I have sweet memories of being a kid crowded around the dinner table with my siblings listening to my grandfathers, parents, aunts, and uncles sharing stories about their lives. I grew up in a time when there wasn’t a single book on any classroom or library bookshelf where any character resembled me. I read books like Heidi and The Boxcar Children and I enjoyed them, but I couldn’t see myself in any of these stories.

 

Years later, when I was a teacher and a mother of a young daughter, I often invented my own stories, weaving in characters with names and backgrounds similar to family members, friends, and people in our community. Today, there are more culturally diverse children’s stories than ever, and yet, these books still only make up a small percentage of the children’s book market.

 

After 25 years in the classroom, I began writing some of my own children’s stories. My intention is to write stories for all young children to enjoy, and to make them feel accepted, represented, and valued.

 

It’s been an amazing journey getting my first book published in the Lupita Children’s Book Series. There have been so many helpers encouraging me along the way. I am so grateful for each one!

 

Elizabeth and I hope that you enjoy reading Lupita’s Treasure with your children and will be as fond of it as we are.

 

Wishing you many happy reading days ahead,

 

Lola Cruz