FICTION

When Julia Danced Bomba / Cuando Julia bailaba bomba

by Raquel M Ortiz (text) & illus. by Flor de Vita
Piñata. Oct. 2019. 32p. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781558858862.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-4–Julia is not as excited as her brother Cheíto about going to the cultural center for bomba class. She’d rather play make-believe and dream about becoming an astronaut. Her clumsiness and failure to keep up with the beat make Julia hesitant to participate in the bombaza, the part of class where everyone free dances and the older kids dance a solo. She tries to be like Yamarís, the best dancer there. Once she focuses on the drum beat, she is able to dance freely, much to her surprise. Julia realizes that she may be a natural at dancing bomba after all. The illustrations provide readers with a clear view of Julia’s emotions as she confronts her fears and anxiety about dancing. The author includes general information about the bomba as well as a glossary of Spanish words in this bilingual edition.
VERDICT An additional purchase for patrons who are interested in learning about bomba, a Puerto Rican dance.
Reviewed by Martha Rico, Yselta ISD, TX , Oct 11, 2019

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