Middle Grade Novel Episodes

Ready to dive into the enchanting world of "Alebrijes" by Donna Barba Higuera? Join us in this episode as we explore the magical journey of our young protagonist Leandro, who discovers the power of his cultural heritage and the mystical creatures known as Alebrijes. We'll discuss the rich blend of fantasy and reality, the vibrant characters, and the themes that make this book a compelling read for both young and old. Whether you've read the book or are just curious about its wonders, this episode promises to be a delightful adventure into the heart of Higuera's imaginative storytelling. Tune in and let your imagination soar!

In this episode, we're turning up the volume on Sing It Like Celia by Monica Mancillas. Join us as we explore the vibrant world of twelve-year-old Salva Sanchez, a young girl who finds solace and strength in the music of Celia Cruz. We'll delve into the heart-wrenching story of Salva's search for her missing mother, the power of music as a healing force, and the importance of finding your own voice. With a sprinkle of salsa beats and a whole lot of heart, we'll uncover the magic behind this captivating novel.Listen now at LatinoBookChat.com #latinoBookChat

In the magical town of Tres Leches, where Texas folklore dances with Mexican legends, the curse of La Llorona has lifted, but now the children of Tres Leches are mysteriously vanishing. Enter the Dancing Devil—a monstruo with a penchant for mischief and secrets. His son, Rooster, straddles the line between human and monster, and he’s determined to unravel the mystery. Diana López talks about how she created the world of Tres Leches and her captivating characters in her Los Monstruos series. Listen now on LatinoBookChat.com podcast.

In “Through Fences”, Frederick Luis Aldama and illustrator Oscar Garza weave a poignant tapestry of life in the US–Mexico borderlands. The stories follow Latino kids and young adults as they navigate the challenges of living near the border. From a young girl lost in a forbidding new place to a TikTok influencer grappling with COVID, each character’s perspective sheds light on the perils of being brown in this complex region. The graphic novel is visually striking and emotionally impactful, offering a modern-day twist on the borderland experience.

In this captivating middle-grade novel, City Girls by Loretta Lopez is a story of finding refuge with friends who understand the enormous challenges faced by eleven years old. The stories are told through the eyes of three young girls who confront loss, fear, and sorrow. Narrated by each girl in alternating chapters, City Girls captures the vulnerability of being a middle schooler and the joy of finding friendship where you least expect it. Tune in to Latino Book Chat podcast to explore the world of “City Girls”!

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.

In this episode, we are honored to have Carmen Tafolla author of Warrior Girl, a novel in verse that tells the story of Celina Teresa Guerrera Amaya. We talk to Carmen about her inspiration for writing this book, her use of poetry and bilingualism, and her message for young readers. We also hear some excerpts from the book, read by the author herself. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Carmen Tafolla, a woman warrior in her own right.

Christian Meneses Jacobs, host of Latino Book Chat, interviews Adriana Erin Rivera, author of "Paloma: Song for Puerto Rico." They discuss various aspects of the book, including the importance of representing Puerto Rican history and culture accurately. Adriana shares her inspiration for the story, her collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, and the challenges she faced while writing. They also discuss the complexities of Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States and the inclusion of Spanish language in the book. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming release of Rivera's book and a call to support Latino Book Chat.

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.

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.

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