Jacqueline Alcántara

How do you help the people around you shine? Once upon a time, a little girl grew up in Puerto Rico with a very special superpower: she knew exactly how to make everyone around her feel brilliant. By listening closely, understanding deeply, and working hard, she brought out the hidden beauty in every single person she met. Inspired by the real-life story of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s mother, this beautiful book is all about finding your own inner glow. You do not need magic to light up the world—you just need kindness and a big heart. Discover how helping your friends and family shine makes the whole world a brighter, warmer place. Get ready to find your spark and share it!

The shake-shake of maracas vibrates down to your toes as you join Belle and her Ti Gran in the kitchen. Every year, Haitians around the world ring in the new year by eating a special meal called Freedom Soup. This tradition dates all the way back to the Haitian Revolution, and this year, it is Belle's turn to learn the family recipe. Together, grandmother and granddaughter dance and clap while preparing the holiday feast. As they chop and stir, Ti Gran shares the rich history of the soup, the roots of their family, and the triumphant story of Haiti's independence. This beautiful celebration of cultural traditions shows how stories are passed from one generation to the next. Lyrical text and vibrant illustrations bring history to life, offering a sensory experience that readers will savor to the very last drop.

Zora is a bright young girl who craves stories the way bees crave sweet honey. Growing up, her mother always encouraged her to jump at the sun, knowing that even if she missed, she would at least get off the ground. Carrying this bold advice in her heart, Zora travels from the lively porch of her hometown general store all the way to the bustling streets of Harlem. Along the way, she listens closely to the rich folktales of her people, stories that others have ignored or forgotten. Driven by an unstoppable spirit, she decides to write these incredible tales down for the whole world to read. Discover the true story of how Zora Neale Hurston became a legendary writer and preserved the vibrant culture and voices of her community.