Excited To Be A Published Latina Author!

I am beyond happy today, as I share very exciting news with all of you! After a long process to get to this moment, I can finally say that I’m a published Latina author. This first book is a great achievement for me personally, and also for my family and friends who have supported me along the way. I’m very excited to be another voice telling the stories of American Latinos, and specially that I get to do it for the new generation.

As if being a published Latina author wasn’t sweet enough, it is very special to me to be launching my title “La Familia Cool: El tesoro más valioso / The most valuable treasure” here, at the 2015 Annual Conference for The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), since so many of our Latino children enter the classrooms every day and there is such a huge need for them to see their stories in print.

There is a small group of people who knew of this book, a very special story that was inspired by my own family but that I feel reflects the reality of many Latino families in the United States. Getting to be a published Latina author is a dream come true, especially because I’m telling the story of the American Latino family, the multicultural and multiracial family with so many layers and colors.

Being able to share the craziness of these experiences, the eccentric and loud nature we share, and at the same time, talking about a bond that unite us all: the knowledge that familia es familia, no matter what.

This is the beginning of my journey, and I can’t tell you enough about how excited I am to be here, as a published Latina author, having this opportunity. I hope that you follow our launch day on Social Media and I thank you for your support in this new adventure, as you have done during these years in my social media journey.

Last, but not least, I have nothing but gratitude for the people in my life that have made this possible.

Thanks a million to…

My children, for being my inspiration, for teaching me that loving someone can improve who you are in ways I could never imagined.

My mother, for her unconditional and unwavering support and caring for what is most precious to me.

My husband, for being a rock in my life, for making it easy for me to dream and being a partner that supports my goals.

My former coach, and friend Francesca Escoto for planting the seed and encouraging me to write this book, and for her generosity in sharing her knowledge and wisdom.

My lifelong friend, Ramón Sandoval, for believing in this crazy idea and partnering to illustrate so beautifully my ideas.

My dear friend, and hermana, Ana Roca Castro, who believed in me and this dream and has helped me to make it possible.

My sisters that allowed me to use their children as an inspiration for the La Familia Cool concept, Web and projects.

Specially dedicated to my mother who is not physically with us, but who is at the center of everything I do. My ever-present Mamá Amparo.

And to all of you, my readers, followers, and friends on Social Media, THANKS A BUNCH! ¡MIL GRACIAS!

[dania]