Bold, Brilliant, and Latine
Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris’s dynamic mini-biography anthology celebrates Latine and Hispanic lives and legacies through stories of heritage and resilience.
The book introduces fifty-two Latine and Hispanic figures, including scientists, artists, politicians, musicians, athletes, and activists. The profiles trace the subjects’ early beginnings, personal challenges, and enduring cultural and social impacts. From Frida Kahlo’s “rebellious” portraits to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-winning compositions, the book spotlights Latine visionaries from the 1700s to present day. Each biography includes the individual’s country of origin and lifespan; select profiles are enriched by fun facts and inspiring quotes.
The storytelling is warm, affirming, and accessible, balancing historical reflection and emotive language. Some words, phrases, and numbers appear in bold and italic print to draw attention to significant facts and moments. Some profiles include Spanish words too, underscoring the importance of language in preserving cultural heritage (“Say HOLA to Andrés de Jesús María y José Bello López”).z
The illustrations are a visual feast of colorful backsplashes and thoughtful portraits. Vibrant add-ons echo the achievements of the figures portrayed, making each page informative and interactive. For example, space scientist and physicist Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski is illustrated alongside Isaac Newton’s cradle and an atom.
In the introduction, Reynoso-Morris notes that the Latine community is not monolithic; rather, it includes “a wide range of cultures, countries, traditions, dialects, languages, histories, and experiences.” Thus, the profiles function as both representations and invitations, encouraging sustained dialogue around racial and ethnic identity. This framework extends to the glossary that bookends the collection, wherein sociopolitical terms including “Congress,” “equality,” and “protest” are defined to deepen the book’s educational context.
Featuring fifty-two cultural legends, the biographical survey text Bold, Brilliant, and Latine honors the heartbeat of Latine ancestry by highlighting the brilliance and diversity of those who shape it.
Reviewed by
Brooke Shannon
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
