What’s UP? with author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and illustrator Doris Rodríguez GLORIANA PRESENTE
ABOUT THE BOOK
Enter the classroom in this joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice. With Spanish words throughout the text, this radiant picture book is perfect for fans of Mango, Abuela, and Me.
On the first day of elementary school, Abuela soothes Gloriana’s nerves by telling her stories from their family home in la República Dominicana. But as soon as Gloriana enters the classroom, the tropical scenery crumbles and la música is replaced with English phrases she does not understand. When other kids approach her to play at recess, she freezes, uncertain about how to exist between her two homes, or how to make new friends between her two languages. Abuela recognizes echoes of her own immigration journey on this challenging day at school, and she gently guides Gloriana towards newfound confidence. This beautifully painted, imaginative picture book celebrates the magic of existing in-between, and the transformative power of self-soothing to build confidence.
An essential read for fans of The Queen of Kindergarten.
ABOUT Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her partner and daughter. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. She hopes you enjoy her stories.
ABOUT Doris Rodríguez
Doris Rodriguez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and is currently working in New York and Miami. She attended The Altos de Chavon School of Design and then earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design, and a Masters in Arts Education from Florida International University.
ABOUT The LatinX KidLit Book Festival
The Latinx KidLit Book Festival was created in 2020 during the COVID pandemic by members of Las Musas Books. Our aim was to connect Latinx authors and illustrators with readers and educators in classrooms around the globe. Since then, and with the help of countless volunteers, the festival has continued to foster a love of story and literacy as well as increase empathy and conversation among educators, students, and book lovers while uplifting the voices of Latinx kidlit book creators.
We thank the many volunteers who have shared our vision for this beautiful event and have given their time, energy, and talents to make it a reality. The Latinx Kidlit Book Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded by the generosity of our sponsors and donors. If you wish to support our mission, please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
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