49: Sharing Cultural Differences Can Bring Us Closer Together - Author Interview with Kaela Rivera

Who has not wondered at some point in their lives, where do I belong? In this episode, middle grade author Kaela Rivera and I discuss her fantasy series Cece Rios. We explore how experiencing each other's cultures can foster respect and help us all better understand each other and bring us closer together. In addition to better understanding others, Cece Rios also delves into that age-old question, where do I belong? 

Find author Kaela Rivera 
https://www.kaelarivera.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kaelacub/
https://www.facebook.com/kaela.rivera.12327?ref=bookmarks

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera 
https://www.amazon.com/Cece-Desert-Souls-Kaela-Rivera/dp/0062947559/
LEGO® DREAMZzz: Dream Chasers and the Riddle-Spokens by Kaela Rivera https://www.amazon.com/LEGO%C2%AE-DREAMZzz-Dream-Chasers-Riddle-Spokens/dp/0593484770/
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak https://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/

Chapters 
00:00 Meet middle grade author Kaela Rivera and how she ended up writing for Lego books
06:17 What is Cece Rios about?
09:45 Finding what the real essence of courage is.
13:50 What inspired you to create Cece Rios?
23:30 Growing up in a home with 2 cultures, growing up a halfy, influenced Kaela Rivera’s writing.
25:35 Everyone experiences feeling like they don’t fit in.
30:49 Experiencing each other’s cultures brings us closer together.
34:15 Kaela’s book recommendation
39:39 What’s next for middle grade author Kaela Rivera?