Exclusive Cover Reveal: LOS MONSTRUOS FELICE AND THE WAILING WOMAN by Diana López with Cover Art by Pablo Leon

Latinx in Publishing is thrilled to exclusively reveal the cover for the new middle grade novel by beloved Tejana author Diana López, LOS MONSTRUOS: FELICE AND THE WAILING WOMAN, coming from Kokila Books/Penguin in April 2023. The fantastic cover artwork is by Guatemalan comic and animation artist Pablo Leon.

When twelve-year old Felice learns that she’s the daughter of La Llorona, she stows away and lands in the magical town of Tres Leches, where her mother is said to be haunting the river. Growing up with her uncle Clem in Corpus Christi, Felice knew that she had been rescued from drowning—it’s where her intense fear of water comes from—but she had no idea her mother remained trapped between worlds, looking for her. Guided by the town’s eccentric mayor, Felice vows to help her mother make peace with events that have turned her into the most famous monstruo of US-Mexico border lore. Along the way, she meets the children of other monstruos—like La Lechuza and The Dancing Devil—and together, they free Tres Leches from magical and metaphorical curses that have haunted them all for generations.

The first in a series, Felice and the Wailing Woman brims with high stakes adventure, Mexican folklore, and a dash of magic that will have you staying up all night to finish reading. Diana López reframes lore with a positive feminist representation of the La Llorona myth, a perfect conversation starter for book clubs and classrooms. And there will be more books to come --subsequent books will follow the children of other monstruos, La Lechuza and The Dancing Devil.

Cover design by Kaitlin Yang with art direction by Theresa Evangelista.

Diana López

Diana López is the author of the adult novella Sofia’s Saints and numerous middle grade novels, including Confetti Girl, Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel, Nothing Up My Sleeve, and Lucky Luna. Her debut picture book, Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla, is available in English and Spanish. She also wrote Coco: A Story about Music, Shoes and Family, the novel adaptation of the Disney/Pixar film Coco. Diana retired after a career in education at both the middle grade and college levels, but she still enjoys meeting with students when she visits schools to chat about books and writing. She is a past mentor in the Latinx in Publishing Writer Mentorship Program, and currently serves as the President of the Texas Institute of Letters. Diana lives in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Pablo Leon

Pablo Leon is a Guatemalan author and artist. He currently lives in Los Angeles, jumping between working in the TV animation industry and comics. His original comic “The Journey,” about the true accounts of people migrating from Central America to the U.S., was a 2019 Eisner Award nominee. Some of his clients include Warner Brothers Animation, OddBot Inc, DreamWorks Animation, Bento Box Entertainment, and more. He is the illustrator for the bestselling and award nominated Miles Morales: Shock Waves for the Marvel/Scholastic partnership, and its sequel, Miles Morales: Stranger Tides. His forthcoming YA graphic novel, Silenced Voices, about two sisters during the Guatemalan civil war, comes out with Harper Alley in 2024.

Most Anticipated July 2022 Releases

July is here and so are some good reads. Below are the latest additions to my reading list; each one with it’s one unique attraction. Whether a memoir that touches on the supernatural or a fiction read that is far from the ordinary, this list is my idea of a summer party.

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THE MAN WHO COULD MOVE CLOUDS: A Memoir | by Ingrid Rojas Contreras | On Sale July 12, 2022

A good memoir is a staple for every reading list, so when I heard about The Man Who Could Move Clouds, it was an instant add to my TBR. This is a story about magic and not just figuratively. Rojas Contreras was raised amid the political violence of 1980s and ’90s Colombia, in a house filled with her mother’s fortune-telling clients. Her maternal grandfather was a well-known curandero with the power to talk to the dead, tell the future, treat the sick, and move the clouds. Yes, this is NOT a fiction book. —Rojas Contreras always felt distant from this part of her history, until a head injury left her with amnesia. After having only regained partial memory, she goes on a journey to Colombia with her mother, who to her surprise experienced a very similar path. In her quest to relearn her past, she uncovers a family divide that dates back to her Indigenous and Spanish roots. A story about the power of storytelling and healing; with the help of not only the past, but also the unimaginable. This is a book that is sure to leave the reader enchanted with every turn of the page.

CRYING IN THE BATHROOM: A Memoir | by Erika L. Sánchez | On Sale July 12, 2022

I know, another memoir, but after the high acclaim of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (currently being adapted for the screen by America Ferrera,) this is simply a must read. In a series of essays, Sánchez writes about topics that are of great interest to me: sex, self-awareness, mental health, feminism (with very blunt thoughts on white feminism…I’m here for it) and many more insightful ideas that I’m curious to dive into. A book that will have you feeling like you’ve been having conversations with Sánchez for years.

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU | BY Silvia Moreno-Garcia | ON SALE JULY 19, 2022

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings us yet another story that is bound to be a page-turner. I’ve been anticipating this for quite awhile as it is different from anything that I’ve read before. Set in nineteenth-century Mexico, in a distant and luxuriant estate, away from the Yucatán peninsula, a mad scientist, Dr. Moreau, his daughter, his assistant and the people he genetically engineered live in harmony. —That is until the abrupt arrival of the careless son of Dr. Moreau’s patrons, Eduardo Lizalde. Monsters, history, action, romance; a total blend of genres, this without a doubt will be a wild ride.

Twice a Quinceañera: A Delightful Second Chance Romance | by Yamile Saied Méndez | ON SALE July 26, 2022

I am a firm believer in always having a romance book accessible, for the days when the world becomes a little too heavy. Cue in the upcoming release from the author that brought us Furia, Yamile Saied Méndez. —Let me set the scene: a woman is about get married and turn 30, but turns out her fiancé is a cheater. Womp. The good thing is that instead of drowning in sorrow, she decides to celebrate her birthday by using her already paid for wedding venue to throw herself a Quinceañera! Genius. Single, making moves and living her best life, until she discovers that the man in charge of the venue is none other than her college fling. Uh oh (or is it?!) Lighthearted, fun and filled with good energy. This is just what the doctor recommends on a rainy day.

Why Didn't You Tell Me?: A Memoir | by Carmen Rita Wong | On sale July 12, 2022

Okay, so maybe I have a thing for memoirs but I really enjoy reading about people’s journeys. Especially, a journey that leads to self-discoveries and revelations. —A former national television host, advice columnist, and professor, Carmen Rita Wong has written about her search for answers and quest to belong. Torn between identities and deciphering her new White suburban American life, Wong’s relationship with her mother becomes full of tension and conflict. Much later in life secrets are revealed that unravel Wong’s life. Though filled with clarity, she’s still left with many more questions, upon her mothers death. A story about identity and what defines us. This one that will leave us all in deep thought.

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Tiffany Gonzalez is the Marketing Manager at Astra House. She previously worked in Production at HarperCollins Publishers. She has worked on the Publicity and Marketing campaign for Dreaming of You by Melissa Lozada-Oliva and on the Marketing campaigns for Becoming Abolitionists by Derecka Purnell, The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa Sekiyamah and The Town of Babylon by Alejandro Varela. She has earned her Bachelors and Master's degrees from Rutgers University - NB. She is Dominican-American and fluid in Spanish. You can follow her on Instagram @wandering_tiff_ or visit her website at wanderingtiff.com

Latine Bookstores to Shop this Summer

Is there anything better than sitting poolside with a good book? Check out these latine bookstores across the US to find your next great summer read.

Cafe con Libros - Brooklyn, nyc

Cafe con Libros is an intersectional Feminist community bookstore and coffee shop located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York

“Through our choice of books, programming and great coffee, we endeavor to create a vibrant community space where everyone; specifically womxn-identified folx, feel centered, affirmed and celebrated.”

Stop in and enjoy a nice iced coffee while you browse for your next feminist read in this beautiful, cozy shop. Don’t forget to snag a cute tote while you are there!

Palabras Bilingual book store - pheonix, az

Palabras is a local community and cultural hub with a specially curated diverse collection of books, an art gallery, a workshop and event space and small mutual aid garden.

This full service bookshop has events constantly, from their Missed Education book club, to their night market and open mic nights, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.

La Librería - Los Angeles, CA

La Librería is a woman owned children’s bookstore with a focus on young readers improving their Spanish language skills. This cutesy shop sends educational bilingual books to schools and programs across the country, along with hosting virtual book fairs and co-creating the Los Angeles Libros Festival!

Epilogue- Chapel Hill, NC

Epilogue is an an independent bookstore & Spanish-style chocolatería that aims to be a place for people to gather and connect with each other.

One of the few, if not only bookstore where you can find a good book while enjoying craft brews, a glass of wine, or churros and a cup of chocolate! And don’t forget to check out their queer reader book club!

The Lit Bar- Bronx, NY

Opening its doors in 2019, the Lit Bar is the only bookstore in the Bronx borough. This a bookstore/wine bar/community center aims to bring the diverse community together with the power of a good book, and an even better drink.

With patrons such as Barack Obama and Jennifer Lopez, this historic “bookstore and chill” location is definitely a place to visit.

Where are you buying your next summer read from?

Best Books of 2022 (So Far) According to Latinx In Publishing

It’s been an amazing year so far for books published by Latinx persons and we are so excited to share staff picks for our best of the year (so far) selections! Scroll on to read the full list and let us know on social what books are on your best of list this year.

BREATHE AND COUNT BACK FROM TEN | YOUNG ADULT 

by Natalia Sylvester

“Breathe and Count Back from Ten is stunning. Not only is it, I think, the first YA novel ever about a character with hip dysplasia, but Natalia Sylvester seems to be incapable of writing a story that's not gorgeously phrased and emotionally devastating. Highly recommended.”  

— Sophia Jimenez, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing

A WOMAN OF ENDURANCE | Historical Fiction

by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa

“A WOMAN OF ENDURANCE brings Puerto Rico's slave trade front and center. It's wrenching and profound, and full of horrors. But, it is also a novel about survival, endurance, healing, and the triumph of the human spirit.”

— Maria C. Ferrer, Interim Treasurer & Events Director Latinx in Publishing

MISS QUINCES | GRAPHIC NOVEL

by Kat Fajardo

“My 9-year-old and I read Miss Quinces together and we bonded over our love of Sue’s awesome fashion and her sense of humor, and I so appreciated how perfectly the story captures that feeling of being deeply connected to a place and also feeling like an outsider in it at the same time. I’m especially thrilled that we are now reading Srta. Quinces, the Spanish version, and so we have another opportunity to experience the book. What a gift! I wish more graphic novels were available in English and Spanish.”

—Nancy Mercado, Programs Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing

MARIA, MARIA | SHORT STORIES

by Marytza K. Rubio

"Marytza K. Rubio's gorgeous debut is unique, funny, and utterly immersive. A must read if you love magical realism, stories about brujeria, and animals!"

— Toni Kirkpatrick, Board Secretary, Latinx in Publishing

DIARIES OF A TERRORIST | POETRY

by Christopher Soto

“Soto is a queer Salvadoran poet and activist from Los Angeles, whose identities are the heart of their debut poetry collection. Calling for the abolition of policing and human caging, this collection dares to imagine a future in a better world, to look towards brighter existence for underprivileged communities, towards freedom. A rebel with a cause, we benefit to read everything Soto writes.”

— Andrea Morales, Communications Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing

THE LESBIANA’S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL | YOUNG ADULT

by Sonora Reyes

"Sonora Reyes's debut is a love letter to every former and present queer Latinx Catholic schooler. Witty, heartfelt, and vulnerable, it's the perfect read for lovers of Gabby Rivera, Jonny Garza Villa, and Adam Silvera."

— Carolina Ortiz, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing

PILAR RAMIREZ AND THE ESCAPE FROM ZAFA | MIDDLE GRADE

By Julian Randall

Julian Randall's page-turning middle grade fantasy debut, PILAR RAMIREZ AND THE ESCAPE OF ZAFA, seamlessly combines non-stop adventure with Dominican mythology and the history of the Trujillo dictatorship. Readers will fall for powerhouse filmmaker Pilar's vibrant voice and will be glad this is the first book in a new series!

—Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Board Member, Latinx in Publishing

July 2022 Latinx Releases

On-Sale July 5, 2022

Wilds of the United States by Alexander Vidal | Illustrated Nonfiction

Alexander Vidal tells the story of the wild creatures of the United States, offering accessible and fun visual cues like flags and badges to identify particular features in a gamified, graphic, and eye-catching way.

Put on your best pair of hiking boots, grab a sturdy walking stick, and explore the wild places of the United States with this stunning guidebook! Soak up new and shocking facts about this unexpected world of ours; pore over captivating, detail-rich illustrations; and discover surprising new creatures (some may be closer than you think!) every time you open the book. From glistening, snow-packed mountain ranges to searing deserts, this immersive and accessible guide is a one-stop shop for outdoor adventurers, animal enthusiasts, inquisitive minds—and anyone who listens to the call of the wild.

On-Sale July 12, 2022

The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya | Middle Grade

Facing a world dually altered by climate change and those who profit from it, Yolanda Cicerón will have to fight to save the last known beehive from extinction in this stirring new adventure by award-winning author Pablo Cartaya.

In a future shaken by climate disasters, Yolanda Cicerón knows that nature is something to be feared. While life in the Valley is brutal and harsh, Yoly dreams of leaving her farm to live in Silo—the most advanced town for miles around. But first, Yoly will need to prove she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed.

Between her razor-sharp smarts and sheer determination, Yoly is well on her way until she discovers her family can no longer afford her schooling. When forced to take matters into her own hands, the closer she gets to securing her future, the more she uncovers the dangers lying inside Silo’s walls—ones that threaten the entire Valley. 

As she cracks long-guarded secrets, Yoly, along with those closest to her, is put in grave peril and the only chance of surviving may lie in the rediscovery of a long-extinct species—the honeybee. Can the last surviving beehive be the key to pulling the Valley out from under Silo’s thumb, or will they destroy what remains of Yoly’s future?

Half Outlaw byAlex Temblador | Fiction

After the tragic death of her parents when she was just four years old, Raqi is sent to live with her uncle Dodge in Escondido, California. Taking after her Mexican father, Raqi immediately faces hostility from the members of Dodge's all-white, 1 percenter motorcycle club, the Lawless, and from her uncle himself. Being raised by a drug addict is no picnic, and Raqi must quickly learn how to survive. She manages to form a few friendships. Still, as soon as she can, she leaves the violence and bigotry behind and doesn't look back.

Years later, Raqi is a successful partner at a law firm in Los Angeles. She gets a call from Billy, the leader of the Lawless. Dodge is dead, and Billy wants her to go on the Grieving Ride, a special ride taken for all deceased members, and one that strictly follows the deceased's wishes. There is no way Raqi would ever attend, except for one thing: Billy promises to give her the address of her grandfather if she goes on the ride. It's the address of her father's father, her Mexican grandfather. Learning for the first time that she has other family and desperate to connect, she agrees. But this will be no ordinary Grieving Ride. Raqi is reacquainted with her old bike and with the various club members. During the cross-country trek, she will learn more about her uncle, and about herself, than she ever imagined possible.

Alternating between Raqi's childhood and a present 90s setting, and accented by moments of magical realism, Half Outlaw is the story of one woman's quest to find a better future while still wrestling with a tumultuous past. In her first adult novel, Alex Temblador gives readers an immersive look into a dangerous subculture at the end of an era, and a powerful and heartfelt story that explores self-knowledge, acceptance, and the meaning of family.

THE MAN WHO COULD MOVE CLOUDS by Ingrid Rojas Contreras | Memoir

For Ingrid Rojas Contreras, magic runs in the family. Raised amidst the political violence of 1980s and ‘90s Colombia, in a house where “what did you dream?” was the preferred greeting in place of “how are you?,” very little was out of the ordinary. Her maternal grandfather, Nono, was a renowned curandero, a community healer gifted with what the family called “the secrets:” the power to talk to the dead, tell the future, treat the sick, and move the clouds. As a young girl Rojas Contreras spent her days eavesdropping on her mother’s fortune-telling clients and eagerly waiting for the phone calls from relatives reporting that her mother’s apparition had, yet again, visited them thousands of miles away from where Mami stood in the family’s kitchen.

So when Rojas Contreras, now living in the United States, suffered a head injury in her twenties that left her with amnesia—an accident eerily similar to a fall her mother took as a child, from which she woke not just with amnesia, but also the ability to see ghosts—the family assumed “the secrets” had been passed down once again.

Interweaving family stories more enchanting than those in any novel, resurrected Colombian history, and her own deeply personal reckonings with the bounds of reality, Rojas Contreras writes her way through the incomprehensible and into her inheritance. The result is a luminous testament to the power of storytelling as a healing art and an invitation to embrace the extraordinary.

CRYING IN THE BATHROOM by Erica L. Sánchez | Memoir

Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Chicago in the nineties, Erika Sánchez was a self-described pariah, misfit, and disappointment—a foul-mouthed, melancholic rabble-rouser who painted her nails black but also loved comedy, often laughing so hard with her friends that she had to leave her school classroom. Twenty-five years later, she’s now an award-winning novelist, poet, and essayist, but she’s still got an irrepressible laugh, an acerbic wit, and singular powers of perception about the world around her.

In these essays, Sánchez writes about everything from sex to white feminism to debilitating depression, revealing an interior life rich with ideas, self-awareness, and perception. Raunchy, insightful, unapologetic, and brutally honest, Crying in the Bathroom is Sánchez at her best—a book that will make you feel that post-confessional high that comes from talking for hours with your best friend.

On-Sale July 19, 2022

Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo & Ren Graham| YA Graphic Novel

Riverdale meets Stranger Things in this debut queer YA graphic novel, developed from a hit webcomic. Set in the haunted town of Blackwater, Maine, two boys fall for each other as they dig for clues to a paranormal mystery.

Tony Price is a popular high school track star and occasional delinquent aching for his dad’s attention and approval. Eli Hirsch is a quiet boy with a chronic autoimmune disorder that has ravaged his health and social life. What happens when these two become unlikely friends (and a whole lot more . . .) in the spooky town of Blackwater, Maine? Werewolf curses, unsavory interactions with the quarterback of the football team, a ghostly fisherman haunting the harbor, and tons of high school drama.

A Monster Is Eating This Book by Karen Kilpatrick and German Blanco | Picture Book

For fans of The Book With No Pictures and The Monster at the End of this Book, this funny and interactive picture book showcases a word-eating monster and the (adorable) surprise behind this frightful creature.

Beware: There is a sleeping monster within these pages. But this is no ordinary monster. This monster eats words. And when the monster is awake, it gets HUNGRY. So you have to be very careful and very quiet while reading. If you hear a growl--run fast.

Oh no, what's that? The monster's woken up! How are we supposed to finish this book when all the words are being eaten? And who--or what--is this fearsome creature exactly? The answer to that question, I'm afraid, is totally . . . adorable.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Historical Fiction

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night comes a dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.

Carlota Moreau: A young woman growing up on a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of a researcher who is either a genius or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: A melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: The fruits of the doctor's labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them live in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Dr. Moreau's patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and, in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.

On-Sale July 26, 2022

OFF-KEY (Catalina Incognito #3) by Jennifer Torres | Chapter Book

One Day at a Time meets Mindy Kim in this third book in a charming new chapter book series about Catalina Castaneda, a Mexican American girl with a magical sewing kit who wants to start a band.

Catalina can't wait for the upcoming school talent show! Along with some of her classmates, they decide to rock out and form a band for the big day. But Catalina has some...specific ideas on how the band should look and sound. Can Catalina learn to be part of the band, or will she find herself working on a solo act?

Twice a Quinceañera by Yamile Saied Méndez |

Full of exuberant heart, Twice a Quinceañera is a pure delight for every woman who needs to be her own biggest fan—and who dreams of a second chance at first love.

One month short of her wedding day—and her thirtieth birthday—Nadia Palacio finds herself standing up to her infuriating, cheating fiancé for the first time in . . . well, ever. But that same courage doesn’t translate to breaking the news to her Argentinian family. She’s hyperventilating before facing them when she glimpses a magazine piece about a Latina woman celebrating herself—with a second quinceañera, aka Sweet 15! And that gives Nadia a brilliant idea . . .

With a wedding venue already paid for, and family from all over the world with plane tickets, Nadia is determined to create her own happily-ever-after. Since the math adds up perfectly, she’ll celebrate her treintañera, her double quinces. As the first professional in her family, raising a glass to her achievements is the best plan she’s had in years. Until she discovers that the man in charge of the venue is none other than her college fling that became far more than a fling. And he looks even more delicious than a three-tiered cake…

Charlie Hernández & the Golden Dooms: Volume 3 by Ryan Calejo | Middle Grade

Inspired by Hispanic folklore, legends, and myths from the Iberian Peninsula and Central and South America, this third book in the Charlie Hernández series follows Charlie as he fights against an army of the dead.

After hitchhiking across Central and South America to rescue the Witch Queen and face off against La Mano Peluda, Charlie Hernández is pretty much grounded for life. But after all he's been through, some quiet time at home with his parents might be nice. Though it would be better if he didn't have to share his room with his obnoxiously perfect cousin Raúl, who's staying with them.

But quiet is hard to come by when you're the fifth and final morphling, and it's not long before death walks back into Charlie's life. Or at least, the dead do, starting with a mysterious young calaca who corners him at school, dropping cryptic hints about trouble brewing in the 305. With the League of Shadows focused on repairing fractured alliances and tracking gathering armies, this one's up to Charlie to solve.

Following the clues only leads to more questions, and not even teenage investigative journalist extraordinaire Violet Rey can figure out how a sudden rooster infestation, earthquakes, missing persons, and a pet-napping gang of lizard-men--whom Charlie doesn't recognize from any legend--are all connected. Most concerning of all is when they learn a map has been stolen that reveals the locations of the Golden Dooms, the twelve ancient calaca watchmen who form the magical barrier between the realms.

To stop the impending invasion, Charlie and Violet must outwit an ancient evil and unravel the most sinister of schemes. That is, unless they'd rather watch the Land of the Living get overrun by the dead.

Review: How to Date a Flying Mexican: New and Collected Stories by Daniel A. Olivas

How to Date a Flying Mexican: New and Collected Stories is a collection of stories written by Daniel A. Olivas and contains fables of Chicano/a and Mexican culture. He is the grandson of Mexican immigrants and his parents, being proud Chicano themselves, encouraged him to explore the dynamics of Mexican and Chicana/o culture. Olivas is what you’d call a ‘triple threat,’ being that he is an author, playwright, and senior attorney with the California Department of Justice. You can find more work written and edited by Daniel Olivas on his website. 

Olivas intertwines Chicana/o and Mexican culture and history such as gods, curanderismo, education, immigration, and many other important factors into each story. The flawless incorporation of these two identities mixed with the peculiar characters in magical plots makes for memorable and quirky tales. Olivas also uses his artistic voice, and I’m sure some of that attorney-like quip, to confront the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies. The story that stuck with me is titled, “The Fox” because the ending was far from happy and I took away an interesting cautionary tale. Some of my honorable mentions are “After the Revolution,” “La Queenie,” and “Los Otros Coyotes.”

In “The Fox,” we follow a woman who happily lives by herself caring for her goat on her farm. The townspeople at the other end of the peninsula view this woman as strange. They are aghast at her preference to not interact with them and remark that one day she will need someone to make her happy. After the murder of her goat, the grief-stricken woman is forced to go into that town to barter for a new one. She succeeds while also catching the eye of the man she bartered with, and they eventually marry. Everyone is happy that the woman integrated into their town and they chided themselves for thinking such cruel things about her. However, this happiness is temporary.

Her marriage heads into a rapid decline and her husband becomes cruel. As you can imagine, the townspeople revert back to gossiping; this time, about the woman’s failing marriage. The woman reminisces about the times when she felt less lonely living by herself with her goat, a time when she was also safer. Marriage can be a type of death for women, but a happily single woman is hardly ever accepted by society either; even when she does marry, the judgment and gossip only evolve. In the Latina/o/e/x community, there is a lot of pressure and expectations for women to marry and that they should want to go into motherhood. Some women don’t see that life for themselves, so when being forced or expected to, it is like a death of her individuality and the life she originally envisioned for herself. In another life, I hope the woman in “The Fox” is happily living back on her farm with just her and her goat.

Something I found very endearing about How to Date a Flying Mexican is the fact that Olivas chose the title partially because it is one of his late father’s favorite stories. He speaks highly of his father, who also had literary ambitions, and how ecstatic they both were with Olivas’s success as an author. It’s really heartwarming to see others honor their family members through their accomplishments. The realization your parents had dreams of their own always comes with the wonder if they were able to accomplish them or set them aside in order for you to reach yours. That being said, the fact that his stories are filled with rich, cultural history and identities mixed with an homage to his father makes reading this novel a little more special. It was an honor to step into his strange, little world. 

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Melissa Gonzalez (she/her) is a UCLA graduate with a major in American Literature & Culture and a minor in Chicana/o & Central American Studies. She loves boba, horror movies, and reading. You can spot her in the fiction, horror/mystery/thriller, and young adult sections of bookstores. Though she is short, she feels as tall as her TBR pile. You can find Melissa on her book Instagram: @floralchapters

6 Must Reads This Pride Month

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes | Young Adult

Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.

Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she's gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way.

After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don't fall in love. Granted, she's never been great at any of those things, but that's a problem for Future Yami.

The thing is, it's hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn't going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she'll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?

No Filter and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado | Young Adult

Twenty-one-year-old Max Monroe has it all: beauty, friends, and a glittering life filled with adventure. With tons of followers on Instagram, her picture-perfect existence seems eminently enviable.

Except it's all fake.

Max is actually 17-year-old Kat Sanchez, a quiet and sarcastic teenager living in drab Bakersfield, California. Nothing glamorous in her existence--just sprawl, bad house parties, a crap school year, and the awkwardness of dealing with her best friend Hari's unrequited love.

But while Kat's life is far from perfect, she thrives as Max: doling out advice, sharing beautiful photos, networking with famous influencers, even making a real friend in a follower named Elena. The closer Elena and "Max" get--texting, Snapping, and even calling--the more Kat feels she has to keep up the façade.

But when one of Max's posts goes ultra-viral and gets back to the very person she's been stealing photos from, her entire world - real and fake -- comes crashing down around her. She has to figure out a way to get herself out of the huge web of lies she's created without hurting the people she loves.

But it might already be too late.

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro | Middle Grade

Perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Meg Medina, this debut middle grade novel from award-winning author Mark Oshiro is a hopeful and heartfelt coming-of-age story for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in.

San Francisco and Orangevale may be in the same state, but for Héctor Muñoz, they might as well be a million miles apart. Back home, being gay didn't mean feeling different. At Héctor's new school, he couldn't feel more alone.

Most days, Héctor just wishes he could disappear. And he does. Right into the janitor's closet. (Yes, he sees the irony.) But one day, when the door closes behind him, Héctor discovers he's stumbled into a room that shouldn't be possible. A room that connects him with two new friends from different corners of the country--and opens the door to a life-changing year full of friendship, adventure, and just a little bit of magic.

Mariposas: An Anthology of Modern Queer Latino Poetry by Emanuel Xavier | Poetry

Emanuel Xavier is the author of two collections of poetry, Pier Queen and Americano, and a fiction novel, Christ Like. He also edited Bullets & Butterflies: queer spoken word poetry and selected finalists for Best Gay Erotica 2008. His work has appeared in many publications including The James White Review, Genre, Long Shot, Virgins, Guerrillas & Locas, and Queer & Catholic. He is the recipient of the Marsha A. Gomez Cultural Heritage Award and a New York City Council citation for his many contributions to gay and Latino culture. 

Born Both: An Intersex Life by Hida Viloria | Memoir

From one of the world's foremost intersex activists, a candid, provocative, and eye-opening memoir of gender identity, self-acceptance, and love.

My name is Hida Viloria. I was raised as a girl but discovered at a young age that my body looked different. Having endured an often turbulent home life as a kid, there were many times when I felt scared and alone, especially given my attraction to girls. But unlike most people in the first world who are born intersex--meaning they have genitals, reproductive organs, hormones, and/or chromosomal patterns that do not fit standard definitions of male or female--I grew up in the body I was born with because my parents did not have my sex characteristics surgically altered at birth.

Born Both is the story of my lifelong journey toward finding love and embracing my authentic identity in a world that insists on categorizing people into either/or, and of my decades-long fight for human rights and equality for intersex people everywhere.

One of a Kind, Like Me/Único Como Yo by Laurin Mayeno and Robert Liu-Trujillo | Picture Book

Tomorrow is the school parade, and Danny knows exactly what he will be: a princess. Mommy supports him 100%, and they race to the thrift store to find his costume. It's almost closing time - will Danny find the costume of his dreams in time? One of A Kind, Like Me / Único como yo is a sweet story about unconditional love and the beauty of individuality. It's a unique book that lifts up children who don't fit gender stereotypes and reflects the power of a loving and supportive community.

Exclusive Cover Reveal: Abuela's Super Capa by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Latinx in Publishing is pleased to exclusively reveal the cover for ABUELA’S SUPER CAPA written by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri; publishing January 17, 2023 from HarperCollins. Read on for the official book synopsis and to view the gorgeous cover!

A heartwarming picture book about a young boy who learns how to accept that Abuela needs to retire her super capa. 

Saturdays are superhero days. Equipped with their milkshakes and capas, Luis and his abuela can turn anything into una aventura. But when Abuela gets sick, Luis has to learn a new way to be a hero. With some help from his sister, Luis learns that change isn’t all that bad and there are so many new aventuras to have, even if they look a little different.

Illustrator Elisa Chavarri, Designer Rachel Zegar

Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher and an award-winning children's book author based in Tampa, Florida. She is the author of Bella's Recipe for Success (2021) and If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja (2022). Ana has published children's books in Portuguese in Brazil and in Spanish for the foreign language educational markets. She is also a global educator, a PBS Media innovator, and an SCBWI member. You can follow Ana on Twitter @SraSiqueira1307 or on her website: www.anafiction.com.

Elisa Chavarri is a Pura Belpré Honor-winning illustrator from Lima, Peru. She grew up in Northern Michigan, where her family kept their Peruvian culture and Latin roots alive. Some of her books include the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Sharuko, written by Monica Brown, and I’ll Hold Your Hand, written by Maggie C. Rudd. Elisa lives in Alpena, Michigan, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.

June 2022 Latinx Releases

On-Sale June 1st, 2022

WEST SIDE LOVE STORY by Priscilla Oliveras | Adult Romance

Two familias in Texas, both alike in dignity, rivalries, and passion…

Having grown up in the nurturing household of Casa Capuleta, Mariana will do anything for familia. To solve her adoptive parents’ financial problems amid their rapidly changing San Antonio comunidad, Mariana and her younger sisters are determined to win the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. That means competing against Hugo Montero, their father’s archnemesis, and his band and escalating a decades-old feud. It also raises the stakes of Mariana’s forbidden attraction for a certain dark-eyed mariachi who sets her heart racing.

To Angelo Montero’s familia, Mariana is also strictly off-limits. But that doesn’t stop him from pursuing her. As their secret affair intensifies and the competition grows fierce, they’re swept up in a brewing storm of betrayals, rivalries, and broken ties. Against the odds, they vow to bring peace. But sacrifices must be made and consequences weighed for two star-crossed lovers to make beautiful music together.

On-Sale June 7th, 2022

WOMAN OF LIGHT by Kali Fajardo-Anstine | Adult Fiction

Luz “Little Light” Lopez, a tea leaf reader and laundress, is left to fend for herself after her older brother, Diego, a snake charmer and factory worker, is run out of town by a violent white mob. As Luz navigates 1930s Denver, she begins to have visions that transport her to her Indigenous homeland in the nearby Lost Territory. Luz recollects her ancestors’ origins, how her family flourished, and how they were threatened. She bears witness to the sinister forces that have devastated her people and their homelands for generations. In the end, it is up to Luz to save her family stories from disappearing into oblivion.

Written in Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s singular voice, the wildly entertaining and complex lives of the Lopez family fill the pages of this multigenerational western saga. Woman of Light is a transfixing novel about survival, family secrets, and love—filled with an unforgettable cast of characters, all of whom are just as special, memorable, and complicated as our beloved heroine, Luz.

BROWN NEON by Raquel Gutiérrez | Adult Nonfiction

A meditation on southwestern terrains, intergenerational queer dynamics, and surveilled brown artists that crosses physical and conceptual borders.

Part butch memoir, part ekphrastic travel diary, part queer family tree, Raquel Gutiérrez’s debut essay collection Brown Neon gleans insight from the sediment of land and relationships. For Gutierrez, terrain is essential to understanding that no story, no matter how personal, is separate from the space where it unfolds. Whether contemplating the value of adobe as both vernacular architecture and commodified art object, highlighting the feminist wounding and transphobic apparitions haunting the multi-generational lesbian social fabric, or recalling a failed romance, Gutiérrez traverses complex questions of gender, class, identity, and citizenship with curiosity and nuance.

MORE THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW by Katie Gutierrez | Adult Thriller

In 1985, Lore Rivera marries Andres Russo in Mexico City, even though she is already married to Fabian Rivera in Laredo, Texas, and they share twin sons. Through her career as an international banker, Lore splits her time between two countries and two families—until the truth is revealed and one husband is arrested for murdering the other.

In 2017, while trawling the internet for the latest, most sensational news reports, struggling true-crime writer Cassie Bowman encounters an article detailing that tragic final act. Cassie is immediately enticed by what is not explored: Why would a woman—a mother—risk everything for a secret double marriage? Cassie sees an opportunity—she’ll track Lore down and capture the full picture, the choices, the deceptions that led to disaster. But the more time she spends with Lore, the more Cassie questions the facts surrounding the murder itself. Soon, her determination to uncover the truth could threaten to derail Lore’s now quiet life—and expose the many secrets both women are hiding.

Told through alternating timelines, More Than You’ll Ever Know is both a gripping mystery and a wrenching family drama. Presenting a window into the hearts of two very different women, it explores the many conflicting demands of marriage and motherhood, and the impossibility of ever truly knowing someone—especially those we love.

On-Sale June 14th, 2022

MI CIUDAD SINGS by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Teresa Martínez | Picture Book

After experiencing a devastating earthquake, the spirit of a charming and vibrant Mexican neighborhood might be shaken, but it cannot be broken.

As a little girl and her dog embark on their daily walk through the city, they skip and spin to the familiar sounds of revving cars, clanking bikes, friendly barks, and whistling camote carts. But what they aren’t expecting to hear is the terrifying sound of a rumbling earthquake…and then…silence.

With captivating text and lively, beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming story leaves readers with the message that they can choose to be strong and brave even when they are scared, and can still find joy and hope in the midst of sadness.

THE GIRLS IN QUEENS by Christine Kandic Torres | Adult Fiction

Best friends growing up along Clement Moore Avenue in Queens, Brisma and Kelly will do anything for each other. They keep each other’s secrets, from their mother’s hidden heartbreaks to warding off the unwanted advances of creepy neighbors. Their exclusive world shifts when they begin high school and Brisma falls deeply in love with Brian, the local baseball legend. Always the wallflower to the vibrant and alluring Kelly, Brisma is secretly thrilled to be chosen by the popular athlete, to finally have someone that belongs to her alone. But as she, Brian, and Kelly fall into the roles that have been set before them, they ignite a bonfire of unrealized hopes and dreams, smoldering embers that finally find some oxygen to burn.   

Years later, Brisma and Kelly haven’t spoken to Brian, ever since a backyard party that went wrong, but their beloved Los Mets are on a historic run for the playoffs and the three friends—no longer children—are reunited. Brisma finds herself once again drawn to her first love. But when Brian is accused of sexual assault, the two friends must make a choice. At first, both rush to support and defend him. But while Kelly remains Brian’s staunch defender, Brisma begins to have doubts as old memories of their relationship surface. As Brisma and Kelly face off in a battle for what they each believe they are owed, these two lifelong friends must decide if their shared past is enough to sustain their future.  

Told in alternating timelines, The Girls in Queens is a novel for and of our time—a skillful exploration of the furious loyalty of young women, the complications of sexual abuse allegations within communities of color, and the danger of forgetting that sometimes monsters hide in plain sight.

On-Sale June 28th, 2022

VALENTINA SALAZAR IS NOT A MONSTER HUNTER by Zoraida Córdova | Middle Grade

It takes a special person to end up in detention their first week at a new school.

It takes a REALLY special person to accidentally burn down the cafeteria while chasing a fire-breathing chipmunk.

But nothing about Valentina Salazar has ever been “normal.” The Salazars are Guardians, tasked with rescuing the magical creatures who sometimes wander into our world, from grumpy unicorns to flying alpacas to the occasional fire-breathing chipmunk.

When Val’s father is killed during a rescue mission gone wrong, her mother decides it’s time for the family to retire from their life on the road. She buys a house in the suburbs and enrolls Val and her siblings in real school for the first time.

But Val is a Guardian at heart and she can’t give up her calling. So when a mythical egg surfaces on a YouTube video, Val convinces her reluctant siblings to help her find the egg before it hatches and wreaks havoc. But she has some competition: the dreaded monster hunters who’ll stop at nothing to destroy the creature and the Salazar family.

TREASURE TRACKS by S.A. Rodriguez | Young Adult

A debut middle-grade adventure about a young teen who goes on a treasure hunt for undersea riches to help his ailing abuelo.

Twelve-year-old Fernando “Fin” joins his grandfather on a secret quest to find a long-lost treasure swept to sea. But when their first mission takes a near-deadly turn, leaving his abuelo weak and unable to speak, Fin’s left to navigate the hunt alone. Well, not exactly alone—his boring, totally unadventurous dad agrees to help out. With danger lurking at every turn, Fin dives into the mission in order to save Abuelo's life. But between Dad’s constant worrying, unwanted diving babysitters, and harrowing encounters in the deep sea, the boy finds himself in a race against time to locate the treasure. If he can’t succeed? He fears he might lose Abuelo for good.

Treasure Tracks is a fast-paced story filled with heart and humor about the bonds of family, the meaning of a legacy, and most of all, the discovery of true treasure.

HORSE COUNTRY #2: FRIENDS LIKE THESE by Yamile Saied Méndez | Juvenile Fiction

Carolina's hope of opening up Paradise Ranch to everyone is coming true: the Unbridled Dreams program is ready to welcome its first sponsored student!

Gisella Bassi seems like the perfect fit -- on paper, that is. When she arrives at Paradise Ranch, she's not as excited as everyone expects. She might even be... scared of the horses? But if their first student isn't a success, there's no way the program will continue. Can Caro and her new friend, Chelsie, agree on how to rope Gisella in?

Review: THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL

In The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, Yamilet, or Yami, is a high school student who is trying to make the best of high school. This is interrupted when she mistakenly comes out to her best friend, Bianca, who ultimately betrays her by outing her. Yami is also trying to steer her younger brother, Cesar, from trouble as he keeps getting jumped by his peers. Yami and Cesar begin a new chapter at a new catholic school to hopefully escape their turbulent pasts. At their new school, they may be able to meet new friends and a potential love interest for Yami – except she already committed to acting as straight as possible to avoid any new complications. She constantly asks herself WWASGD: what would a straight girl do?

Reyes does a spectacular job unraveling the complexity of an identity as a young adult through multiple characters. Though the book’s main focus is Yami’s coming to terms with her sexuality, she also discusses her Mexican heritage and the macro and microaggressions she experiences by her new white schoolmates. Yami refuses to be silenced about the racism she experiences, which attracts other like minded friends. 

In addition, Reyes expands this conversation to other characters. One of my favorites is Bo, Yami’s new love interest. Bo is a proud lesbian with a Chinese background. Her two parents are white but celebrate Bo’s background by frequently dining at authentic Chinese restaurants and decorating their home with Chinese furniture and decor. One of my favorite moments was when Bo confided in Yami and expressed how even though she loves her adopted parents and their enthusiasm to celebrate Bo’s ethnicity, she still questions their authenticity and if it is performative. This is an relatable train of thought as I often question this from my peers. It’s easy to throw up some decorations or rave about the cuisine of a culture but it’s rarer to have someone genuinely interested in the culture for the right reasons. It also highlights how one’s identity has many components to it. While one might be more comfortable and confident in one component, there are others that can still cause insecurity and discomfort. I absolutely loved Reyes’ discussion about this topic and know many BIPOC readers will also relate to it. 

I found the writing to be so captivating. The writing style combined with the fully developed characters made the book impossible to put down. There were numerous moments where I wanted to hug many of the characters as they struggled with common high school problems, and Reyes allowed me as a reader to be proud of them when they emerged from their journeys. Reyes did a fantastic job embedding absolutely adorable high school romantic moments in the book that made me gush. Being able to gush like this is one of my favorite feelings when I read young adult and I’m impressed Reyes was able to invoke a wide range of emotions in her readers. This was my top anticipated release for 2022 and it certainly did not disappoint. In fact, it has become a new favorite that I will be recommending to everyone!

Content Warning: racism, homophobia, immigration, suicide ideation, and hospitalization of a character.

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Mariana Felix-Kim (she/her) lives in Washington, D.C. with her lovely cat, Leo. When she is not working in the environmental science field, Mariana is constantly reading. Her favorite genres include non-fiction, thrillers, and contemporary romances. Mariana is half Mexican and half Korean. You can find her on Instagram: @mariana.reads.books