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Read It Now on NetGalley!
Mujeres tan distintas y, a la vez, tan unidas que, juntas, han tejido una hermosa familia. Pero, ¿podrá seguir siendo así? ¿Quién se encargará ahora de mantener esta tradición tan especial? Una historia de respeto por las tradiciones que pone en valor la familia como el pilar fundamental de nuestras vidas. Pero ¿podrá mantenerse esta hermosa tradición? LA COLCHA DE NUESTROS RECUERDOS por Desirée Acevedo y ilustrado por Victor Jaubert, publicado por Cuento de Luz, está disponible esta semana en NetGalley.
THE QUILT OF OUR MEMORIES by Desirée Acevedo, illustrated by Victor Jaubert, and published by Cuento de Luz takes us on a journey through the work that, generation after generation, has been done by each and every woman in this family. Download the picture book to preview it for yourself this week. You can retrieve it in Spanish or English, or both. You’ll recognize why this story of mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, nieces, cousins and granddaughters, all of whom have maintained a beautiful tradition: to leave their essence embroidered on a beautiful quilt, will delight your picture book reading families.
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Our Latest Article
- Spotlight on Shout Mouse Press
Washington, D.C. is a city rich in historical landmarks, cultural representation, and now, because of the efforts of one publisher, it is also rich in youth authors. Shout Mouse Press is a nonprofit organization based out of the capitol city that focuses on amplifying the voices of tomorrow in the books of today.
For the past ten years, Shout Mouse Press has dedicated themselves to producing early education materials, picture books, memoirs & novels, graphic novels, and more that are written and illustrated by young creators from underrepresented communities throughout the city and beyond. These books highlight the perspectives of young people throughout the world while also acting as a motivational platform to others who may have never dreamed their story could be told. Topics range from LGBTQ+ poetry anthologies and bilingual picture books to board books that introduce various family dynamics and cultural identities.
Networks That Put in the Work
Many of the books published by Shout Mouse press are a collaborative labor of love. This includes not only the youth-creators that work together to shine a light on their stories, but with the help of the Shout Mouse Press Megaphone Board of Advisors. This is a group made up of influential and award-winning creators that aid in the success of the books by advocating and uplifting these stories with their own voices. Authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds lend their support by contributing forewords, participating in book launches, and mentoring the young creators. These books are also made possible by the Author Partner organizations that work closely with the young authors of marginalized backgrounds such as Generation Hope which fosters the creativity of student parents in the creation of books for toddlers, Beacon House which centers on the experiences of Black youth, and many others. These combined efforts help build the foundational platforms that allow these stories to be shared.
Taking the Writing Workshop to the Next Level
Shout Mouse Press has organized and participated in multiple youth-forward programs like writing workshops and author talks that help to support and expand their network of over 500 authors and illustrators. Program partners work closely with communities throughout the D.C. area where young peoples lived experiences are not often represented in accessible published works. Workshops allow youth authors to work closely with professional mentors in the creation of literature that may have otherwise seemed out of reach. Creating these resources allows the next generations to not only see themselves reflected within the pages of a book, but to become inspired by the emerging creators and their mission to share their voices.
Making a Difference Individually and Collectively
Many of the authors and illustrators have spoken to the impact that these programs had on their self-esteem, their continued education, and their developing careers. Select creators engage in opportunities as guest speakers at assorted events and venues including elementary schools, universities, and bookstores via the “Author Talks Program.” Authors connect with their community regarding their published work and participate in building skills like publicity and public speaking. Shout Mouse Press also invites youth authors to participate in additional post-publication resource programs such as their “Author Pathways Program.” This creates unique opportunities for internships and career introductions as well as college scholarship support that is fed into by the earned income of the books themselves.
Helping Voices Be Heard in a Noisy World
In a world that is increasingly shaped by diverse identities, shared lived experiences, and intersectional perspectives, publishing underheard youth voices isn’t just desirable—it’s necessary. Publishers like Shout Mouse Press and the groups they work with to create and further these opportunities are crucial to the development of the climate of change we need in the world today. Representation is empowerment and through literature we can challenge some of the systemic issues that have been thrust upon marginalized communities throughout the country. When young readers are able to truly see themselves, they are able to envision a better tomorrow.