Thursday, October 26th, 1:00pm CDT
There is a classic tradition of Magical Realism in Latin-American literature. Four Latine YA and middle grade authors discuss the inspiration behind and the role that magical realism plays in their work. And how at times the fantastical elements may seem more true than the realistic ones.
A Certificate of Attendance will be issued to those who attend this webinar. A recording will be posted to Mackin.com for those who cannot participate in the live session.
Speakers
Letisha Marrero
Author
Letisha Marrero (she/her) has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years across all media and genres. As a culture critic and entertainment journalist, she has written for Latina, The Source, Vibe, NBC, Nickelodeon, and more. Of Puerto Rican and Black Dominican descent, Letisha hails from New York City by way of Southern California. She currently lives in Maryland. Salsa Magic is her first novel.
Alexandra V. Méndez
Author
Alexandra V. Méndez (she/her) is a writer, teacher, and scholar who grew up bilingual in Decatur, Georgia, with family roots in Mexico and Mississippi. She graduated from Harvard University in history and literature and has a Ph.D. in Latin American and Iberian cultures from Columbia University. What the Jaguar Told Her is her debut novel.
Lorraine Avila
Author
Lorraine Avila (she/they) is a storyteller. Lorraine was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and is a first-generation Dominican American. She spent a decade as an educator in the K-12 education system. She has a BA in English from Fordham University, an MA in teaching from New York University, and an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. The Making of Yolanda La Bruja is her YA debut.
Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Author & Illustrator
Camille Gomera-Tavarez (she/her) is an Afro-Dominican graphic designer, illustrator, and author from Clifton, New Jersey. She graduated with a BFA in graphic design and a minor in creative writing from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her debut collection, High Spirits, was named a Pura Belpré Honor and a Publishers Weekly Flying Start.
Kia Heise, Ph.D. – Host
Mackin Learning
Kia Heise holds a doctorate in sociology and taught in Los Angeles and the Twin Cities for several years before joining Mackin Learning. Her approach is informed by thousands of hours learning how to navigate discussions of social inequality with diverse groups of young people. She is also the author of the Little Sock picture books.
