Edel Rodriguez

Leonard Nimoy’s friend, an author and poet, presents a biography of the Star Trek hero for young readers. Young Leonard, known as Lenny, aspired to become an actor. His father, however, told him that actors starve; musicians will always eat. Illustrated with simple lines and limited color, the straightforward text concludes with an author’s note and a photo of the writer and his friend.

Fascinating: The Life of Leonard Nimoy

Richard Michelson

Illustrator:

Edel Rodriguez

Age Level:

6-9

Genre:

Nonfiction, Biography

Float Like a Butterfly

Ntozake Shange

Illustrator:

Edel Rodriguez

Age Level:

6-9

Genre:

Nonfiction, Biography

“ ‘After Papa died, Mama stopped dancing,’ opens this affecting tale narrated by a Cuban child who misses the evenings of the pastNow men line up in the courtyard in hopes of becoming Mama’s dance partner, but “her heart is not in it. Her skirts stay in the closet, her feet, bare.” Mama’s favorite suitor is Eduardo, a kind fellow who displays his cooking talents in the kitchen but demonstrates little skill on the dance floorRodriguez lights up the spreads and spot art, moving easily from cozy indoor scenes to the vibrant Havana streets and festival mood of carnival.” — Publishers Weekly

Mama Does the Mambo

Katherine Leiner

Illustrator:

Edel Rodriguez

Age Level:

6-9

Poverty didn’t stop this girl from working hard, reading lots of books, and graduating top in her class. Meet young Sonia Sotomayor, the child who grew up to become the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Her life is presented through a jaunty, positive narrative and warm-toned illustrations that capture the warmth and joy of Sotomayor’s family and story. A bit of background information concludes the engaging glimpse of a contemporary figure.