Gaby Triana follows up her first novel, Backstage Pass, with Cubanita (HarperCollins; June), the story of Cuban-American teen Isabel, who spends her summer before college connecting with the Cuban side of her identity.

Isabel Allende’s new novel, Zorro (HarperCollins; May 2005), explores the legend of Diego de la Vega, imagining how he became the rebel hero Zorro. A Spanish-language version was also released in May by HarperCollins’ Rayo imprint.

The Encyclopedia Latina: History, Culture and Society in the United States (Scholastic Library Publishing; April 2005), edited by Ilan Stavans, is the first interdisciplinary reference book to chronicle Latino contributions to art, culture, and commerce in the United States. Its four volumes contain 650 entries exploring Latino culture in the United States from colonial to modern times.

Rin, Rin, Rin…Do, Re, Mi, by best-selling Latino children’s author José-Luis Orozco and illustrated by Caldecott Award winner David Diaz, is a uniquely interactive book, incorporating both English and Spanish as it depicts everyday family activities and encourages early literacy skills in primary-age children.

MUSIC

Czech-born Marta Topferova is making a big splash in the Latin music world. Topferova’s new album La Marea (World Village; March 2005) collects 10 songs that combine a variety of Latin sounds.

Patricia Vonne brings her distinct musical stylings together on Guitarras y Castanets (CoraZong; June 2005), blending rock and Latin flavors. The bilingual album also features a music video for the song “Traeme Paz,” which was featured in the film Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Cuban timba group Tiempo Libre debuts with Arroz con Mango (Shanachie; May 2005). The seven-member ensemble features former members of bands led by Albita, Arturo Sandoval, NG La Banda, and Roberto Torres.