Bold, Brilliant and Latine

Bold, Brilliant and Latine is an empowering book for children and families to diversify their perspectives through Latine and Hispanic history and achievements, with one new figure to explore each week of the year.

About Bold, Brilliant and Latine

Bold, Brilliant and Latine is the next book in the bestselling series See Yourself in Their Stories, which has sold more than 185,000 copies worldwide. Young Latine and Hispanic children can see themselves reflected in the fifty two amazing heroes from the past and present, whom everyone can look up to.

This book features icons like: 

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – Politician, the youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress
• Lionel Messi – Superstar soccer player
• Sonia Sotomayor – US Supreme Court Justice
• Frida Kahlo – Iconic artist
• Cesar Chavez – Activist and labour leader
• Ellen Ochoa – First Latina astronaut in space
• Lin-Manuel Miranda – Actor, composer, creator of Broadway musicals

Kids will be inspired by the stories, from sporting legends to fashion icons, political leaders to fearless changemakers, as well as renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists and more. These heroes’ lives are vividly recounted by queer award-winning Dominican and Puerto Rican storyteller Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and brought to life by Argentinian illustrator Sol Cotti.  

This anthology is also ideal for homeschoolers and educators looking to diversify their perspectives through Latine and Hispanic history and achievements, with one new figure to explore each week of the year.

Proud, talented and boundless, these extraordinary men and women will inspire readers of all backgrounds to chase their dreams, whatever they may be!

Our Thoughts

We all know and understand the importance for children (and people in general) to see themselves represented in books, movies and commercials. Young children need to see themselves and be able to dream of themselves in these roles, and accomplishing their dreams. This has never been more true as now, when at times it feels like the world is full of stereotypes, hate and fear.

What I love the most about this book is that it never focused on one type of dream – it included individuals of all backgrounds, and achievements. I learned a lot by going through this book, I cannot even begin to imagine how much a young child of Latine background would feel going through this book. I learned about the Mirabal sisters, whose legacy was honoured in 1999 when the United Nations designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Cesar Chavez, who established the National Farm Workers Association (later to become the United Farm Workers Union) and Evelyn Cisneros, who was the first Latina prima ballerina in the United States! While these were three that really stood out to me, there are many more achievements and individuals who broke down barriers and achieved so much.

This book would be not only a lovely addition to an at home library, but also for educators. It gives a great starting point for children to engage with an inspiring individual and encourage them to want to learn more.

The illustrations are incredible and very much reflect and celebrate Hispanic culture. Sol did a wonderful job bringing the individuals, their achievements and culture alive.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Indigo.

About the Author

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. 

Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her partner and daughter. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. 

About the Illustrator

Sol Cotti is a Latina illustrator from Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she graduated in Communications and Advertising. ​With a focus on advertising and editorial projects, she likes to tell fresh visual stories through a bright color palette, using a bold, simple and loose style mixing linework, subtle textures and organic shapes. Gender, women empowerment, diversity in all its ways, and everyday situations inspire her to create diverse characters and energetic compositions full of movement. Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration and Communication Arts. 

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.