Our latest children’s books will be published on December 7! We're so proud of the young immigrant authors who drew inspiration from their experiences and the gaps they noticed in existing children’s books to create four thoughtful stories for young readers. Their stories will be published in Spanish and English in bilingual illustrated children’s books.

“I have not seen a story like this before. This story is different because we want people to identify with the culture. We wanted the story to represent Latino culture. A lot of times Latino people aren’t represented in literature. But it doesn’t matter who reads the book, it will still touch your heart.”
-Mario, co-author of Searching for Sancocho

Throughout July, 10 immigrant writers, ages 16-22, participated in workshops with Shout Mouse story coaches to write four new children's picture books! The workshops were part of a summer program hosted by the Latin American Youth Center for high school and college students. This is our second collaboration with LAYC. Four of the authors of Voces Sin Fronteras joined team story as author liaisons to support in the creation of these inspiring stories. We are grateful to Rosa, Saylenis, April, and Brenda for their support. We’re delighted to welcome back returning author Deyssy and to work with writers Andy, Ashanti, Jamileth, Joy, Mario, Marisol, Pedro, Tseganesh, Yenner, and Yunior for the first time.

We can't wait to share the stories they wrote with you: we're so impressed by the vulnerability and creativity this group of authors has shown. We're happy to welcome back returning emerging illustrator Joy and first-timers Ian, Fatima, and Yurieli as the artists who will be bringing this year's stories to life. Stay tuned on social media for sneak peeks as we share the behind-the-scenes making of the books. Coming December 2021!

Searching for Sancocho
by Mario, and Jamileth
Yurieli Otero, illustrator
Alexa Patrick, Story Coach
Brenda, Author Liaison

In Searching for Sancocho, Jamileth and Mario wanted to write a book exploring grief and representing their favorite foods. Aurora misses her abuela, who recently passed away. Neighbors and friends in D.C. keep bringing dishes to the house to help her family mourn, but all Aurora wants is her abuela's famous sancocho. After finding a magic pink bike that flies her all the way to the Dominican Republic, Aurora visits all abuela’s old favorite places in hopes of finding the recipe. Will Aurora be able to find the secret ingredient and keep her abuela’s famous sancocho alive?

Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma
by Joy and Tseganesh
Joy Ingram, illustrator
Barrett Smith, Story Coach
Rosa, Author Liaison

In Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma, authors Joy and Tseganesh wanted to write a book about the challenges and the beauty of having a multicultural identity. Joy-Grace is a fashionista, and this week is her school’s culture dayl. She wants to bring in a garment to reflect her background, but there’s only one problem: her family is from Nigeria, Jamaica, and Ethiopia! Will Joy-Grace be able to find the perfect dress to celebrate all of who she is in time for culture day?

Perla’s Magical Goodbye
by Ashanty, Deyssy, and Yenner
Fatima Seck, illustrator
Faith Campbell, Story Coach
April, Author Liaison

In Perla’s Magical Goodbye, Ashanty, Deyssy and Yemmer wanted to write a book that reflects the experience of leaving home to move to another country. Perla has been friends with Pablo and Genesis for as long as they can remember. But now that Perla is moving away from her hometown of San Unicornio to the US, she is sad about leaving them. After making a wish at the town’s unicorn fountain, Perla and her friends are visited by a magical creature who helps them spend one last beautiful day together. How can Perla and her friends learn to hold onto these magical memories and say goodbye?

Jasmin Pictures Home
by Andy, Marisol, Pedro, and Yunior
Ian Springer, illustrator
Tatiana Figuero, Story Coach
Saylenis, Author Liaison

In Jasmin Pictures Home, Andy, Marisol, Pedro and Yunior wanted to write a book that explores what it’s like to be different in a new country. In this book, a group of friends are the only kids in their school who are not from the City of Caves. These four best friends are all immigrants --from four different countries!--and they all speak Spanish. Though they bond over their shared language and their shared love of soccer, it’s not always easy being different from everyone else. The newest arrival, Jasmin, is having the hardest time and she spends all her time drawing. Hector, Manolito, and Jorge don’t like seeing Jasmin struggle. Can they work together to help Jasmin see the beauty in being different?

New Children's Books Coming!