Latino Book Chat

What if a giant clay pot in your aunt's backyard was actually a portal to 1862? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning author and historian Emma Otheguy to dive into her thrilling new middle-grade historical fantasy, Cousins in the Time of Magic. Join us as Emma shares the inspiration behind her time-traveling trio: Jorge, Camila, and Siggy. And she explains why she wanted to take young readers beyond the textbooks to explore the real stakes of the American Civil War and Mexico's Battle of Puebla.

#middlegrade #historicalfantasy

In this episode, we sit down with Laura de La Cruz, author of Lowrider for Sale, to explore the stories, craftsmanship, and cultural pride woven into the world of custom lowriders. We dive deep into her inspiration for the book, the community memories behind these iconic vehicles, and what it takes to capture such vibrant history on the page. Tune in for a conversation about heritage and art on wheels. #LatinoBookChat

Ever wondered what it takes to launch an independent press that truly honors bilingual readers without treating one language as a secondary thought?

In this episode, we are joined by Nina Sánchez, founder of Viva Los Libros Press. Nina opens up about bridging the gap in Latine children's literature and the story behind their debut title SOMOS/We Are. Whether you are a parent, writer, or educator, this conversation is an exciting look into the future of diverse publishing. Listen now on LatinoBookChat.com

#BilingualBooks #LatinxLit #DiverseLit #VivaLosLibros #ChildrensBooks #RepresentationMatters #LatineChildren

What if the key to surviving the Holocaust lay at the geographic center of the world?

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning Ecuadorian-American author Darlene Campos to discuss her historical fiction novel, The Center of the Earth. Based on incredible true survivor accounts, the book follows twelve-year-old Dahlia, the spunky daughter of an Ecuadorian diplomat, and her best friend Werner, a Jewish boy fleeing the terrifying rise of Nazi Germany.

We dive deep into a lesser-known chapter of WWII history and how Ecuador served as a vital, hidden sanctuary for Jewish refugees. Darlene shares what it was like balancing the heavy realities of war and survivor’s guilt with the lighthearted banter, humor, and pure chutzpah of youth. Whether you are a historical fiction fan or love a powerful story about identity and found family, this conversation will completely reshape how you look at history.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rocío Velázquez Dresser, author of the gripping new novel-biography Life in My Father’s Shadow. Rocío shares the harrowing reality of growing up as the eldest daughter of a prominent Colombian activist whose political devotion culminated in his assassination. Tune in as we explore the hidden toll of political warfare on Latino families, the complex trauma of migration, and how Rocío transformed her life. This is an intimate conversation about what it truly costs to step out of a parent's shadow and reclaim your own voice. Listen now on Latino Book Chat.

In this episode, we sit down with Emma Escobar-Rivera, author of the children's book Lucia Between Two Worlds. For anyone who has ever felt like a tourist in their own home or a stranger in a new land, this conversation is for you.

We dive into the soul of her protagonist, Lucia, exploring the heavy weight of ancestral expectations and the light, liberating joy of finally defining "belonging" on your own terms.

Whether you are a fan of the book or someone currently navigating your own "two worlds," Emma’s wit and wisdom offer a masterclass in identity and empathy.

Grab your headphones, leave your passport at home, and join us for a journey into the heart of the in-between.

A missing history finally told. Author Rick Najera joins us to discuss his ambitious new project, The Latino Family Chronicles, starting with the gold-standard saga of the d'Escoto family in Love, Truth, and Loyalty. Listen to the true story of how one powerful Nicaraguan family risked everything: political power, fortune, and safety to protect their lineage and forge a new life. Najera explains the urgency behind documenting these stories and why the d'Escoto story sets the standard for the entire series.

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Hady Mendez, author of Calladita No More: My Latina Journey and the Lessons that Shaped Me. Hady shares her pivotal transition from feeling pressured to be the "little quiet one" to becoming a powerful, outspoken leader. She dives into the cultural sayings (refranes) that shaped her life, and offers practical strategies for self-advocacy and succeeding as an underestimated professional in the corporate world. Prepare to be inspired to find your voice and own your narrative. Listen now at LatinoBookChat.com

This episode is a celebration of cultural heritage, family connection, and adventure. We discuss the journey of Hasán, a young boy with Syrian and Puerto Rican roots, as he travels to Puerto Rico for the first time. We explore how he discovers the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and new language that connect him to an unknown part of his identity. Get inspired by Hasán's exploration of Puerto Rico's traditions and warmth.

Join us as we dive into MariVi the Master Navigator: All Aboard, the latest installment from Maria Lopez Twena. MariVi, now in third grade, faces one of her most relatable challenges yet: feeling self-conscious about her culture. We discuss the pivotal moment when MariVi meets a new biracial, Spanish-speaking classmate and suddenly worries about what her friends think when Spanish is spoken in public. The series serves as a crucial guide for families as their children learn to embrace their dual heritage and recognize their invaluable role as cultural navigators. Discover how Twena's books are transforming this challenging experience into a superpower of duality.