A Revolution of Heart and Mind

What inspired you to become a writer, and how has your identity influenced your work?

As a young reader, I desperately wanted to see myself in a book. I enjoyed reading about adventures, but there were always things that made it clear these stories were not written with my experience in mind. My identity as a Chicana living in California is the reason I write. In my body of work, my identity as Chicana is the bones of my writing and the foundation on which it’s all built.

How has César Chávez’s work as a community organizer influenced your writing?

For me, community is everything because of the context in which we exist. One of my favorite themes to write about is communities coming together and resisting. As a child, César Chávez’s work was my only frame of reference for understanding the power of people coming together until I learned about the Chicano Park Takeover (when residents in San Diego’s Barrio Logan successfully fought for the creation of a neighborhood park). Knowing about these things made me realize that there’s a hidden history of resistance and resilience innate to my community. I spend a lot of time uncovering these hidden histories to shine a light on them so young readers know we’ve accomplished powerful, amazing things as a community.

What message do you hope readers take away from your work, especially in the context of Cesar Chávez’s legacy?

Readers should feel empowered and inspired to challenge the status quo and have the courage to do it. I hope readers see themselves in my work, doing hard, scary things that ultimately make a difference. In the same way, I felt inspired by learning about Cesar Chávez’s legacy, seeing how he brought people from all walks of life together and rallied a nation to see what was happening to farmworkers. It’s a powerful thing to know your history.

What was the first book or story that made you fall in love with writing?

For me, reading and writing are like breathing; it’s something that I have to do. Before I could read, I made my mom reread my favorite books endlessly. When I finally could read, I’d spend hours curled up with a book, living vicariously between the pages.

The first book that made me think I could be a writer was “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. When I read it in seventh grade, it was the first time I had ever seen myself in a character in a book, despite having been a voracious bookworm my entire life. It made me think that if Sandra Cisneros was like me, a Chicana in the United States telling stories about her life, and people found it interesting, then maybe people would find my writing interesting. I quickly became obsessed with Cisneros’ work, devouring her entire backlist. Her haunting, poetic prose deeply inspired me and I think her influence is evident in my writing.

Chávez often talked about the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. What’s something from your upbringing that keeps you grounded?

I was born, raised and live in the San Diego/Tijuana region. My roots are firmly entrenched here and it’s where I raise my family, which keeps me grounded. Living in National City, I’m constantly surrounded by the fronteriza/border culture: the sounds, flavors and rhythms that make our region unique. I honestly think my creativity would wither if I moved somewhere else. Connecting to students at Title 1 schools in San Diego, where I share my journey and how the lack of Chicanx representation in books shaped me, keeps me grounded and focused on creating work that centers the Chicanx experience.

What is your favorite Chicanx/Latinx book right now?

This is such a hard question because there are so many incredible Chicanx/Latinx books. Younger me would be agog at the incredible choices available for Chicanx/Latinx readers today. I hope that it only gets better and better.

Picture Books: Nydia Armendia-Sanchez’s “Not Far From Here,” illustrated by Devon Holzwrath, is a gorgeous, gentle story of family migration. Also, Daniela Ramirez is releasing “Welcome Home, Esmeralda,” illustrated by Maribel Lechuga, in May 2025, about the sacrifices made by military families but with a fresh San Antonio perspective.

Middle Grades: Tamkia Burgess’ “Danilo Was Here,” about a young boy's fight to save his family and his dreams in the aftermath of the U.S. military invasion of Panamá, was an eye-opening book for me. Aida Salazar’s “Ultraviolet,” with themes of consent, puberty, masculinity and the emotional lives of boys, is an incredible read.

Young Adult: Angela Montaya’s “A Cruel Thirst” is fun, heartfelt and refreshingly inventive for those who love vampire stories.  I also adore Isabel Quintero’s “Gabi, A Girl in Pieces;” it’s one of my absolute favorites.

Adult: I’m currently reading “Liliana’s Invincible Summer” by Cristina Rivera Garza. I also love “Gordo” by Jaime Cortez, I laughed out loud while reading it.