THE LATINA BOOK CLUB

The Latina Book Club is Celebrating Women’s History Month by showcasing female authors and poets all this month.    We thank these fearless women for joining the celebration and sharing their works with us.   Enjoy! Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa was born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City. She is a product of the Puerto Rican communities on the island and in the South Bronx. She attended the New York City public school system and received her academic degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo and Queens College-City University of New York. As a child she was sent to live with her grandparents in Puerto Rico where she was introduced to the culture of rural Puerto Rico, including the storytelling that came naturally to the women in her family, especially the older women. Much of her work is based on her experiences during this time. Dahlma taught creative writing and language and literature in the New York City public school system before ...

The Latina Book Club congratulates actress-writer-comedian Jonisha Rios , whose book, CURSE OF THE BLUE VAGINA AND OTHER STORIES, was just released. Jonisha  shares with us a funny story of a Mom at a supermarket short on funds who ends us with more than she bargain for.  Welcome! “WE’RE ALL LIVING TELENOVELA LIVES….” by Jonisha Rios I’m in line at Winn Dixie here in Orlando, in one hand is a box of no frills pull-up pampers, in the other a basket with a half gallon of milk, cereal for the baby, an iced tea- and my guilty pleasure - an “US weekly magazine”.  I’m a sucker for those mags, especially when my life sucks.  I just look at the photos of the rich and famous and realize we aren’t all that different.  They’re just as screwed up as poor people are. As I inch up to the cash register, I’m suddenly filled with dread “Will I have enough? Did my husband remember to refill the prepaid card? I look over at my child...

   The Latina Book Club is pleased to welcome Frank Brewster III, a Texas music teacher turn poet and author. Once an educator, always an educator. Frank has been able to "bridge words, poetry, music and education, all into a single work of art," and his books are being used in numerous school districts.   What follows is a lengthy chat with Frank, but you can't help but be impressed by his devotion to education, and his hard work in getting his books into children's hands.   All we can say is, Bravo, Frank. Bravo! It is Life that inspires me to write. You see, I am in love with life!!! I am fascinated with all aspects of living for it is a constant challenge of beauty, love, struggle, heartbreak, food, and so much more! --Frank Brewster III Q:   Congratulations on winning $10,000 from the Mission Economic Development Corporation Ruby Red Venture Program.  We understand that the money is going to mass-produce your books for several school di...

   This week the Latina Book Club  has celebrated Mothers with books with strong, courageous Mamás.  We began with our Book of the Month, THE CRUEL COUNTRY. We hope you have enjoyed our selections.   Feel free to share your favorite “Mother” book with us.   Here now is our final selection.  Happy Reading.  Happy Mothers Week! Singing makes me so happy . – Mamá Laura Lacamara has written a sweet, magical children’s book inspired by her mother, who was an opera singer in Havana.   Lacamara’s book comes to live with the vibrant and amazing illustrations from talented illustrator Yuyi Morales .   Readers of all ages will enjoy this book again and again.   And, best of all, the book is bilingual -- written in both English and Spanish.      BOOK SUMMARY:   Anita comes home from school on her seventh birthday to find her mother singing opera and floating in the air.  Everyone ...

    Ladies reign at this year's Pura Belpré Awards.   The Latina Book Club congratulates Meg Medina  and Yuyi Morales on their win.        The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.     The 2014 Winners are:     Author Award Winner – Meg Medina for her book YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS (Candlewick Press), a YA book on bullying and resilience.       Illustrator Award Winner – Yuyi Morales for her illustrations and writing of NIÑO WRESTLES THE WORLD (Roaring Brook Press), a YA book about a boy who battles icons from Mexican popular culture in the lucha libre ring.           Honorable Mentions include :  ...