Bachatica: A Little Girl Finds Her Bachata Beat

Sales Points:

• Celebrates the cultural heartbeat of bachata: Introduces young readers to the Dominican-born dance style through a joyful story that highlights music, movement, and self-expression.
• Captures the warmth of family and tradition: Set in a loving home filled with laughter and rhythm, this story showcases how culture is passed down through generations.
• Perfect for dance and music units: A lively addition to classroom discussions on Latin American music, cultural traditions, and the arts—ideal for Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.
• Told in lyrical, rhythmic prose: Written with musicality and flow, the text mirrors the beats of bachata, making it a delight to read aloud or perform with young listeners.
• Uplifts themes of confidence and joy: Encourages children to find their own rhythm, embrace who they are, and connect with their heritage through creative expression.
• Bilingual English/Spanish edition: Supports language development and cultural pride in bilingual households and classrooms, while broadening accessibility.
• Rich, expressive illustrations: Visually brings the music to life with vibrant scenes that dance off the page—capturing the movement and magic of bachata.
• An authentic and culturally rooted voice: Written by a Latina author who brings authenticity and heart to every page, honoring the Dominican roots of bachata and its emotional depth.
• An ode to music, movement, and identity: Reminds readers that dance is more than technique—it’s a celebration of life, love, and the joy that connects us all.

Themes for Classroom Learning / Library & Bookseller Displays:

• Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15
• Honors Dominican culture and celebrates bachata as a vibrant expression of Latinx identity, tradition, and joy.
• Music and Dance in Culture
• Explores how rhythm, movement, and music are central to cultural storytelling—perfect for arts integration and creative expression.
• Bilingual Education Month – October
• Promotes bilingual literacy and cultural pride through rhythmic, dual-language storytelling that invites participation and connection.
• SEL: Confidence, Self-Expression, and Joy
• Supports social-emotional learning by encouraging children to embrace who they are, find their voice, and move through life with joy.
• Cultural Arts and Family Traditions
• Spotlights the role of music and dance within family gatherings, strengthening cultural roots and intergenerational bonds.
• Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Heritage
• Introduces young readers to the Afro-Dominican origins of bachata, promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural influences.
• Women’s History Month – March
• Highlights the journey of a young girl discovering her voice and strength—offering a celebration of empowered, creative girlhood.
• Early Childhood Rhythm and Movement Units
• Ideal for preschool and early elementary lessons on body awareness, rhythm, and coordination—paired with literacy and language development.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Displays
• An essential title for showcasing underrepresented Afro-Latinx traditions and uplifting joyful, everyday cultural experiences in the classroom.

A young girl discovers that bachata isn’t just a dance—it’s a heartbeat of love and culture.

In Bachatica, a young girl learns to embrace the rhythm of bachata as it fills her Dominican home. Surrounded by laughter, music, and the warmth of family, she discovers that dancing is more than just steps—it’s a way to express joy, love, and life. With each sway, step, and hop, she finds her own beat, realizing that bachata comes from the heart. This story, filled with music, family, and bachata flowing from every page, reminds us that the core of bachata is joy.

Luz Maria Mack is a celebrated Dominican storyteller from the South Bronx, whose children's literature is infused with the vibrancy of her community and heritage. With a Master's in Public Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, Luz has a background in community service. Her stories, inspired by her life with her husband and three children, reflect her Dominican and African roots.

Fernanda Monteiro, born in São Paulo, Brazil, is a proud mother of two daughters who inspire her every day. With a background in journalism, she transitioned to working professionally and exclusively as an illustrator in 2019. Her career began with illustrations for educational books, quickly expanding to literary projects. She has illustrated 9 books so far, 2 of which were published internationally, including “Bachatica” by Luz Maria Mack.