I’m proud to share that Isabel’s Birthday Surprise has received an Honorable Mention in the Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book (English) category at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards from Empowering Latino Futures. This heartfelt story, published by Magination Press and illustrated by Gabriella Galvez, is about hoping for your wishes to come true.
So grateful this story is finding its way into classrooms, libraries, and hearts. 
SCBWI Austin’s 2026 Mini MFA Fall Conference brought hundreds of book creatives together at UT’s Thompson Conference Center for a day of learning, sharing, and community. I was honored to join Michael Benner, Melissa Coffey, and Amber A. Novak for a Peer Success panel celebrating our books, publishing journeys, and the people who helped us along the way.
A fun night at the Texas Book Festival Author Reveal Party! It’s always exciting to hear the lineup for the first time.
On Sunday, August 23, I had the pleasure of participating in the Powerful Picture Book Biographies panel at the historic Books of Wonder in New York City.
The discussion brought together children’s literature creators to explore the art of bringing real-life histories and inspiring figures to young readers. I shared my picture book biography, A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality, alongside Anne Lambelet, author-illustrator of Beatrix and Her Friends, and the talented author-illustrator duo Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome, creators of Freedom to Read.
Thank you to Books of Wonder and to everyone who attended and helped make it such a memorable afternoon celebrating the power of historical storytelling—and the people whose stories deserve to be remembered and shared with young readers.
I’m proud to share that Isabel’s Birthday Surprise has been named a Writers’ League of Texas Discovery Prize for Picture Books. This heartfelt story, published by Magination Press and illustrated by Gabriella Galvez, is about hoping for your wishes to come true.
So grateful this story is finding its way into classrooms, libraries, and hearts.
I recently joined the team at Texas Standard to discuss my latest book, A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality. This picture book biography celebrates Roy Velásquez’s remarkable legacy of fighting for civil rights and expanding access to transportation for everyone. Listen to our full conversation here.
.
The launch celebration for A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality! was a heartfelt tribute to Roy Velásquez and the enduring legacy of his courage, leadership, and commitment to his community. It was a joy to celebrate with Roy’s family and friends, live conjunto music, and delicious treats from Mi Tradición Bakery. I am deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this story to life, including illustrator Laura Sandoval Herrera, the little bee books team, my family and friends, and all who believed in this book. A heartfelt thank you to BookPeople for hosting such a wonderful celebration.
“An excellent example of citizen activism and immigrant contributions rolled into one.” — School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Full review here!
Big News: We’ve Gone Gold! 
Full review here!