Children's Literature Episodes

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Escobar-Rivera, author of the children's book Lucia Between Two Worlds. For anyone who has ever felt like a tourist in their own home or a stranger in a new land, this conversation is for you. We dive into the soul of her protagonist, Lucia, exploring the heavy weight of ancestral expectations and the light, liberating joy of finally defining "belonging" on your own terms. Whether you are a fan of the book or someone currently navigating your own "two worlds," Emma’s wit and wisdom offer a masterclass in identity and empathy. Grab your headphones, leave your passport at home, and join us for a journey into the heart of the in-between.

This episode is a celebration of cultural heritage, family connection, and adventure. We discuss the journey of Hasán, a young boy with Syrian and Puerto Rican roots, as he travels to Puerto Rico for the first time. We explore how he discovers the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and new language that connect him to an unknown part of his identity. Get inspired by Hasán's exploration of Puerto Rico's traditions and warmth.

Join us as we dive into MariVi the Master Navigator: All Aboard, the latest installment from Maria Lopez Twena. MariVi, now in third grade, faces one of her most relatable challenges yet: feeling self-conscious about her culture. We discuss the pivotal moment when MariVi meets a new biracial, Spanish-speaking classmate and suddenly worries about what her friends think when Spanish is spoken in public. The series serves as a crucial guide for families as their children learn to embrace their dual heritage and recognize their invaluable role as cultural navigators. Discover how Twena's books are transforming this challenging experience into a superpower of duality.

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author Rex Ogle to dive into the pages of his latest graphic novel, Doña Quijote. A fresh and imaginative twist on the legendary tale, Ogle brings humor, heart, and a modern edge to the iconic character. We discuss the inspirations behind his story, the themes of identity and adventure, and the creative process of crafting a graphic novel. Join us for an insightful conversation about storytelling, representation, and the magic of believing in yourself—no matter what the world says. Tune in today to LatinoBookChat.com

Get ready for a monstrously good time in our latest podcast episode, where we dive into the world of "Monster Locker" by Jorge Aguirre! Join us as we uncover the secrets lurking within the school lockers and meet the fantastical creatures that call them home. We’ll chat about the inspirations behind the story, the quirky characters, and the thrilling blend of humor and suspense that makes this book a must-read. Whether you're a fan of monsters, school adventures, or just love a good laugh, this episode is sure to captivate your imagination. Tune in to Latino Book Chat podcast for an unforgettable journey into the pages of "Monster Locker"!

In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Romo Edelman, author of Hispanic Stars: Bad Bunny, to explore her latest work celebrating the life and impact of the global music sensation. Claudia unpacks Bad Bunny’s journey from his roots in Puerto Rico to becoming a trailblazer in Latin music and a powerful voice for social justice. She discusses how his authenticity and commitment to his culture have resonated worldwide, inspiring a new generation of fans. Tune in to LatinoBookChat.com as Claudia reveals what makes Bad Bunny a revolutionary figure in today’s cultural landscape.

In this captivating episode, we delve into the whimsical tale of “The Extraordinary Adventures of Pepo and Pipa,” a Kickstarter-funded story that has captured the hearts of readers. Join us as we journey with two courageous siblings, Pepo and Pipa, who find themselves whisked away to a fantastical realm. With their parents in peril, they must navigate this new world filled with wonder, challenges, and the essence of traditional family values. We’ll discuss the themes that make this story resonate with its audience and how this narrative celebrates the bonds of family. Visit familypathmedia.com to offer your support for Luis' book project.

In this episode, we dive into the rich and captivating novel Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, a Pura Belpré Award winner and a descendant of Sephardic Jews from Cuba. The novel follows the lives of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. We discuss how the themes of home and belonging are explored in the novel, as each girl faces challenges and opportunities in her new environment. We also examine how the novel portrays the diversity and resilience of the Sephardic Jewish community, a minority within a minority that has preserved its culture and identity across so many seas. Join our chat with author Ruth Behar about her personal connection to the novel and her message to young readers. Join us for a fascinating and inspiring conversation.

Daizee and the Dukes of Chuco: Chuco World Rally is a futuristic adventure by author E.C. Dukes and illustrator Ronnie Dukes. The graphic novel follows Daizee, a Latina engineer, and her cousins as they race to save the environment from the corrupt oil and gas industries. E.C. and Ronnie talk about their inspiration for this futuristic story and how they hope their characters inspire young Latinos to become inventors and innovators. Listen to this fun episode on LatinoBookChat.com or on your favorite streaming platform.

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the fifth and final book in the series, Stella Diaz Leaps to the Future by Angela Dominguez. In this book, Stella is facing some big changes in her life. How will Stella cope with all these challenges? Will she be ready for what’s next? Join my chat with Angela as we dive into Stella’s world.

With her book The Coquíes Still Sing, Karina González tells us the story of the devastation of Puerto Rico after hurricane María from the point of view of a young girl. Karina and her illustrator Krystal Quiles chat about the inspiration of the story and their reasons for creating this story. Get a copy of their book at Nicagal.com in the Nuestra Tienda section.

In her picture book "Plátanos Are Love", Alyssa Reynoso Morris chats about her family plátanos recipes and the importance of plantains to her African ancestors. By cooking plantains with her grandma, the young protagonist learns to appreciate her family history in this intergenerational tale of comida y familia. Plátanos are the connection between family and ancestors. By the end, you will be so hungry you need to make the recipes at the back of the book. Purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com and click Nuestra Tienda.

Maritere Bellas' award winning book Arroz con Pollo y Apple Pie: Raising Bicultural Children chats about her journey as a bilingual and bicultural advocate. Her love for the Spanish language and her native Puerto Rican culture led her to publish her first bilingual picture book Luisito's Island, and now is followed by I have a Secret part of the Yunito book series. Listen to this interesting chat.

Terry Catasús' beautiful book The Little House of Hope teaches children about the immigrant experience. The talented illustrator Raúl Colón gave life to this heart warming story. Discover how Terry and Raúl brought this story to life in this fun chat.

Pam Muñoz Ryan's new novel Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs is full of adventure, villanos, curanderas, and magic. Find out why Solimar wants to be a king, and not a queen. Pam Muñoz Ryan chats with us about how she crafted her fearless Latina princess.

Sit down with us as we talk with author Susie Jaramillo about her beautifully crafted book Skeletina & the In-Between World. She discusses how she was inspired to create Young Skeletina to help children confront their anxieties, navigate the fears produced by nightmares, and other issues that weigh on their minds. Parents will appreciate Susie's enthusiasm for helping children creatively confront these challenges. We invite you to join us to learn more.  You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

"Until Someone Listens" by Estela Juarez is the story of her mother's deportation to Mexico. At 8 years old, Estela found her voice and began to tell her story to anyone who would listen. She was features in the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Estela takes as on an emotional journey as she fights to reunite her family. You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

"Con Papá/With Papá" by Frederick Luis Aldama takes young children on a ride to discover the many adventures they can have with their Papá. As the protagonists grows up, the child learns confidence so that one day they can step into the world on their own. These moments full of joy that children experience as they learn from their Papás are captured in this beautifully book. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/latino-book-chat/message

Emma Otheguy invites her young readers to become advocates for important social issues such as immigration, racism, and classism in her middle grade novel "Sofia Acosta Makes a Scene." Young Sofia finds her voice and discovers that even though she is young, she can make a difference in her community. This is a must read book for young middle school children. You can purchase a copy of Emma's book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Author Monica Brown delights children with her bicultural and bilingual books. Her collection of picture books with the bicultural character Marisol McDonald just celebrated its 10th anniversary. Monica chats about what makes Marisol so unique and why children love her. You can purchase a copy of Monica's books in our new online store: http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Author and illustrator Juliet Menéndez chats about her first book Latinitas and the inspiration behind this amazing project. Latinitas in an anthology of short stories about influential Latinas making history in Latina America and the United States.

Children’s book author René Colato Laínez chats about his most recent book releases. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/latino-book-chat/message

Author Holly Ayala chats about her first children’s book ABC El Salvador, an alphabet book portraying the culture, traditions, and geography of El Salvador. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/latino-book-chat/message