Comments on: Latina Bloggers Respond: Not Enough Hispanic Authors, Books Due to Publishing Industry

By: Dora Herrera

Dora Herrera — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:49:40 +0000

We have a space for Bookcrossing in my restaurant. Customers pickup and drop off books here and comment on the books online. The variety is incredible! And, yes, there are books in Spanish in the mix – by Latino authors and translation, too. Hope the supply catches up with the demand!

By: Viviana

Viviana — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:17:22 +0000

Count on the conversation continuing Araceli! It’s just one, but an important piece of this puzzle. As important is demanding diversity at the editor level. As a community, we also must put our wallet where our mouths are. We can speak about supporting Latino authors and books. But nothing shows support like selling out a bookstore or Amazon.

By: Viviana

Viviana — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:14:23 +0000

I hope this action started by Latina Bloggers not only inspires you Dulce-Marie to finish your children’s book. We just had a successful Twitter party and are planning more initiatives. Our plan is to start a conversation that leads to opportunities to encourage, nurture, and publish young authors like you.

By: Viviana

Viviana — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 03:11:13 +0000

Diana, I think that’s a good suggestion. Good plots that don’t stereotype Latinos is a good start!

By: Araceli Esparza

Araceli Esparza — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 02:10:50 +0000

Thank you for your post! I can’t believe your friend was told that there is no Latino market!!! Please give our talent to another college! As a writer and MFAC (childrens lit) student, writers of color are vital in turning the tide in the critical need for Latino representation in Children’s Literature. Progress can not begin without the inspiration of our children and that begins with seeing themselves in the books they read. Let’s continue the conversation para nuestros ninos, para adelante!

By: Dulce-Marie Flecha

Dulce-Marie Flecha — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:36:25 +0000

I asked my mother for advice on writing sample topics and this was the first thing she gave me– stunningly enough, it was on her mind before the Times article even debuted. My father has told me multiple times that I should write a kids book featuring Latino characters, and I actually started one over Thanksgiving break. It would be so fantastic to see more children’s literature that I could gift to my little cousins.

Diane has a great point on finding relatable topics. I loved Me Llamo Maria-Isabel as a kid (she seemed to struggle with her name in class as I did with mine).

By: Diana aka Ladydeelg

Diana aka Ladydeelg — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:49:34 +0000

what we have to do is start writing children’s books with plots that Latino kids find relatable… for example, on the struggles of growing up in a bicultural world… when I was little I read the Babysitters’ CLub and read about sleepaway camp and sleepovers, i was never allowed to do any of that stuff!
more plots where kids will read about children going through the same experiences they are!

By: Viviana

Viviana — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 03:54:59 +0000

Thank you for sharing your valuable, quantified feedback on book sales. I hear again and again from my friends who are trying to expose their children to different books that it’s difficult to find: 1) books for kids on Spanish, 2) books authored by Latino authors, and/or 3) books with a Latino character. I’m including a link to Latin Baby so people reading know that if Barnes and Noble won’t carry these books, they can still buy them! Latin Baby virtual bookshop: http://latinbabyusa.com/catalog.php?category=8