December 2020 Latinx Releases

December 1, 2020

JULIET TAKES A BREATH | Graphic Novel

by Gabby Rivera & Celia Moscote (BOOM! Box)

Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx. Only, she's not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon, to intern with her favorite feminist writer--what's sure to be a life-changing experience. And when Juliet's coming out crashes and burns, she's not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.

But Juliet has a plan--sort of. Her internship with legendary author Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women's bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff, is sure to help her figure out this whole "Puerto Rican lesbian" thing. Except Harlowe's white. And not from the Bronx. And she definitely doesn't have all the answers . . .

In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out--to the world, to her family, to herself.

December 15, 2020

THIS IS HOW WE FLY | Young Adult

by Anna Meriano (Philomel Books)

17-year-old vegan feminist Ellen Lopez-Rourke has one muggy Houston summer left before college. She plans to spend every last moment with her two best friends before they go off to the opposite ends of Texas for school. But when Ellen is grounded for the entire summer by her (sometimes) evil stepmother, all her plans are thrown out the window.

Determined to do something with her time, Ellen (with the help of BFF Melissa) convinces her parents to let her join the local muggle Quidditch team. An all-gender, full-contact game, Quidditch isn’t quite what Ellen expects. There’s no flying, no magic, just a bunch of scrappy players holding PVC pipe between their legs and throwing dodgeballs. Suddenly Ellen is thrown into the very different world of sports: her life is all practices, training, and running with a group of Harry Potter fans.

Even as Melissa pulls away to pursue new relationships and their other BFF Xiumiao seems more interested in moving on from high school (and from Ellen), Ellen is steadily finding a place among her teammates. Maybe Quidditch is where she belongs.

But with her home life and friend troubles quickly spinning out of control–Ellen must fight for the future that she wants, now she’s playing for keeps.

December 29, 2020

LA LATINA CON BAJA AUTO | Memoir

by Rosie Mercado; Translated by Jose Reyes Rivera (Harper Collins Español)

When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn’t know what to expect—but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.

November 2020 Latinx Releases

November 2, 2020

NOIRYOCRICAN | Fiction

by Richie Narvaez (Down & Out Books)

A reluctant assassin is born. A con man tries to sell the Grand Central clock. A superhero is dying to lose her powers.

In thirteen fast-moving stories, the author of Hipster Death Rattle explores the tragic world of noir fiction with a wide range of Latinx characters. These stories define noir as tales of people who fall not from great heights but from the stoop and the sidewalk.

A follow-up to the author’s Roachkiller and Other Stories, which received the Spinetingler Award for Best Anthology/Short Story Collection, this contains a sequel to that anthology’s eponymous story.

November 3, 2020

APHASIA | Fiction

by Mauro Javier Cárdenas (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

Antonio wants to avoid thinking about his sister―even though he knows he won’t be able to avoid thinking about his sister―because his sister is on the run after allegedly threatening to shoot her neighbors, and has been claiming that Antonio, Obama, the Pentagon, and their mother are all conspiring against her. Nevertheless, Antonio is going to try his best to be as avoidant as possible, because he worries that what’s been happening to his sister might somehow infect his relatively contented, ordered American life, and destabilize the precarious arrangement with his ex-wife that’s allowed him to stay close to his two daughters.

A GIRL NAMED ROSITA: THE STORY OF RITA MORENO | Picture Book

by Anika Aldamuy Denise; Illustrated by Leo Espinosa (Harper Collins Español)

When young Rosita moved from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, she didn’t know what to expect—but she knew she loved to sing and dance. Working to overcome the language barrier and bullying she experienced in a strange new country, Rita eventually made her way to Hollywood with a dream to be a star. There, she fought to be seen and heard and eventually reached the pinnacle of success, landing her iconic role in West Side Story and, finally, winning her groundbreaking Oscar.

PARTICULATE MATTER | Memoir

by TFelicia Luna Lemus (Akashic Books)

Particulate Matter is the story of a year in Felicia Luna Lemus's marriage when the world turned upside down. It's set in Los Angeles, and it's about love and crisis, loss and grief, the city and the ocean, ancestral ghosts and history haunting. Nature herself seemed to howl. Fires raged and covered the house Lemus and her spouse shared in ash. Everything crystallized. It was the most challenging and terrifying time she had ever experienced, and yet it was also a time when the sublime beauty of the everyday shone through with particular power and presence.

November 10, 2020

13TH STREET #4: THE SCHOKING SHARK SHOWDOWN | Chapter Book

by David Bowles; Illus. by Shan Clester (HarperChapters)

Cousins Malia, Dante, and Ivan are looking for a portal to 13th Street. They need to help their new friend Mickey find his way home! But waiting for them are sharks that can shock them with an electric charge. Can the cousins reach Mickey before it's too late?

A CUBAN GIRL’S GUIDE TO TEA AND TOMORROW | Young Adult

by Laura Taylor Namey (Atheneum)

For Lila Reyes, a summer in England was never part of the plan. The plan was 1) take over her abuela’s role as head baker at their panadería, 2) move in with her best friend after graduation, and 3) live happily ever after with her boyfriend. But then the Trifecta happened, and everything—including Lila herself—fell apart.

Worried about Lila’s mental health, her parents make a new plan for her: Spend three months with family friends in Winchester, England, to relax and reset. But with the lack of sun, a grumpy inn cook, and a small town lacking Miami flavor (both in food and otherwise), what would be a dream trip for some feels more like a nightmare to Lila…until she meets Orion Maxwell.

A teashop clerk with troubles of his own, Orion is determined to help Lila out of her funk, and appoints himself as her personal tour guide. From Winchester’s drama-filled music scene to the sweeping English countryside, it isn’t long before Lila is not only charmed by Orion, but England itself. Soon a new future is beginning to form in Lila’s mind—one that would mean leaving everything she ever planned behind.

ME DICEN GÜERO | Middle Grade

by David Bowles (Vintage Español)

Güero tiene doce años y es mexicano y americano al mismo tiempo. Sabe sentirse en casa en ambos lados del rio, y en su vida hay tanto español como inglés. Güero ha comenzado el séptimo año en la escuela, y su profe de inglés hace que hasta los poemas suenen cool.

Güero es como llaman a los chicos como el: pálidos. Pero no te equivoques, nuestro héroe pelirrojo y con pecas es puro mexicano, como el Canelo Álvarez. Además, Güero es un nerd—lector, gamer, músico—que se junta con una banda de inadaptados como el: Los Bobbys. Como todos los chicos de su edad, Los Bobbys se meten en problemas y, ¡hasta les gustan las chicas! Pero bueno, ¡cuidado con Joanna! Es dura como ninguna.

De la mano de las tradiciones familiares, su acordeón y su escuadrón de nerds, Güero le hace frente al séptimo año escolar con inteligencia y un gran corazon.

November 17, 2020

EVERYDAY ADVOCACY: TEACHERS WHO CHANGE THE LITERACY NARRATIVE | Academic

by Cathy Fleischer & Antero Garcia (Norton Professional Books)

In this groundbreaking collection, literacy educators describe how they are redefining what it means to be a teaching professional. Teachers share how they are trying to change the conversation surrounding literacy and literacy instruction by explaining to colleagues, administrators, parents, and community members why they teach in particular research-based ways, so often contradicted by mandated curricula and standardized assessments. Teacher educators also share how they are introducing an advocacy approach to preservice and practicing teachers, helping prepare teachers for this new professionalism. Both groups practice what the authors call “everyday advocacy”: the day-to-day actions teachers are taking to change the public narrative surrounding schools, teachers, and learning.

‘Don't Ask Me Where I'm From’ Takes Us on an Empowering Journey Between Cultural Worlds

Jennifer De Leon’s YA debut novel, Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From, takes us on an empowering journey between cultural worlds through the eyes of Guatemalan-Salvadoran American Liliana Cruz. The story is set in Boston during Liliana’s sophomore year of high school, as she explores friendship, love, racism, discrimination, and her own cultural roots. Never does De Leon fail to surprise readers, as she skillfully addresses segregation, immigration, and social activism in one narrative.

As her sophomore year begins, Liliana is given the opportunity to join the competitive METCO program, founded to give Boston students from underperforming school districts the chance to attend a high-performing school and increase their educational and professional possibilities. METCO places her at Westburg High School, a majority-white school where Liliana feels that she’s entered an entirely different sphere.

Liliana’s parents submitted her application to the METCO program when Liliana was just a kid, and this story could raise awareness for numerous families about the possibilities available for their own kids, no matter their socioeconomic status. However, the METCO program itself is also a platform for De Leon to discuss school segregation; its existence highlights how for many low-resourced families, a higher educational opportunity is only possible if the student is accepted to a special program.

As a METCO student at Westburg, Liliana is not easily welcomed by other students, or even teachers. Genesis, Liliana’s METCO buddy, tries to mentor her by stating, “It’s actually an advantage to be different. . . . Work it. Raise your hand in class. Speak up. . . . Make the system work for you. You won’t remember these fools twenty years from now when they’re calling you up trying to get internships for their kids at the TV station you’re working at” (100-101). It’s a wake-up call for Liliana. Even though some class discussions make her uncomfortable, like when a classmate comments, “but [immigrants] should come educated,” she realizes she needs to stay at Westburg. Liliana begins discovering her voice by learning that she doesn’t have to answer people’s uncomfortable questions—like “where are you from?”—the way that people want her to. When she asks Genesis for advice on how to answer that particular question, Genesis delivers a satisfying response: “Say ‘I’m from my mother’.”

That’s just one example of how De Leon seamlessly delivers humor throughout the book, even while presenting serious situations and questioning our social conditioning. With such a sassy and strong main character in Liliana, there’s no way you won’t laugh out loud from time to time. Another funny moment is De Leon’s warm acknowledgment of the facts of cooking for many Latinx people: Liliana talks about how her parents never follow recipes, just eyeball amounts, but when she tried to do the same, she ended up with rice soup. The next time she tried to cook, she “measured and stirred,” and added onions, tomatoes, and bouillon, among other key ingredients. Liliana is also very observant and notices the machismo (toxic masculinity) that goes on in the family. She brings out her sass when Tío R. criticizes everything she cooks, telling readers, “well, I thought, if boys weren’t supposed to be in the kitchen, then why was he there?” (152). De Leon gives readers that necessary humorous touch to Liliana’s empowerment.

Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From is also a valuable read for its explanation of Latinx history and Liliana’s cultural heritage. During a meeting between METCO students, there’s an essential discussion about the difference between being Spanish and Latinx, and about the term ‘Latinx’:

Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

“Spanish conquistadors bombarded most of Latin America at various points in history. . . . That doesn’t mean that everyone in Latin America suddenly became Spanish. They had their own cultures and traditions and everything already in place. . . . [‘Latinx’ is] meant to be inclusive of all people of Latin American origin or descent, no matter what gender” (228). 

Besides this brief yet comprehensive explanation of general Latinx heritage, De Leon also gives specific details about Guatemala and El Salvador through a conversation between Liliana and her aunt. Tía Laura explains to Liliana that Guatemala and El Salvador had a civil war that lasted for 36 years, and that a Guatemalan general named Ríos Montt wanted to get rid of indigenous communities because he was afraid they’d join those revolting against the government. Liliana’s tía also reveals that some of their relatives were killed, and that many people in Guatemala and El Salvador are still struggling even today because of the war’s aftereffects. Liliana comes to an understanding of why many people leave and try to cross the US border. This relates to another important plot point; Liliana’s father has been deported and is trying to get across the border back to them, and Liliana realizes more than ever that she must help her family by going through with being a METCO student, no matter how difficult it seems.

This book is so essential for classrooms and local libraries and bookstores. As Jennifer De Leon said in an interview, this is the kind of book that she “craved as a young person. It’s the book as a teacher I wished I had to pass on to my students.” When Liliana is initially hesitant to attend Westburg, her school counselor, Ms. Jackson, tells her, “What you do now—or don’t do now—can really affect your future, and the choices you have in the future.” The line is so powerful, and could be something that a lot of teen readers out there need to hear. It also raises the issue that not all schools teach youngsters what they should know, such as the extreme importance of networking and building career skills. Liliana’s story has immense potential to speak to students unaware of the professional opportunities available for them, and to spark crucial and much-needed conversations between teens and their parents or teachers. 

De Leon also emphasizes the need to build camaraderie between everyone, no matter their background. Racial tensions do arise between students at Westburg High School, and Jennifer De Leon presents three questions in the story that many schools could use to begin important and respectful conversations, and build rapport between students: 1. What is it that you want us to know about you in terms of race and culture? 2. What is it that you never want to hear again? 3. How can we be allies and assist you? 

In another powerful moment, Liliana uses the book’s title as her six-word autobiography in creative writing class: “Don’t ask me where I’m from.” Her goal is to highlight that it shouldn’t matter where she’s born or what languages she speaks. Liliana’s story also emphasizes that no single person’s experience represents others’ experiences. In Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From, Jennifer De Leon delivers a worthy, timeless Own Voices book. Here’s to a story that sticks with you, and gives you hope for a future where there are no barriers between cultures.

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Yvonne Tapia is a Latina professional from East Harlem, New York. She earned a BA in Media Studies and Psychology from Hunter College. Additionally, she has worked in the educational and media fields through various outlets. With a long-term enthusiasm for children’s books, she has been involved at Housing Works Bookstore and Latinx in Publishing. She currently works on the Marketing and Publicity team at Levine Querido. Yvonne is excited and dedicated to engage book visibility in marginalized communities, welcoming all readers while making them feel seen and empowered.

La Consejería: How do I bring the book ideas in my head to life?

Q: I have several books that I would like to bring to life in my head. I just do not know how to get started. I would like to get the process started as soon as possible!

A: One of the most common pieces of writing advice out there is to just write. La Consejería’s advice is to set aside 30 minutes a day to do just that. as many say, the only thing a first draft has to do is exist. Creating space for yourself to devote to your craft is very important. Whether it’s taking on a writing prompt, trying your hand at freeform writing, or gradually developing a longform story, you’ll be able to get those creative juices flowing and begin to make a habit of writing.

When you feel ready, tackle one of your many ideas! Pick one and let inspiration strike, but try to stick to your goal and keep working on your project. Remember all it has to do in the beginning is exist!

To submit your own question to La Consejería, click here and fill out the form!

October 2020 Latinx Releases

October 1, 2020

AND THE MOON FOLLOWS | Young Adult

by Cyn Bermudez (Rosen/West 44 Books)

Luna has nowhere to go. She leaves home after her stepfather sexually assaults her. Now her only option is to run as far and as fast as possible. Luna takes to the streets, where she survives by sleeping in parks, cars, and an abandoned house. But how long can she survive on the run? Where can she go if she can't go home?

FELIZ NEW YEAR, AVA GABRIELA! | Picture Book

by Alexandra Alessandri; Illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda (Albert Whitman & Co.)

Ava Gabriela is visiting her extended family in Colombia for the holidays. She’s excited to take part in family traditions such as making bunuelos, but being around all her loud relatives in an unfamiliar place makes Ava shy and quiet. How will Ava find her voice before she misses out on all the New Year’s fun?

October 6, 2020

111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl | Picture Book

by Rina Singh; Illustrated by Marieanne Ferrer (CitizenKid)

This is the story of Sundar Paliwal, who is from a small Indian village ruled by ancient customs. As he grows to be a man, Sundar suffers much heartbreak and decides it is time for change to come to his village. Sundar is determined to live in a place where girls are valued as much as boys and where the land is not devastated by irresponsible mining. Sundar's plan? To celebrate the birth of every girl with the planting of 111 trees. Though many villagers resist at first, Sundar slowly gains their support. And today, there are over a quarter of a million trees in his village, providing food, water and opportunities for women to earn a living. His efforts have turned a once barren and deforested landscape into a fertile and prosperous one where girls can thrive.

ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER | Picture Book

by Tami Charles; Illustrated by Bryan Collier (Scholastic)

Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most.

BLAZEWRATH GAMES | Young Adult

by Amparo Ortiz (Page Street)

Lana Torres has always preferred dragons to people. In a few weeks, sixteen countries will compete in the Blazewrath World Cup, a tournament where dragons and their riders fight for glory in a dangerous relay. Lana longs to represent her native Puerto Rico in their first ever World Cup appearance, and when Puerto Rico’s Runner—the only player without a dragon steed—is kicked off the team, she’s given the chance.

But when she discovers that a former Blazewrath superstar has teamed up with the Sire—a legendary dragon who’s cursed into human form—the safety of the Cup is jeopardized. The pair are burning down dragon sanctuaries around the world and refuse to stop unless the Cup gets cancelled. All Lana wanted was to represent her country. Now, to do that, she’ll have to navigate an international conspiracy that’s deadlier than her beloved sport.

THE CHILEAN KITCHEN | Cookbook

by Pilar Hernandez, Eileen Smith, Araceli Paz (Skyhorse Publishing)

The Spanish phrase quédate un poquito, or “stay a while,” is the essence of Chilean hospitality—one does not “stop by for a quick bite” in Chile. Comprised of more than seventy authentic Chilean recipes, organized seasonally for maximum freshness, and tweaked ever-so-slightly to fit neatly into the US market, this book creates an accessible, authentic, and uniquely Chilean cooking experience. It marries Pilar’s family recipes and Eileen’s astute writings, which make even those who have never visited Chile feel like they have found home.

Seasonality is the backbone of the Chilean table—each of the four seasonal sections will include a short opening essay to prepare the reader for the bounty of the season. A unique fifth section is included for La Once, or tea time, which transcends the seasons but is quintessentially and irrevocably Chilean.

GRABBED | Anthology

Edited by Richard Blanco, Caridad Moro, Nikki Moustaki, and Elisa Albo (Beacon Press)

The #MeToo movement, the infamous Access Hollywood tape, and the depraved and hypocritical actions of celebrities, politicians, CEOs, and other powerful people have caused people all over the nation to speak out in outrage, to express allegiance for the victims of these assaults, and to raise their voices against a culture that has allowed this behavior to continue for too long.

The editors asked writers and poets to add to the conversation about what being "grabbed" means to them in their own experience or in whatever way the word "grabbed" inspired them. What they received are often searing, heart-rending works, ranging in topic from sexual misconduct to racial injustice, from an unwanted caress to rape, expressed in powerful, beautifully crafted prose and poetry.

GRIEVING: DISPATCHES FROM A WOUNDED COUNTRY | Nonfiction

by Cristina Rivera Garza; Translated by Sarah Booker (The Feminist Press at CUNY)

Grieving is a hybrid collection of short crónicas, journalism, and personal essays on systemic violence in contemporary Mexico and along the US-Mexico border. Drawing together literary theory and historical analysis, she outlines how neoliberalism, corruption, and drug trafficking—culminating in the misnamed “war on drugs”—has shaped her country. Working from and against this political context, Cristina Rivera Garza posits that collective grief is an act of resistance against state violence, and that writing is a powerful mode of seeking social justice and embodying resilience.

I Am! Affirmations for Resilience | Board Book

by Bela Barbosa; Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez (Rise x Penguin Workshop)

This brightly hand-lettered board book empowers young readers to lift themselves up! Ten relatable emotions are each followed by a centering exercise and a positive affirmation to be recited, as a practice in mindfulness. Young readers are encouraged to find their inner strength by recognizing and addressing their emotions, instilling a sense of power and self-confidence.

AN INCOMPLETE LIST OF NAMES | Poetry

by Michael Torres (Beacon Press)

Who do we belong to? This is the question Michael Torres ponders as he explores the roles that names, hometown, language, and others' perceptions each play on our understanding of ourselves in An Incomplete List of Names. More than a boyhood ballad or a coming-of-age story, this collection illuminates the artist's struggle to make sense of the disparate identities others have forced upon him.

JUBILEE | Fiction

by Jennifer Givhan (Blackstone Publishing)

When Bianca appears late one night at her brother's house in Santa Ana, she is barely conscious, though not alone. Jubilee, wrapped in a fuzzy pink romper, is buckled into a car seat. Jubilee, who Bianca feeds and clothes and bathes and loves. Jubilee, who Bianca could not leave behind. Jubilee, a doll in her arms.

Told in alternating points of view, Jubilee reveals both the haunting power of our lived experiences and the surreal possibility of the present to heal the past.

LA TIERRA AL VUELO | Young Adult

by Margarita Engle; Translated by Alexis Romay (S&S/Atheneum)

Margarita Engle’s childhood straddled two worlds: the lush, welcoming island of Cuba and the lonely, dream-soaked reality of Los Angeles. But the revolution has transformed Cuba into a mystery of impossibility, no longer reachable in real life. Margarita longs to travel the world, yet before she can become independent, she’ll have to start high school.

Then the shock waves of war reach America, rippling Margarita’s plans in their wake. Cast into uncertainty, she must grapple with the philosophies of peace, civil rights, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. Despite overwhelming circumstances, she finds solace and empowerment through her education. Amid the challenges of adolescence and a world steeped in conflict, Margarita finds hope beyond the struggle, and love in the most unexpected places.

ROXY THE LAST UNISAURUS REX | Picture Book

by Eva Chen; Illustrated by Matthew Rivera (Feiwel & Friends)

Join Roxy in all her sassy, steak-loving, glittery glory as she learns about the importance of staying true to yourself, celebrating your differences, and finding friends who love you for who you are.

UNTIL WE’RE FISH | Fiction

by Susannah R. Drissi (Propertius Press)

Elio longs for freedom from the dreary home he shares with his mother. He spends his days and nights fantasizing about an American bike and Maria, his vivacious next-door neighbor. Two obstacles stand in his way: the 1959 Cuban Revolution and Maria’s dream of moving to Chicago. Yet Elio is steadfast in believing that somehow, some way he will get both the girl and the Schwinn. When an injury leaves him terrified of the sea, he’s faced with an impossible choice: to overcome his fear and do whatever it takes to realize his vision, or to stay safe, and risk losing everything he’s been living for. 

WHAT WERE WE THINKING: A BRIEF INTELLECTUAL HISTORY OF THE TRUMP ERA | Nonfiction

by Carlos Lozada (Simon & Schuster)

As a book critic for The Washington Post, Carlos Lozada has read some 150 volumes claiming to diagnose why Trump was elected and what his presidency reveals about our nation. Many of these, he’s found, are more defensive than incisive, more righteous than right.

In What Were We Thinking, Lozada uses these books to tell the story of how we understand ourselves in the Trump era, using as his main characters the political ideas and debates at play in America today. He dissects works on the white working class like Hillbilly Elegy; manifestos from the anti-Trump resistance like On Tyranny and No Is Not Enough; books on race, gender, and identity like How to Be an Antiracist and Good and Mad; polemics on the future of the conservative movement like The Corrosion of Conservatism; and of course plenty of books about Trump himself.

Lozada’s argument is provocative: that many of these books—whether written by liberals or conservatives, activists or academics, Trump’s true believers or his harshest critics—are vulnerable to the same blind spots, resentments, and failures that gave us his presidency. But Lozada also highlights the books that succeed in illuminating how America is changing in the 21st century. What Were We Thinking is an intellectual history of the Trump era in real time, helping us transcend the battles of the moment and see ourselves for who we really are.

October 10, 2020

¡TODOS AL RODE! | Picture Book

by Dr. Ma. Alma González Pérez (Del Alma Publications)

Third in our series of popular bilingual alphabet books, this picturesque children's book highlights the life and the history of the vaquero (cowboy). It includes many concepts like rodeo and lasso that emerged with the arrival of the Spaniards in the New World. Written by award-winning author and professor of bilingual education, Dr. María Alma González Pérez, this book is sure to delight and educate young children. Additionally, it is intended as a resource for the bilingual / dual-language classroom.

October 13, 2020

CAT NINJA | Middle Grade

by Matthew Cody; Illustrated by Yehudi Mercado (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

Raised from a kitten by a kindly old ninja master, Claude now spends his days as the pampered house cat of an eleven-year-old boy. But when trouble arises, Claude dons his mask and springs into action as Cat Ninja—Metro City's secret protector! In Book 1 of the series, follow our feline hero’s early exploits as he tries to keep his secret identity under wraps while thwarting the evil plans of slimy thugs, rampaging robots, and a certain rodent nemesis who lives under the same roof!

COME ON IN: 15 Stories About Immigration and Finding Home | Anthology

Edited by Adi Alsaid (Inkyard Press)

With characters who face random traffic stops, TSA detention, customs anxiety, and the daunting and inspiring journey to new lands…who camp with their extended families, dance at weddings, keep diaries, teach ESL…who give up their rooms for displaced family, decide their own answer to the question “where are you from?” and so much more… Come On In illuminates fifteen of the myriad facets of the immigrant experience, from authors who have been shaped by the journeys they and their families have taken from home—and to find home.

CONCRETE KIDS | YA Nonfiction

by Amyra León (Penguin Workshop)

Concrete Kids is an exploration of love and loss, melody and bloodshed. Musician, playwright, and educator Amyra León takes us on a poetic journey through her childhood in Harlem, as she navigates the intricacies of foster care, mourning, self-love, and resilience. In her signature free-verse style, she invites us all to dream with abandon–and to recognize the privilege it is to dream at all.

EAT THE MOUTH THAT FEEDS YOU | Literary Fiction

by Carribean Fragoza (City Lights Publishers)

In visceral, embodied prose, Fragoza’s imperfect characters are drawn with a sympathetic tenderness as they struggle against circumstances and conditions designed to defeat them. A young woman returns home from college, only to pick up exactly where she left off: a smart girl in a rundown town with no future. A mother reflects on the pain and pleasures of being inexorably consumed by her small daughter, whose penchant for ingesting grandma’s letters has extended to taking bites of her actual flesh. A brother and sister watch anxiously as their distraught mother takes an ax to their old furniture, and then to the backyard fence, until finally she attacks the family’s beloved lime tree.

Victories are excavated from the rubble of personal hardship, and women’s wisdom is brutally forged from the violence of history that continues to unfold on both sides of the US-Mexico border.

THE GIRL WITH THE SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES | Memoir

by Rosie Mercado; Translated by Jose Reyes Rivera (Harper One)

When Rosie was only nineteen, the father of her newborn walked out with no warning. With no college degree, no career, and an addiction to emotional eating, Rosie was overwhelmed. How could she take care of a child when she could barely care for herself? Yet despite her lack of self-confidence, the courageous young woman rose from the ashes—only to fall again . . . and again. The journey included three husbands, three divorces, three children, and years of abuse, infidelity, broken promises, and sleepless nights. Rosie's life was anything but easy, especially when her weight ballooned to 400 pounds. Yet she never, ever gave up. When one door closed in her face, she picked herself up and knocked on another one. Despite the pain, the rejection, and the disappointment, there were small victories and successes. Each one gave her the strength to keep on going. Eventually, she found the courage to take control of her life, lost 240 pounds, and found the life she’s always wanted.

LIA & LUÍS: WHO HAS MORE? | Picture Books

by Ana Crespo; Illustrated by Giovana Medeiros (Charlesbridge)

Twins Lia and Luís argue over who has more of their favorite snacks. Can the siblings use math--and a little sharing--to pick the winner? A playful exploration of measurement, counting, and estimation, featuring Brazilian American characters and a glossary of Brazilian Portuguese words.

MERCI SUÁREZ SE PONE LAS PILAS | Middle Grade

by Meg Medina (Candlewick)

Merci Suárez sabía que el sexto grado sería diferente, pero no tenía idea alguna lo diferente que resultaría. En primer lugar, Merci nunca se ha parecido a los otros niños de su escuela privada en la Florida, porque tanto ella como Roli, su hermano mayor, son estudiantes becados. Ellos no tienen ni una casa grande ni un yate elegante, y tienen que desempeñar servicios comunitarios adicionales para compensar por su matricula gratis. Así que cuando la mandona de Edna Santos se fija en el nuevo niño que la escuela le ha asignado a Merci como su “amigos de arco iris,” Merci se convierte en el foco de los celos de Edna. Las cosas no andan muy bien en su casa tampoco: Lolo, el abuelo de Merci, su aliado de mayor confianza, ha estado actuando un poco raro últimamente: se le olvida cosas importantes, se cae de la bicicleta y se enoja por cualquier cosa. Nadie en la familia le ha dicho a Merci qué es lo que le aflige, así que Merci tiene que lidiar sola con sus preocupaciones, a la vez que se siente aislada en la escuela. En una historia sobre los ritos de la pre-adolescencia, llena de humor y sabiduría, la galardonada autora Meg Medina llega al fondo del desconcierto y del cambio continuo que caracterizan el último año de la escuela elemental, así como de los lazos inquebrantables de la familia.

QUIET NO MORE | Young Adult

by Nikki Barthelmess (Flux)

College freshman Victoria Parker is trying to move on with her life after surviving sexual assault by her father and six months in foster care. She's focusing on the positives--attending college, living on her own, repairing old relationships and making new ones, and getting involved with an abuse survivors activist group on campus. But everything's thrown into disarray when a strange woman shows up, claiming to be Victoria's aunt and asking Victoria to lie about what happened to her. With her father's sentencing in a few months, she's nervous about having to share the truth of what happened with a judge. She's not even sure if she has the strength to go through with it. But when her fellow club members begin pressuring her to speak out, Victoria has to decide how to share her story while remaining true to herself. 

RIGHT/WRONG: HOW TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMS OUR ETHICS | Nonfiction

by Juan Enriquez (The MIT Press)

Most people have a strong sense of right and wrong, and many of us are not reluctant to argue with someone who disagrees. But when we take an unyielding stand on something we regard as an eternal truth, we forget that ethics evolve over time. What was once broadly acceptable is now completely unacceptable. For example, burning heretics is no longer considered a just punishment. Child marriage is not applauded as a family value. Many shifts in the right vs. wrong pendulum are affected by advances in technology. In Right/Wrong, Juan Enriquez reflects on the evolution of ethics in a technological age.

TINY NIGHTMARES | Horror

Edited by Lincoln Michael & Nadxieli Nieto (Catapult)

In this playful, spine-tingling collection, leading literary and horror writers spin unforgettably chilling tales in only a few pages.Tiny Nightmares brings to life broken-hearted vampires, Uber-taking serial killers, mind-reading witches, and monsters of all imaging, as well as stories that tackle the horrors of our modern world from global warming and racism to social media addiction and online radicalization. Writers such as Samantha Hunt, Brian Evenson, Jac Jemc, Stephen Graham Jones, Kevin Brockmeier, and Rion Amilcar Scott expand our understanding of horror fiction with inventive and blood-curdling new tales. We suggest reading with the hall light on and the bedroom door open just a crack.

October 20, 2020

THE 5 DISCIPLINES OF INCLUSIVE LEADERS | Nonfiction

by Andrés Tapia & Alina Polonskaia (Berrett-Koehler Publishers)

In this book, Tapia and Polonskaia draw on Korn Ferry's massive database of 3 million leadership assessments to reveal the essential qualities of inclusive leaders. They discuss the personality traits these leaders share and detail how to develop what they call the five disciplines of inclusive leadership: building interpersonal trust, integrating diverse perspectives, optimizing talent, applying an adaptive mindset, and achieving transformation.

FINDING LATINX: IN SEARCH OF THE VOICES REDEFINING LATINO IDENTITY | Nonfiction

by Paola Ramos (Vintage)

In this empowering cross-country travelogue, journalist and activist Paola Ramos embarks on a journey to find the communities of people defining the controversial term, “Latinx.” She introduces us to the indigenous Oaxacans who rebuilt the main street in a post-industrial town in upstate New York, the “Las Poderosas” who fight for reproductive rights in Texas, the musicians in Milwaukee whose beats reassure others of their belonging, as well as drag queens, environmental activists, farmworkers, and the migrants detained at our border. Drawing on intensive field research as well as her own personal story, Ramos chronicles how “Latinx” has given rise to a sense of collectivity and solidarity among Latinos unseen in this country for decades.

October 27, 2020

PLANT WITCHERY: DISCOVER THE SACRED LANGUAGE, WISDOM, AND MAGIC OF 200 PLANTS | Nonfiction

by Juliet Diaz (Hay House)

Indigenous seer, gifted plant whisperer, and Witchery author Juliet Diaz invites you to walk the path of the Plant Witch. Journey far beyond the basic medicinal and magical properties of plants, deep into Mother Earth's drumming heart. Drawn from ancestral practices passed down by generations of teachers, the lessons in this book will awaken your intimate connection with nature, your ancestors, your guides, and to your true self through the powerful magic of plants.

PULPO GUISADO | Picture Book

by Eric Velasquez (Holiday House)

The octopus Grandma is cooking has grown to titanic proportions. "¡Tenga cuidado!" Ramsey shouts. "Be careful!" But it's too late. The octopus traps Grandma! Ramsey must use both art and intellect to free his beloved abuela.

Then the story takes a surprising twist. And it can be read two ways. Open the fold-out pages to find Ramsey telling a story to his family. Keep the pages folded, and Ramsey's octopus adventure is real.

HOLIDAY HOME RUN | Romance

by Priscilla Oliveras (Zebra Books)

Event planner Julia Louisa Fernandez dreams of a life in Chicago. But her family in Puerto Rico expects her to take over the catering business. Former pro baseball player Ben Thomas knows what that’s like—and when they meet, he might be the one to inspire a winning strategy, just in time for the holidays . . .

October 31, 2020

VINCENT VENTURUA AND THE DIABOLICAL DUENDES | Chapter Book

by Xavier Garza (Arte Público)

Another family has moved into the house at 666 Duende Street across from Vincent Ventura's, and once again there's something mysterious going on. There's a boy who constantly argues with himself. "You can't tell me what to do," Vincent hears him say, but there's no one around. Who could he be talking to? When Vincent sees a green creature with glowing red eyes and needle-sharp teeth terrorize the boy into vandalizing a neighbor's car, he knows there is another monster mystery to solve! His cousin, Michelle, is one of the smartest kids around, and she quickly finds information in a library book on Latin American monsters. She's sure the creature Vincent saw is a duende, which is similar to an evil troll or gnome. Is Sayer Cantú really a target of these wicked beasts?! Everyone at school knows he's a troublemaker to avoid. Could duendes be forcing him to misbehave? Once again Vincent Ventura recruits his cousins and gathers his monster-fighting tools crosses, holy water, packs of salt, silver metal beads and slingshots for the upcoming showdown.

THE NUMBER ON MY FATHER’S ARM | Middle Grade

by Rodolfo Alvarado (Arte Público)

A young boy seeks to unravel the mystery of his father’s nightmares and the number tattooed on his arm in this short bilingual novel that will acquaint readers ages 10-15 with the Holocaust and the expulsion of Mexicans and Mexican Americans from the United States in the early part of the twentieth century.

6 Kidlit Latinx Editors Literary Agents Should Be Pitching

Happy Latinx Heritage Month mi gente! This month, I’ll be placing a spotlight on some of publishing’s Latinx professionals working in the book industry. We’re kicking off the series with a list of six kidlit editors that literary agents should be pitching. Read on to learn more about these editors along with what they are looking for in regards to their manuscript wishlists.

Carolina Ortiz, Associate Editor, HarperCollins Children’s

Carolina Ortiz is an associate editor at HarperCollins Children’s. She works on a variety of projects but primarily focuses on middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels. With a special place in her heart for Latinx and queer stories, Carolina is excitingly building a list that reflects the diverse world around us and that will allow readers to feel seen in the books they read. In her spare time, she is a Mentorship Co-Director at Latinx in Publishing and a Communications and Events Committee Co-Director at People of Color in Publishing. You can find her on Twitter at @pushthepanorama.

Carolina is looking to acquire middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as graphic novels. Her interests cover a variety of genres, including—but not limited—to contemporary, romance, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, horror, and adventure/action stories. No matter the genre, she gravitates towards stories with strong internal conflicts, introspective storytelling, subversive themes, and/or societal critiques. She also always enjoys stories with found families, coming-of-age themes, unbreakable friendships, witty narrators, and strong worldbuilding. As long as a manuscript has a strong voice, she's excited to give the submission a read and is always especially interested in seeing projects by creators from the margins. To read more of her manuscript wishlist, visit her website at www.carolinaiortiz.com

Shelly Romero, Assistant Editor, Scholastic

Shelly Romero is an assistant editor at Scholastic. She graduated from Stephens College with a bachelor’s degree in English and attended the 2017 NYU Summer Publishing Insti­tute. She is a member of Latinx in Publishing, People of Color in Publishing, and a junior mentor for Representation Matters Mentorship Program. She lives off of coffee, carbs, and pop-culture. To see what she’s reading, watching, or ranting about, find her on Twit­ter @_smromero or check out her website at shellymromero.com (She/Her)

Manuscript Wishlist: I only accepted agented submissions. You can find my wishlist on MSWL at: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/shelly-romero/ or at my website.

Mara Delgado-sánchez, ASSISTANT editor, St. martin’s publishing group

Mara Delgado Sánchez joined St. Martin’s Publishing Group in 2018. Originally from Puerto Rico, she holds a BA in English-Literature from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and an MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College.

Mara is interested in young adult fiction, particularly in all kinds of fantasy, and light, fluffy contemporary. She’s looking for commercial stories with voice that drips off the page, characters she’ll want to follow to the end of the world, and dynamic relationships. She’s an advocate of #ownvoices, and would love to see stories from marginalized writers. In adult, she’s looking for romantic comedies, millennial women’s fiction, and category romance.    

Visit her manuscript wishlist: https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/mara-delgado-sanchez/

Tiffany colón, Assistant Editor, scholastic

 Tiffany grew up reading books with her feet dangling off fire escapes in Bushwick, Brooklyn. She began her publishing career in adult nonfiction, where she quickly learned she needed a little more magic in her life. She started at Scholastic in 2016 working on the popular Geronimo Stilton property and the magic hasn’t stopped since. Her role has expanded to include other series and MG novels. You can find Tiffany walking her shar pei, Clyde, doing nail art, or rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

I love stories with a lot of grit and honesty and am always on the hunt for authors who are skilled at exploring tough topics in a gentle way. Honest relationships (friendships/family relationships/romantic relationships) are my current kryptonite. The intricacies of them, how they grow, how they end, and the ways in which they shape us. I am a sucker for sassy, witty, and even unreliable narrators/characters. I adore mystery, suspense, and whimsy (including spooky magic).

I am actively looking for more own voices stories centering BIPOC characters. Vist my MSWL website https://www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/tiffany-colon/

amanda ramirez, Assistant Editor, simon & schuster Books for Young Readers

Amanda Ramirez joined S&S BFYR in 2016. Prior to that, she was an editor for several literary magazines; a writer for online news, pop culture, and lifestyle outlets; a dedicated children’s bookseller; and—for almost a decade—a food service manager. She received her MFA in 2017. A Nuyorican Long Islander, she can be found napping anytime, anywhere.

Visit her manuscript wishlist here:

https://amandaisabelramirez.com/mswl/

alex borbolla, associate editor, Simon & schuster/Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Alex joined Simon & Schuster as managing editorial assistant but was drawn more to story editing than copyediting, so she moved down the hall to Atheneum Books for Young Readers in May 2016. She loves working on humorous picture books; middle grade complete with heart and hijinks; and YA that pairs literary prose with a commercial hook. Alex is the lucky editor of Linda Ashman, Kira Bigwood, Alexis Castellanos, Margaret Finnegan, Spencer Hall, Jennifer Moffett, Laura Taylor Namey, and Paola Peretti, and also has the privilege of working with Jason Reynolds, Cynthia Kadohata, Sharon Draper, and Alicia D. Williams. Follow her on Twitter @Alex_Borbolla.

Visit her webtise to check out her manuscript wishlist: https://editoralexborbolla.wordpress.com/mswl/

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Have recommendations for Latinx editors working in adult publishing? Drop me a line a latinosinpub@gmail.com with the subject line: Latinx Adult Editor and I just might feature them in my next round-up!

Saraciea Fennell is a book publicist, social entrepreneur, and a literary equity activist. She is also the founder of The Bronx is Reading - Bronx Book Festival. Her forthcoming nonfiction YA anthology, WILD TONGUES CAN’T BE TAMED will publishing in Fall 2021 from Flatiron Books. Visit Fennell at www.SaracieaFennell.com and follow her on social @sj_fennell.

La Consejería: What are the best ways to build my network, considering that I'm in a different country?

Q: I'm an aspiring Latinx writer, living in Canada, where Latin culture is under-represented. I'd like to build my network in the US, where the market is stronger and I can find more latin peers. What are the best ways to connect, considering that I'm in a different country (I speak both English and Spanish and am an immigrant here)?

A: The internet proves a lot of different options to connect with other writers! Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, there are thriving writing communities. Join a Facebook group that focuses on your genre, follow writers on a similar path like yours, or comment on content that speaks to your genre. You can also look for online writing groups with available space for new members or start your own.

However, when trying to network, it’s always important to respect other peoples’ time and privacy!

To submit your own question to La Consejería, click here and fill out the form!

Bringing the Wonders of Nature to All Children with Where Wonder Grows

The duo behind Pura Belpré Award winner, All Around Us, return with another exciting collaboration, Where Wonder Grows. Written by Xelena González and illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia, Where Wonder Grows is a breath-taking exploration into the wonder of the natural world. 

Inspired by their classroom visits from all over the country, González and Garcia create a visually stunning, poetically simple and yet sublime story of three young mestizo* girls exploring the grandeur of their grandmother’s special rock garden through their cherished Indigenous traditions. 

In their garden where wonder grows and stories blossom, their grandmother relays all the varied collective elements of nature that created or shaped these cherished beings; fire from volcanoes and ocean waters are beautifully depicted across the page — a privilege to behold and consume. 

Cinco Puntos Press website.

A truly engaging and imaginative story, creating the space to appreciate nature as it stands and as it has been, will allow young readers to creativity explore their own backyards thoughtfully, affording the conversations around the power of our environment by investigating the beauty of rocks, shells, crystals, and meteorites. 

An Own Voices picture book, Where Wonder Grows, is an invaluable and unique story, exemplary of what BIPOC authors and illustrators have to share. And in a time where children consistently find themselves managing screen time and the ongoing stress of the pandemic, González and Garcia provide a meditational work that provides an escape into the natural world as appreciated and respected through the lens of sacred Indigenous beliefs.

Where Wonder Grows is a powerful and intimate tribute to the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation and the mysteries of nature as appreciated through the nation’s ancestral culture. Encouraging all children to connect with nature in their own backyards, this gorgeous book is set to be a cornerstone family favorite. 

*Mestizo: of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, common in Mexican and Mexican-Americans.

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Chelsea Villareal is a Queer Mexican-American Children’s Media Strategist from Portland, Oregon. She holds a BUPA in Political Science & Media Studies from Portland State University and is currently enrolled in her Masters at Columbia University, TC. She works on the Brand Marketing team at Penguin Young Readers and also holds down the role of Program Manager at We Need Diverse Books. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two crazy, lazy feline beasts.

La Consejería: What is the best way to get an agent?

Q: What is the best way to get an agent? Muchísimas gracias por su ayuda!

A: The first step is research! There are a lot of agent databases available to you like Manuscript Wishlist, QueryTracker, and AgentQuery. Latinx in Publishing also hosts a list of agents who have expressed interest in representing/currently represent Latinx authors and illustrators on our website. Another resource you can refer to is Literary Agents of Color. There’s also Publishers Marketplace; however, you’ll need to be pay a membership fee to access it.

Create a list of agents who represent the books in the genre you’ve written in and are currently open to queries. But remember to be thorough in your research and to protect yourself as well—if someone is asking you to pay a fee they are not a reputable agent.

Now that you've done your research and made your list, it’s time to start querying. As you are writing personalized query letters to each agent make sure that you are following their submission guidelines exactly. Agents receive hundreds of queries, and they have specific guidelines for a reason.

Finally, after your queries have been sent and you’re waiting for them to respond, it’s alway good to follow up if you haven’t heard a response in fair amount of time (at least six weeks).

To submit your own question to La Consejería, click here and fill out the form!

Embracing Brown Power with Miscolta’s Living Color: Angie Rubio Stories

Angie Rubio’s last name means “blond” in Spanish—isn’t that funny? As an elementary schooler, she thinks it’s a great joke, despite the fact that her white friends don’t seem to understand. Angie has dark hair and Brown skin, just like the rest of her family, and as she grows older, she finds it’s not just her jokes that her friends don’t seem to get.

Donna Miscolta’s Living Color: Angie Rubio Stories, a collection of linked stories mostly set in the 1960s and 1970s in California, is filled with these little gems. Through this moment and others, Angie, a Mexican-American Navy brat, finds that she is different from her classmates. She does not have blond hair, or blue eyes, and she certainly doesn’t have the popularity of her peers that do. She is often alienated and abandoned by the school pack, left feeling the ‘alone’ that so many of us feel when we’re not meant to feel the belonging orchestrated by those who apparently have the say-so. “Popularity isn’t everything,” Angie’s mother frequently says.

Jaded Ibis Press website.

As the book follows Angie from kindergarten up to her senior year in high school, she explores a myriad of relationship dynamics at home and at school, and there are often disconnects. For one, Angie’s mother does not speak Spanish directly to her children, so Angie and her siblings often wonder what her mother is saying to her aunt—especially when they one day decide to give Angie and her sister unexpected perms.

When Angie’s family finally settles in California, where her father explores a new career after the Navy, she begins to foster stronger connections to her new community and to herself. Best friendships fade, microaggressions become unbearable, and her passion for writing and activism burgeons.

As Angie enters adolescence, her wit and bravery shine as her intolerance for systemic racism against herself and her family grows. She is shy, but holds her own against the onslaught of a privileged white narrative imposed on her every day at school. At home her older sister, Eva, the smart one, frequently reminds her, especially during the toughest moments of Angie’s self-realization, that they, indeed, are different. This time, however, it’s a fact that Angie begins to embrace. 

Angie’s high school years are a true pleasure to behold—a young woman coming into her own and moving toward a promising future. She enjoys speech club, takes advanced classes, and even tries out with her best friends for cheerleading. Despite her friends’ triumphs, they are still often silenced or rejected because of their differences from popular girls like Judy. “Brown power,” they say together, knowing they will soon be able to escape their high school’s ongoing oppression. 

Donna Miscolta’s Living Color is an intimate exploration of the intersectional identity of a young Mexican-American girl, and the tensions between what she’s been told is true and the truth itself. Just as Angie takes a powerful step forward in determining her own future, her own way, Latinx youth should all keep these words close to the chest: Brown power, for today and for tomorrow. 

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Chelsea Villareal is a Queer Mexican-American Children’s Media Strategist from Portland, Oregon. She holds a BUPA in Political Science & Media Studies from Portland State University and is currently enrolled in her Masters at Columbia University, TC. She works on the Brand Marketing team at Penguin Young Readers and also holds down the role of Program Manager at We Need Diverse Books. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two crazy, lazy feline beasts.