# Leap into Reading with Stella Diaz
Moving into your middle school years can be challenging. Not only are kids hard at work figuring out who they are and their place in the world... They are also starting to read independently and select their own books. It can sometimes be hard to find reading material that's both interesting and relatable (not to mention developmentally appropriate).
That's where middle-grade fiction and characters like Stella Diaz come in!
Described as charming, empowering, and thoughtful by School Library Journal, Booklist, and more: This wonderful middle-grade series by award-winning illustrator Angela Dominguez is based on experiences from the author’s own childhood and a great jumping-off point for a young reader's journey into a larger world.
# JOIN THE AUTHOR TALK
Junior Lit Chat with Angela Dominguez, Thursday, March 7, from 4-5 p.m. This event will take place live at the Webb Wesconnett Library and is intended for kids ages 5-12. The first half hour will be a presentation by the author; the second half hour is time for book signing. A limited number of copies of Stella Díaz Leaps to the Future will be given away to participants, first come, first served.
This program is part of Celebrate Reading Week, a citywide celebration of the power of reading, with events and programs happening in libraries and locations across Jacksonville from March 3-9.
Angela Dominguez was born in Mexico City and grew up in North Texas. She now resides on the East Coast with her boyfriend, Kyle, and their petite dog, Petunia. She is also the author and illustrator of several books for children and a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree. Her debut middle-grade novel, Stella Diaz Has Something to Say, was a New York Public Library and a Chicago Public Library pick for Best Books for Kids, Sid Fleischman Award winner, Global Read Aloud selection, and an ALA Notable.
She recently illustrated the New York Times bestseller, Just Help! How to Build a Better World, written by Sonia Sotomayor. As a child, she loved reading books and making a mess creating pictures. She's delighted to still be doing both.
# READ
Check out Angela's books in our catalog!
# THE LIBRARY RECOMMENDS
Some fabulous picture books about Hispanic families:
- Coqui in the City/De Aquí Como el Coqui by Nomar Perez
- Platanos Go with Everything by Lissette Norman
- Where Are You From? By Yamile Saied Mendez
Be the first to know about upcoming Lit Chat author talks and more!
