¡Azúcar!

Review by Ariadna Sánchez

Ms. Matos and the children move their skeletons muy sabroso when they hear the song La Vida es un Carnaval. I think you know who the singer is, right?

Of course you know! Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso is the interpreter of the song, and she is better known as Celia Cruz.

Women’s International Day is around the corner, and the best way to commemorate this day is by reading the book ¡Azúcar! written and illustrated by Ivar Da Coll. This stupendous book is the biography of the incomparable Guarachera de Cuba. With amazing illustrations, the written text becomes alive.

During her successful musical career, Celia Cruz received more than 100 awards. Among the most important ones are a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, five Grammy Awards, and three Honoris Causa degrees by three different universities in the United States.  She was a successful woman in all scopes of life, a warrior and a worthy ambassador of her country’s and Latin America’s culture. Celia’s artistic legacy invites us to face life’s challenges with optimism while dancing to her contagious tune.

Celia’s motto was ‘Mi bandera es la alegría, mi causa cantar’. Although, she is no longer with us, her voice and her charisma will remain in our hearts forever. She died on July 16, 2003 at the age of 78 in New Jersey due to brain stem cancer. Celia Cruz was definitely a clear example of perseverance, tenacity, and humility for the newer generations.  

Congratulations to all women around the world for your dedication and commitment. Remember that reading gives you wings. ¡Azúcaaar!