When Angels Sing: The story of rock legend Carlos Santana

A picture book by Mahin Michael and illustrator Jose Ramirez that won a 2019 Pura Belpre award.. The drawings in When Angels Sing are imaginative and original with colors with exhaustive number of colors that feel derivative of jazz and Cuban culture. The book details musician Carlos Santana’s life from living in his birthplace of Mexico to living in Tijuana, Mexico and San Francisco. The reader learns about Carlos’ father and grandfather as inspirations for his music to missing his father because his father must travel to support the family. Early in his life Carlos tries to find an instrument that can make the angels sing like his father’s violin, but he is unable to realize this quest until he investigates himself. Similarly, the book holds a glimpse into his run in with racism and his triumph of playing at Woodstock. A book that will inspire and speak to musicians and immigrants alike. Another book by Jose Ramirez is Quinito’s Neighborhood written by Ina Cumpiano that teaches readers to love their neighborhoods

Teachers can use this book to inspire students to research about the Civil Rights era and compare the struggles of other minorities in other countries and eras.

Mahin, M., & Ramírez José. (2018). When Angels Sing: The story of rock legend Carlos Santana. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.