#latinarolemodels

Jenna Ortega is a rising star in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her versatile acting skills and captivating performances. She is quickly becoming synonymous with her talent, perseverance, and success. Many young people today have been inspired by her journey to becoming a well-known Hollywood actress. The entertainment industry has taken notice of her efforts. For many years, she has been a significant artist in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Family Background

Jenna Ortega was born in Coachella Valley, California on September 27, 2002. She was raised in a large family of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. Jenna's parents, Natalie Ortega and Edward Ortega have six children, and Jenna is the fourth child among them. Her parents have always pushed her to follow her aspirations and pursue her passions.

She was nurtured in a close-knit family that valued education and cultural identity. Her parents ingrained in her a deep appreciation for her Hispanic heritage which has had a huge impact on her life and profession.

Education and Early Career

Jenna attended public school in California until the fourth grade, then she began homeschooling to accommodate her acting career. When she was six years old she began taking an interest in acting and started performing plays for her family and friends to enjoy.  Her parents recognized her talent and began taking her to auditions, and she soon landed her first role in a commercial for McDonald's. At the age of nine Jenna Ortega began starring in commercials and short films which was the beginning of her career as an actress. She went on to have roles in a number of further commercials and television shows after this which opened the door to more opportunities for her.

Frida

Written by Jonah Winter

Illustrated by Ana Juan

Full Summary

This is a short biographical book about Frida Kahlo. It is chronological, so it starts with her childhood home in Coyocán (a part of Mexico City), her parents, her siblings, her loneliness and her childhood polio. Polio is not specifically named until the afterword, but the book tells how she was sick, bed ridden and that there’s a problem with her leg. Young Frida uses art and imagination to cope with her feelings and illness. Frida recovers but is soon in the infamous collision between the bus and trolley where she was gravely injured. The book chronicles briefly her pain and disability and how she channeled all of it into incredible art.

What’s notable about this book

Ana Juan’s illustrations are breathtaking and colorful. They really honor the spirit of the artist. This differs from any Frida Kahlo biographical work I’ve ever seen in that it does not mention Diego Rivera at all (unless you read the afterword). I found that refreshing and respectful of her standalone contribution to the art world, as opposed to the way she is often portrayed as one half (or less) of an art power couple. The book does not specifically state that Frida is Mestiza, nor mention her bisexuality, so those are things that should be mentioned/explained by the person giving the book to the child. This portrait is tender and sweet; kind of bittersweet because it emphasizes her trials so heavily. The book successfully communicates that her work was important.