Common Sense Media Review
By Kyle Jackson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Vivid picture book traces rock star's humble Mexican roots.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WHEN ANGELS SING: THE STORY OF ROCK LEGEND CARLOS SANTANA is one in a series of biographical picture books written by Michael Mahin (Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters). Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Jose Ramirez that draw from Mexican folk art traditions, the book follows the story of young Carlos' upbringing in the humble village of Autlán de Navarro, his move to the big city in Tijuana, and his eventual migration to California. His passion for music was clear from an early age, and his family did what they could to nurture his gift, buying him instruments and allowing him to pursue his dreams after he ran away from their new home in San Francisco. As he grows up and navigates his way through the often prejudiced United States, Carlos works a series of tough jobs, builds up his musical chops, and finally starts a Latin-infused blues band that becomes a sensation in San Francisco, one of the country's rock capitals in the '60s. The book ends with his unforgettable performance at the festival at Woodstock. The concert film of that show catapulted Carlos to international recognition and began a long and prolific career that continues to this day.
Is It Any Good?
This beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Carlo Santana is poetic, spiritual, and inspiring, just like the man himself. Featuring Spanish words and phrases and Mexican artistic touchstones, the writing and images in When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana evoke a distinctive Latin flavor that's often ignored in the American musical tradition. Likewise, the repeated refrain throughout the book that young Carlos was "proud of his mestizo blood" is a powerful message that speaks to how important his heritage is to his identity and his music.
For kids who might not be familiar with the music or history of the 1960s, this book provides a rich introduction to an underappreciated slice of the San Francisco scene. Santana's music and life story serve as a perfect example of the cultural evolution of America in a tumultuous time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana shows the connection between Santana's music and the protest movements of the 1960s. How did the music of the era reflect the spirit of the times?
Can you think of any other Latin American entertainers who have become popular and influential in the United States?
How does the art help tell the story? What does the illustrator do to convey music on the page?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jose Ramirez
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum Books For Young Readers
- Publication date : September 4, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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