Creating Inclusive Literature for Kids with Jolene Gutiérrez, Author of Mamiachi and Me

Join teacher-librarian and children's book author Jolene Gutiérrez as she discusses collaborating with her son Dakota on their new picture book Mamiachi and Me, a joyful celebration of mariachi music and family tradition.

Learn how a misheard word sparked a story about an all-female mariachi band and a young girl finding the courage to perform. Jolene shares insights from nearly 30 years of connecting young readers with stories, the magic of co-authoring books with both her children during the pandemic, and the importance of creating authentic cultural narratives that feel as natural as the clothes we wear. She opens up about her creative process, the power of persistence in publishing, and how seeing yourself represented in stories can change lives.

You'll discover:

The surprising way "Mamiachi and Me" got its title How Jolene balances writing partnerships with her kids versus solo work The importance of letting cultural elements flow naturally in storytelling Why author visits can be transformative for young students How her work as a teacher librarian influences her writing

Listen in for an inspiring conversation about family, creativity, and the power of sharing our unique voices through children's literature.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review

Order Copies: Mamiachi and Me on Amazon or Bookshop.org

For more information, visit https://www.jolenegutierrez.com/

Keywords: children's literature, storytelling, cultural representation, writing process, family, school visits, young readers, author interviews, creativity, inspiration

This episode was sponsored by Jodi Dee, author of Energy Wars: The Awakening. For more information, visit https://jodidee.com/.