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I love seeing picture books that celebrate women claiming their space in what may be considered a male domain. And I feel similarly when picture books celebrate a boy entering one that’s considered female. These books show kids that gender boundaries are artificial and fluid. It makes for an inclusive rather than exclusive environment. And I doubly love it when a book sidesteps this aspect, considers gender inclusion to be the norm, and focuses, instead, on a totally different theme.
In Mamiachi and Me, a young girl is excited to be playing music with her mother and madrinas in their mariachi band for the first time. It is one rite of passage for her and she wants to do her best, a desire that makes her question her abilities.
My mami is a mariachi.
When she performs, her hands
fly across her guitarrón,
captivating crowds as she
blends emotion with melody.
When Mami and my madrinas play together, they blanket people with sounds
so sweet that audiences sing along, sometimes clapping and sometimes crying.
I've always wanted to lift my violin and
my voice with Mami and my madrinas.
Today, for the first time ever, it's my turn.
in the spotlight.
The love of music, the love between mother and daughter and her madrinas, and the love of a cultural tradition are all on display in this engaging, lyrically told and vibrantly illustrated story. The color palette is gorgeous! I’m reminded of Federico García Lorca ‘s essay about duende. He says “it is a force, not a labour, a struggle, not a thought…” And this aspect of creating art through the heart, instead of the intellect, is fully present here. I can’t help but think that the Gutiérrez’s and the illustrator, Mirelle Ortega, channeled their own sense of duende while creating this beautiful book!
Back matter includes information about the history of Mariachi and the women who play this music.
Activities:
Download the Educator’s Guide for the book from Jolene’s website.
Watch this NPR Tiny Desk performance by Mariachi Flor De Toloache.
Watch this video from the Learning Music Hub, describing a variety of instruments played in Mexico. (Interesting that all but one of the demonstrators is male. Please ignore that.)
Title: Mamiachi & Me
Authors: Jolene & Dakota Gutiérrez
Illustrator: Mirelle Ortega
Publisher: Abrams, 2025
Ages: Elementary School
Themes: Mexican culture, music, first time performance
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
I love boundary-breaking stories too! Have you ever seen, The Eagle Huntress?
No, I haven’t. And I see that it’s in book and film form. I’ll add it to my to view/read list! Thanks!
What a beautiful book and review!! Love the “Mamiachi” take on “mariachi” and, as leads, your resources are amazing!! I need this book!
Yay! Thank you, Mona! I’m sure you will enjoy it.
I LOVE the idea of a rite of passage story. I can’t remember how many times I was told as a child that I wasn’t old enough to do something. I’m looking forward to reading this book. The word choices are pure magic!
Me, too! Rites of passage can be powerful stepping stones to adulthood. And yes, the language and illustrations create so much magic here.
This book is getting a lot of buzz. Someone is doing some good marketing. It looks really cute.
Thank you so much for this beautiful review, Jilanne! I’m so grateful for your support! <3
This looks like a picture book my guitar-“strumming” grandson (2 ½ years old) & his parents will love. Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes!!! He may even decide to try “playing” different instruments after enjoying this book! Cheers!
Love the story, and LOVE the colors of this book! Thanks for sharing!
I think Mirelle has a signature style. And the story rocks!