélica has spent the summer in the Dominican Republic with her tías and primas, her grandparents, and their parrot, but soon she’ll have to say goodbye. The end of summer means returning home to start school on another shore. Before she leaves, her grandfather gives her the perfect gift. It’s something with the power to make people dance as fast as the wings of a hummingbird: a güira. Angélica falls in love with this musical instrument, though nobody shares her enthusiasm at first. “What is that sound,” they say, “pennies inside a tin cup?” But on a hot, sunny day, in the land of Washington Heights, where the frío frío woman scrapes ice for a long line of customers and the men on the corner plunk dominoes on a makeshift carboard table, Angélica shows her neighbors the power of la güira.

Angélica and la Güira lovingly explores music and community, the wisdom and guidance of our elders, and the joy and freedom of dancing in the street. No matter where we are, music brings us closer to home.

Look for the Spanish version, Angélica y la Güira.

Primary ISBN: 9780593406014
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Dominican Republic, United States (New York City NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.