Welcome to “Author Spotlight” series! I want to introduce you to authors in the Spanish language space I think you NEED to know. I’m setting this up Q&A-style so that you can learn more about each author’s purpose, the books that they’re most proud of, and the resources they have to support you in your classroom. I hope you enjoy these wonderful people. I know you’re going to love the stories they have to share!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Adriana Ramírez
WHY DID YOU START WRITING?
I started writing because there was a lack of representation of authentic voices telling their own stories. I am a big advocate of the Own Voices movement.
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE AND MISSION IN WRITING YOUR BOOKS?
With my books, I want my readers to learn about Colombia from the insider’s perspective. I want to tell stories about my country that help people understand the beauty of my people and my land. Most of my stories are built around social justice issues. So, you are not only learning Spanish and culture but also questioning the status quo.
WHICH BOOK(S) ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? WHY?
I am proud of all my books as they are all a part of me. I truly love each story. If I have to choose one (so hard), I would say LA MARIMBA DE MI ABUELO as it was written in honour of my grampa and it was inspired by my family’s history –it has real events, history and fiction.
DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS WE SHOULD KEEP OUR EYES OUT FOR?
I am always writing 🙂 My latest book was published a month ago: ¿Qué dijiste?
My plan for this year is to publish three more books. One that I am currently writing. The next MOSCA book (the MOSCA books are part of the Por si las moscas collection, a collaboration with my friend and author Margarita Pérez García). The next REVOLUCIONARIA book (another collaboration with Margarita, we each write a book that is part of the collection every year).
HOW CAN WE BEST SUPPORT YOU?
You can support my work by buying my books at CPLI.net. When teachers, students and people in general buy my books, they are supporting an Own Voices author: a Colombian woman writing about her culture, her people and her country. It does not get more authentic than that.
WHERE CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?
Books Available:
Level 4 (Perfect for IB, AP, and advanced Spanish classes!)
El Cóndor de los Andes
Rigo
El camino del café
Es posible soñar
Un nuevo amanecer
La marimba de mi abuelo
Level 2:
Julio
Me perdí en Medellín
Level 3:
El entierro
María Cano, La Flor del Trabajo –first book in the collection REVOLUCIONARIAS–
¿Qué dijiste?
Level 1:
Soy yo, la mosca –part of the collection POR SI LAS MOSCAS–
Cara de mosquita muerta –part of the collection POR SI LAS MOSCAS–