Publications:
Middle school can be stressful. On the outside, you can look like everything is going great. On the inside, you may worry a lot — about making decisions, staying on top of your schoolwork, being more independent, making friends, and keeping yourself and everyone else happy. And all that can seriously stress you out.
How to Deal with STRESS in Middle School is part of an awesome book series that authentically captures the middle school experience. These nonfiction books skillfully guide middle schoolers through those tricky years between elementary and high school with the supporting voice of a trusted older sibling or a favorite aunt, stealthily offering life lessons and evidence-based coping skills. Kid Confident offers what kids need to have fun with it all and navigate middle school with confidence, humor, perspective, and feel our respect for being the amazing humans they already are.
COMING SOON!
(Publication date: October 2024)
Abuela’s Letter
I was honored to collaborate with the wonderful Debbie Zapata and Alejandra Ruiz on Abuela’s Letter by writing the Note to Readers and offering families evidence-based strategies and activities to support children during grief and bereavement.
Abuela’s Letter is a beautiful story that addresses loss and grief within a Latin family where the death of her grandmother challenges a young girl to discover letter writing as a way to cope and connect with her loved one's passing.
Alma’s favorite days are when her big family gathers at Abuela’s house. Tíos take siestas while tías tell their stories, and primos play dominoes while Abuela stirs the frijoles. Always at the center is the love of Abuela! Alma’s beloved grandmother and her number-one fan! When Abuela dies, all of this is suddenly gone. Alma is filled with sadness and grief until she finds a letter that Abuela left for her.
Could Abuela’s words be what fills her heart again with love and sweet memories?
This thoughtful story beautifully captures the concept of “familismo” ― a Latin cultural value involving dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Regularly spending time with one's immediate and extended family is part of familismo, as well as seeking the family's advice and support for important decisions and life transitions, such as grief and loss. Includes a note to readers in English and Spanish with coping strategies essential to Latino and Hispanic families about grief and loss of a loved one, as well as additional ways to support children and honor the life and memory of beloved family members.
