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/.