You may not be a big fan of her songs, but in the last few weeks it is very likely that you have heard the name Shakira more than once. The famous Colombian singer and ex-partner of Gerard Piqué has been the subject of media attention after releasing a diss at her former partner with Argentine music producer Bizarrap. In it, she 'attacked' Pique for having broken off the relationship and started dating a much younger woman. 

Who is Shakira really, and what are her origins? AL DÍA recommends two books to delve into her life and career, which today continues to inspire thousands of Latinos around the world. One is for adults, and another for kids. 

1. Shakira: Woman Full of Grace (2001) by Ximena Diego 

Published when Shakira was only 24 years-old, New York-based Argentine journalist Ximena Diego follows the story of Shakira's early success. She landed her first record deal when she was a mere 13 years old, recorded her second album at 15, and starred in a popular soap opera in her native Colombia. She was only 19 when her third album, Pies descalzos (Barefoot), made her the bestselling female rock star in Latin America. Though her fourth album, Dónde están los ladrones? (Where Are the Thieves?), went platinum eight times in the U.S., it was her electrifying performance at the first annual Latin Grammys that captured the attention of the nation.

At the time, Shakira remained remarkably balanced, confounding the usual stereotypes associated with rock stars. She was a devout Catholic, lived with her parents, and traveled  everywhere with them. According to Diego, she was “one of those rare stars who combine talent, charisma, and boldness, and at the same time keep their feet firmly planted on the ground."

2. Shakira (February 2023) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author) and Laura Díez (Illustrator)

This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations about the world’s most popular Latin American singer and inspiring facts about her life. The author is Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, a writer and creative director from Barcelona who likes writing books about little people with BIG dreams.

"From designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream," Sanchez Vergara says of her book series. Shakira is one of them.  

As a child, Shakira knew she was born to be performer. Even as a little girl, she was full of natural rhythm and she was obsessed with singing, writing songs and dancing whenever she got the opportunity.

At 14 years old, she recorded her first album, and although it wasn't a success, she knew she had found her calling. She persevered, and within four years, finally got her first hit! She soon became a Latin American icon, winning many awards and creating global hits across the world, becoming widely known as the Queen of Latin Music.

With her fame, Shakira started a foundation to help children in her native country and other developing countries across the world, providing them with education and the chance of a better future.

Illustrations are by Laura Diéz, a young illustrator from Medellín, Colombia.