VILLAGE BOOK BUILDERS

As you might know, during the past months I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of reading my books to children in Africa, México, and Perú through the Inspiring Voices program of Village Book Builders organization.

I first heard this project from an author friend (Jolene Gutiérrez) who had worked with them with her book THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT and whose pictures I saw on her social media. Jolene connected me with the people in charge of the program, and after learning more about their mission and how they seek to bring writers and children in remote communities together, I was hooked and on board.

My first presentation was in October 2024. I read ABUELITA’S GIFT (which had just been released) with children in libraries in Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. I wore my Jarocha dress for the occasion, as you can see in the picture above. I was impressed with how well behaved the students were, how well they speak English, and how much they paid attention to what I wanted to share with them. During the Q&A session, they were very engaged, which I appreciated. Their questions were so interesting and they just kept coming up with more and more. The teachers and staff made sure the virtual visit was very organized and everything flowed without interruptions as every location took turns to interact with me. During the time we were together, I felt a sense of special closeness in spite of being thousands of miles apart. This feeling was so special for me and I’m grateful that technology allows for these types of experiences who are very rich for authors and students alike.

Later on, in November, I got together (virtually) with children in different schools/libraries in México and Perú. The experience was quite different, because I was able to speak in Spanish and to read EL REGALO DE ABUELITA with them. What I probable loved most, is that these children had a unique connection to the story, especially the Mexican ones, because they actually celebrate the tradition of Día de Muertos with their families. Hearing about the ofrendas they set up for their loved ones touched my heart, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity of having had that experience with my book. Just as with Africa, the Q&A was very interesting and I also got to listen to comments from school principals and teachers.

On the first trimester of 2025 I’ve had the chance to go back to Africa and México, this time with Santiago’s Dinosaurios, and it turned out to be another great memory for me. For México, I actually translated the book to Spanish as I read it and it worked out really well. On May, I’m going to have a virtual visit with my little friends with Perú, so I’m looking forward to spending time together again.

I want to add that the staff of Village Book Builders is very committed to their mission. They are very kind, encouraging, and supportive to the authors, and I particularly loved working with Ms. Claudia Lugo. It’s truly been a pleasure to contribute in such a positive initiative, in which I really felt I’ve made a difference in the students. I appreciate that after the events, Claudia always shares several pictures for me to keep as mementos of our moments together.

I believe in this program so much, that so far I’ve connected some of my author friends too, like Paola Santos, Steena Hernández, Laura Bower, and Anna Orenstein-Cardona. So, if you’re an author and you are willing to share your time and books with children in other countries, I invite you to check out Inspiring Voices. Trust me, you’ll find the experience very rewarding and unforgettable.

Finally, I want to share the following review I wrote about my experience for Village Book Builders’ website:

“Having the opportunity of sharing my story, path to publication, and reading my books with children in México, Perú, and different countries in Africa has been an incredibly rewarding experience that will stay with me forever. Being able to reach and interact with students and teachers through Inspiring Voices program has been a gift and privilege; and it has filled me with warmth and satisfaction, both as an author and as a person. During my presentations, the children were always very welcoming, engaged, and curious. I enjoyed answering their interesting questions and listening to stories they wanted to share with me. It’s been a pleasure to spend time together and I’m very grateful for their kindness and enthusiastic participation. Special thanks to teachers, school principals, librarians, and Village Book Builders staff for making these events possible. Receiving pictures from my virtual visits, feedback from the teachers, and getting to see school projects related to my books has really touched my heart. I’m looking forward to connecting again in the future. Thank you Village Book Builders for giving me so much!”

Thanks for reading!

M

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Cover photo by Yan Krukau.