Latino Book Chat

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

In this captivating episode, we delve into the whimsical tale of “The Extraordinary Adventures of Pepo and Pipa,” a Kickstarter-funded story that has captured the hearts of readers. Join us as we journey with two courageous siblings, Pepo and Pipa, who find themselves whisked away to a fantastical realm. With their parents in peril, they must navigate this new world filled with wonder, challenges, and the essence of traditional family values.

We’ll discuss the themes that make this story resonate with its audience and how this narrative celebrates the bonds of family. Visit familypathmedia.com to offer your support for Luis' book project.

Join us as we sit down with the talented and insightful Daniel Olivas, author of the groundbreaking novel, "Chicano Frankenstein." Daniel takes us on a literary journey through the pages of his thought-provoking work, where he skillfully blends the elements of classic literature with the rich tapestry of Chicano culture. Explore the themes of identity, belonging, and societal reflections as we delve into the modern reimagining of a timeless tale. In this insightful conversation, we chat about the inspiration behind "Chicano Frankenstein" and learn about Daniel's creative process. Tune in now to discover the magic behind "Chicano Frankenstein".

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

In this episode, we dive into the captivating novel Huizache Women by Estella González, which follows the lives of three generations of women who struggle with love, loss and survival in Mexico, Texas and California. We discuss how the author uses the huizache tree as a symbol of resilience and resistance, how she portrays the Mexican and Chicano experience through music and culture, and how she explores the themes of gender and identity in her characters. Estella shares her inspiration and insights behind writing this powerful and moving story. Join us as we celebrate the strength and beauty of Huizache Women.

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

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

The Neapolitan Sisters by Margo Candela is a humorous yet moving story that delves into the themes of family, culture, trauma, and identity. The novel is told in alternating points of view by the three Bernal sisters: Maritza, Claudia, and Dulcina. Each sister has a distinct personality and a different way of coping with their past and present challenges. The novel reveals how each sister has been shaped by their shared trauma of growing up with an alcoholic father and a passive-aggressive mother, who have a dysfunctional marriage. The sisters have to confront their repressed memories and emotions, as well as their complicated relationships with each other and their parents. The novel also portrays the vibrant and diverse community of East L.A., where the sisters navigate their cultural identity and expectations. Visit MargoCandela.com to learn more about Margo, her work, and upcoming novels.

What happens when you grow up in a place where two cultures collide and two languages coexist? How do you find your voice and your identity in a world that often misunderstands or misrepresents you? In this episode Yasmín Ramírez chats about her memoir ¡Ándale, Prieta!, a captivating and candid account of her life as a Mexican American woman in El Paso, Texas. Yasmín shares how her grandmother, who affectionately called her Prieta, shaped her sense of self and taught her to embrace her roots and her skin color. She also reveals the joys and struggles of living in the US-Mexico border region. Visit nicagal.com to get a copy of Yasmín's book.

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

One Last Song for My Father is a tribute to the author’s father, a tinsmith and musician who suffered from dementia for the last sixteen years of his life. The book is a blend of personal narrative, poetry, photographs, and artwork that explores the author’s relationship with his father.

This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the people in your life who have shaped you in ways you may not realize. It is a book that celebrates the power of art to heal, connect, and transcend.

Hola Ranger: My Journey Through the National Parks by David Vela is a memoir of his life story, from growing up in the farmlands of Southeast Texas, to visiting his first national park, to working in various parks across the country, to becoming the first Latino acting director for the National Park Service. David Vela share a lot of personal stories and insights into what it takes to protect and preserve our nation’s most special places.

In this episode, we chat with Adriana Erin Rivera, the author of Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898, a historical fiction book that tells the story of a twelve-year-old girl who lives in Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War. We discuss how Rivera collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Latino, how she researched the historical and cultural aspects of Puerto Rico in 1898, and how she incorporated the elements of music, nature, and family into Paloma’s story. We also explore what Rivera hopes readers will learn and appreciate from reading Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico, and how her book contributes to the Nuestras Voces series that shares inspiring Latino stories. Tune in and join us for this fascinating conversation at LatinoBookChat.com

We’re going to discuss one of Reese Witherspoon's Book Club picks, The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes. This is an absolute, can’t-put-it-down thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Ana chats with us about her debut novel, how she created her characters, the suspense and the mystery. The House in the Pines is a gripping page-turner that combines mystery, thriller, and literary elements. It explores themes of memory, trauma, identity, and friendship. It also has a twisty and satisfying ending that will leave you breathless. Get your copy at NicaGal.com

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the fifth and final book in the series, Stella Diaz Leaps to the Future by Angela Dominguez. In this book, Stella is facing some big changes in her life. How will Stella cope with all these challenges? Will she be ready for what’s next? Join my chat with Angela as we dive into Stella’s world. Don’t miss this fun episode on Latino Book Chat. Get a copy of the book at http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

The Garden of Second Chances by Mona Alvarado Frazier explores real-life issues faced by Juana, the protagonist. Join us as we dive into Juana’s journey of survival, redemption, and courage in the face of impossible odds as we discuss topics such as immigration, incarceration, domestic abuse, and mental health. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode!

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

Incident at San Miguel follows the Cohen family, a Jewish Cuban clan whose lives are turned upside down by the political turmoil of the late 1950s. Two brothers, David and Isaac, find themselves on opposite sides of Castro’s uprising, and must face the consequences of their choices. It also sheds light on Cuba’s Jewish community, whose members built lives in that island paradise, and found themselves facing political terror.

Join us as we talk to A. J. Sidransky about his inspiration for writing this book, his research process, and his collaboration with storyteller Miriam Bradman Abrahams. We’ll also learn more about the history and culture of Cuba, and how it influenced the characters and events in the novel.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you won’t want to miss this episode of Latino Book Chat. Tune in and discover Incident at San Miguel by A. J. Sidransky.

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

In her book 7 Steps to Talk Confidently to Anyone, Raquel Gonzalez offers a step by step guide to become more confident when speaking to others. We discussed ways to reframe our thinking and eliminate negative self-talk. Listen to our interesting chat on LatinoBookChat.com. You can get a copy of the book at Nuestra Tienda at Nicagal.com and check out all the other books we have featured on the podcast.

In her fascinating book Meltdown, Anita Sanchez warns us that the pace of climate change is accelerating. She tells us fascinating facts about glaciers and offers advise about what we can do to stop the melting of glaciers. Once they are gone, they are gone forever! Anita's book encourages us to find solutions and to take action before it is too late. Listen to this interesting chat at LatinoBookChat.com and make sure to get a copy of Anita's book at our online store at Nicagal.com today.

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

Purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com and click Nuestra Tienda.

In her new novel Islands Apart: Becoming Dominican American, Jasminne Mendez chats about growing up Afro Latina in the South and how those formative years influenced the person she is now. Jasminne takes us on a journey of her most intimate moments as she struggled with being Dominican and American. Her story resonates with anyone who struggles to become their own person. 

Purchase a copy of her book at NicaGal.com and click Nuestra Tienda.

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

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

Alberto Roblest's new book "Against the Wall" is a collection of short stories are meant to engage the reader in Americas's social and political commentary. It's a way to be part of the discourse on the many topics prevalent in American society such as immigration, police brutality, political corruption, and the struggle for survival. Listen to this fascinating chat with Alberto Roblest.

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

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

You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Acclaimed author Reyna Grande discusses her newest historical fiction novel "A Ballad of Love and Glory". Her story portrays the love saga of Ximena Salomé, a Mexican healer and nurse, and John Riley, an Irish soldier who deserts the US Army and becomes the leader of the St. Patrick's Batallion during the Mexican-American War. Reyna talks about her process, the years of research it took to write her novel, and crafting her unforgettable characters.

You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

"Until Someone Listens" by Estela Juarez is the story of her mother's deportation to Mexico. At 8 years old, Estela found her voice and began to tell her story to anyone who would listen. She was features in the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Estela takes as on an emotional journey as she fights to reunite her family.

You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Felicia Zamora's new poetry book Quotient is a celebration to how humans need to go back to reconnect with our natural world. She challenges our thinking and preconceptions about our existence. We are not as special as we think we are. She takes us on a journey through math, physics, and chemistry in a world of lyrical intensity. 

You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

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

You can purchase a copy of the book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Dr. Silvia Casabianca has researched for decades the role of love and empathy in the preservation of the human specie. Her new book Heartminded emphasizes that humans are born with a capacity to have empathic feelings which are needed to save us from our own destruction. 

You can purchase a copy of Dr. Casabianca's book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Emma Otheguy invites her young readers to become advocates for important social issues such as immigration, racism, and classism in her middle grade novel "Sofia Acosta Makes a Scene." Young Sofia finds her voice and discovers that even though she is young, she can make a difference in her community. This is a must read book for young middle school children.

You can purchase a copy of Emma's book at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

Author Ariadna Sánchez Hernández has been inspired by her immigrant experience, the absence of social justice in her homeland, and the universal feeling of love. With intriguing photographs, Ariadna offers a window into the beauty of her native Oaxaca as she crafts a very touching and inspiring collection of Spanish poetry in Visitas Inesperadas. 

You can purchase a copy of Ariadna's books in our new online store Nuestra Tienda at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html 

Author Daniel Olivas takes us on a wild ride in his new collection of magical, surreal and dystopian short stories How to Date a Flying Mexican. 

You can purchase a copy of Daniel's books in our new online store Nuestra Tienda at NicaGal.com http://nicagal.com/NicaGal_nuestra_tienda.html

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

With mentorship and guidance from outstanding faculty at the Highlights Foundation, aspiring authors and illustrators hone their craft and learn about book publishing. Visit https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/ to learn more about workshops and retreats for authors and illustrators.

Jessica Payne is the executive director of Kids Need to Read, an organization that provides books to schools and libraries across the country. Visit kidsneedtoread.org to request books for your school or library, or to make a donation. 

Author and illustrator Juliet Menéndez chats about her first book Latinitas and the inspiration behind this amazing project.

Latinitas in an anthology of short stories about influential Latinas making history in Latina America and the United States.

In the novel Death Song of the Dragón Chicxulub, a young hero battles an Aztec dragon as he searches for his identity and destiny.