Let’s dive into the tantalizing world of “Barbacoa, Bomba, and Betrayal” by Raquel V. Reyes. In this third installment of the Caribbean Kitchen mysteries, we follow Miriam Quiñones, a cooking show sensation and amateur sleuth, as she navigates a web of intrigue and danger. Raquel chats with Latino Book Chat about her inspiration for her mystery series, the suspicious secrets, and how her protagonist untangles the threads of betrayal and danger. Tune in to find out! Get ready for a podcast episode that blends crime and cuisine—a recipe for suspense! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters ..read more

In the magical town of Tres Leches, where Texas folklore dances with Mexican legends, the curse of La Llorona has lifted, but now the children of Tres Leches are mysteriously vanishing. Enter the Dancing Devil—a monstruo with a penchant for mischief and secrets. His son, Rooster, straddles the line between human and monster, and he’s determined to unravel the mystery. Diana López talks about how she created the world of Tres Leches and her captivating characters in her Los Monstruos series. Listen now on LatinoBookChat.com podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/po ..read more

In this heart-pounding thriller, a young couple fleeing a criminal family confronts a reluctant assassin. Melissa Cruz falls hard for dreamy-eyed photographer Jake, but she already has a boyfriend—a rising star in his family’s crime organization. Will Melissa and Jake be able to escape? Tune in to discover the twists and turns in this gripping tale! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/latino-book-chat/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/latino-book-chat/support ..read more

In “Through Fences”, Frederick Luis Aldama and illustrator Oscar Garza weave a poignant tapestry of life in the US–Mexico borderlands. The stories follow Latino kids and young adults as they navigate the challenges of living near the border. From a young girl lost in a forbidding new place to a TikTok influencer grappling with COVID, each character’s perspective sheds light on the perils of being brown in this complex region. The graphic novel is visually striking and emotionally impactful, offering a modern-day twist on the borderland experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcaste ..read more

In this episode, we unravel the pages of The Mango Chronicle, a memoir that reads like a sun-soaked dream. Dr. Ricardo González, a physician turned storyteller, invites us into his world—a world where mangoes are more than fruit; they are vessels of memory, love, and longing. Join us as we delve into the complexities of identity, the ache of leaving home, and the resilience required to build anew. So, grab your headphones, settle into your favorite armchair, and let the warm breeze carry you away. The Mango Chronicle awaits—a literary passport to a Cuba that exists both in memory and imaginati ..read more

In this captivating middle-grade novel, City Girls by Loretta Lopez is a story of finding refuge with friends who understand the enormous challenges faced by eleven years old. The stories are told through the eyes of three young girls who confront loss, fear, and sorrow. Narrated by each girl in alternating chapters, City Girls captures the vulnerability of being a middle schooler and the joy of finding friendship where you least expect it. Tune in to Latino Book Chat podcast to explore the world of “City Girls”! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/latino-book ..read more

Join us as we sit down with the talented and insightful Daniel Olivas, author of the groundbreaking novel, "Chicano Frankenstein." Daniel takes us on a literary journey through the pages of his thought-provoking work, where he skillfully blends the elements of classic literature with the rich tapestry of Chicano culture. Explore the themes of identity, belonging, and societal reflections as we delve into the modern reimagining of a timeless tale. In this insightful conversation, we chat about the inspiration behind "Chicano Frankenstein" and learn about Daniel's creative process. Tune in now t ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the rich and captivating novel Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, a Pura Belpré Award winner and a descendant of Sephardic Jews from Cuba. The novel follows the lives of four girls from different generations of a Jewish family, many of them forced to leave their country and start a new life. We discuss how the themes of home and belonging are explored in the novel, as each girl faces challenges and opportunities in her new environment. We also examine how the novel portrays the diversity and resilience of the Sephardic Jewish community, a minority within a minorit ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the captivating novel Huizache Women by Estella González, which follows the lives of three generations of women who struggle with love, loss and survival in Mexico, Texas and California. We discuss how the author uses the huizache tree as a symbol of resilience and resistance, how she portrays the Mexican and Chicano experience through music and culture, and how she explores the themes of gender and identity in her characters. Estella shares her inspiration and insights behind writing this powerful and moving story. Join us as we celebrate the strength and beauty ..read more

In this episode, we are honored to have Carmen Tafolla author of Warrior Girl, a novel in verse that tells the story of Celina Teresa Guerrera Amaya. We talk to Carmen about her inspiration for writing this book, her use of poetry and bilingualism, and her message for young readers. We also hear some excerpts from the book, read by the author herself. Join us for this fascinating conversation with Carmen Tafolla, a woman warrior in her own right. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/latino-book-chat/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/po ..read more