Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!

Drummer Lupe Lopez, a “real-life, Texas-size rock star” portrayed with brown skin, has a rebellious, big-ego persona—and discovers on the first day of kindergarten that it’s the complete opposite of what classroom life requires. Ms. Quintanilla promptly lists rules for being a “school rock star”: listen to your teacher, use your inside voice, and be a friend. Lupe’s asked to refrain from wearing sunglasses inside, drumming anywhere she pleases, and shouting “¡Soy Famosa!” in the lunchroom. What’s more, Charlton-Trujillo and Zietlow Miller reveal, her peers are not interested in being her personal fan club. In adhering to the rules, Lupe becomes more approachable, even learning that her classmates, who appreciate her talent, are eager to start a band. Employing Spanish words and onomatopoeia, and Cepeda’s full-bleed, sunshine-bright cartoons, this story assures even the most exuberant kid that they can master the big social-emotional task of kindergarten: holding onto individuality while becoming part of a community. Ages 3–7. (June)