Season 1 Episodes

March 20, 2024

44. Luis Cayo ~ Unraveling the Tapestry of Adventure

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, …

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March 6, 2024

43. Daniel Olivas ~ Reimagining a Classic with a Chicano Twist

Join us as we sit down with the talented and insightful Daniel Olivas, author of the groundbreaking novel, "Chicano Frankenstein." Daniel takes us on a literary journey through the pages of his thought-provoking work, where he skillfully blends the elements …

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Feb. 21, 2024

42. Ruth Behar ~ Finding Home and Belonging

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 …

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Feb. 7, 2024

41. Estella González ~ Love, Loss and Survival

In this episode, we dive into the captivating novel Huizache Women by Estella González, which follows the lives of three generations of women who struggle with love, loss and survival in Mexico, Texas and California. We discuss how the author …

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Nov. 15, 2023

40. Carmen Tafolla ~ The Power of Poetry and Heritage

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 …

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Oct. 26, 2023

39. Lauren Muñoz ~ A Killer Party

In this episode, we’ll dive into the plot, the characters, the themes, and the writing style of Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz. She talks about her inspiration, her writing process, and her favorite mysteries. So grab your flapper dress …

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Oct. 11, 2023

38. E.C. Dukes ~ A Graphic Novel Combines Sci-Fi, Cars, and Social Ju…

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 …

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Sept. 27, 2023

37. Margo Candela ~ Family, Sisterhood, Secrets

The Neapolitan Sisters by Margo Candela is a humorous yet moving story that delves into the themes of family, culture, trauma, and identity. The novel is told in alternating points of view by the three Bernal sisters: Maritza, Claudia, and …

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Sept. 13, 2023

36. Yasmín Ramirez ~ Proud to be Prieta

What happens when you grow up in a place where two cultures collide and two languages coexist? How do you find your voice and your identity in a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents you? In this episode Yasmín Ramírez …

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Aug. 16, 2023

35. Edwin Fontánez ~ Unveiling the Depths of Father-Son Bonds

In today's episode we’re going to discuss a memoir that has touched my heart and made me think about the complexities of family, memory, and art. The book is called One Last Song for My Father: A Son’s Memoir by …

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Aug. 2, 2023

34. David Vela ~ From the Farmlands to the White House: An Inspiring …

Hola Ranger: My Journey Through the National Parks by David Vela is a memoir of his life story, from growing up in the farmlands of Southeast Texas, to visiting his first national park, to working in various parks across the …

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July 19, 2023

33. Adriana Erin Rivera ~ How Music and Family Helped a Girl Survive …

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 …

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July 5, 2023

32. Ana Reyes ~ Uncovering the Secrets of the Past

In this episode of the Latino Book Chat podcast, host Christianne Meneses Jacobs interviews author Ana Reyes about her book "The House in the Pines." Ana discusses the inspiration behind her story, including a creepy house in the forest, and …

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June 21, 2023

31. Angela Dominguez ~ The Young Activist Grows Up

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 …

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June 7, 2023

30. Mona Alvarado Frazier Growing Hope

The Garden of Second Chances by Mona Alvarado Frazier explores real-life issues faced by Juana, the protagonist. Join us as we dive into Juana’s journey of survival, redemption, and courage in the face of impossible odds as we discuss topics …

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May 24, 2023

29. AJ Sidransky Revolution and Redemption in Castro's Cuba

In this episode, we’re discussing Incident at San Miguel by A. J. Sidransky, a riveting tale of heartbreak, loss, and forgiveness set during the Cuban Revolution. We are going to explore historical fiction and the stories behind the stories. Incident …

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May 10, 2023

28. Karina González and Krystal Quiles The Resilient People of Puerto…

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 …

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April 26, 2023

27. Raquel Gonzales Reinvent Yourself and Eliminate Negativity

In her book 7 Steps to Talk Confidently to Anyone, Raquel Gonzalez offers a step by step guide to become more confident when speaking to others. We discussed ways to reframe our thinking and eliminate negative self-talk. Listen to our …

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April 12, 2023

26. Anita Sanchez Thinks Young People Can Save Our Planet

In her fascinating book Meltdown, Anita Sanchez warns us that the pace of climate change is accelerating. She tells us fascinating facts about glaciers and offers advise about what we can do to stop the melting of glaciers. Once they …

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March 29, 2023

25. Alyssa Reynoso Morris Plantains Bring Families Together

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 …

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March 15, 2023

24. Jasminne Mendez - A Young Afro Latina in the South

In her new novel Islands Apart: Becoming Dominican American, Jasminne Mendez chats about growing up Afro Latina in the South and how those formative years influenced the person she is now. Jasminne takes us on a journey of her most …

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March 2, 2023

23. Maritere Bellas Bilingual Family Advocate

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 …

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Feb. 15, 2023

22. Terry Catasús and Raúl Colón's Little House of Hope

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 …

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Feb. 1, 2023

21. Alberto Roblest Explores America's Social Commentary

Alberto Roblest's new book "Against the Wall" is a collection of short stories are meant to engage the reader in Americas's social and political commentary. It's a way to be part of the discourse on the many topics prevalent in …

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