I got back from California and guess what was waiting for me? None other than my middle-grade novel, The Pecan Sheller. It can be pre-ordered now at Amazon and most bookstores.  “Heart-warming and enraging in equal parts, this important American story reveals the power of family, community, and hope.”―Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times-bestselling author

In 1930s San Antonio, thirteen-year-old Petra dreams of going to college and becoming a writer.But with her beloved father dead, two younger siblings to care for, and with a stepmother struggling to make ends meet, Petra has to drop out of school to shell pecans at a factory. Hoping it’s only temporary, she tries not to despair over the grueling work conditions. But after the unhealthy environment leads to tragedy and workers’ already low wages are cut, Petra knows things need to change. She and her coworkers go on strike for higher wages and safer conditions, risking everything they have for the hope of a better future.

Guess what? My latest book, Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, is being read at the library in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. My nephew and his Navy wife were stationed there and their elementary school boys were surprised when the librarian read it to the entire class. They took pictures with my book. The family is on their way to Spain now.

All reactions:

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Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt is now out in Spanish. To order, go to to the following link: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/search_results…

Muchisimas gracias to Lerner.

Attended the Texas Library Association conference (TLA) a few days ago in San Antonio. Met many of my author friends and did a signing for Lerner for my book, Piece by Piece  Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, was on a panel, and also a Meet & Greet. Whew! This pic is of me at the Junior League Guild booth where my book was one of those selected in their collection of best books of 2024.

I am proud to announce that my STEAM picture book,  Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift For President Roosevelt, published by Millbrook, now has a teacher’s guide. Please follow link: https://lernerbooks.com/teaching_guides/808

It was my pleasure to host three of Ernestine’s four daughters at my house so that I could sign their books and take a picture. Their mother, Ernestine, the character in my book, Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, was an amazing, creative person. I feel honored to have written this book which can now be bought at any of your local bookstores, Amazon, and Lerner at https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/23019 LtoR: Alice, Virginia, and Charlotte. Not available was Mary Helen.

Yay!! My historical fiction picture book, Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, with awesome illustrations by Anna Lopez Real is now out. Published by Millbrook, it is a touching story of a Mexican-American girl from San Antonio, TX, who created a beautiful clock case out of discarded food-relief crates during the Great Depression. The clock case is still on display at the FDR Museum in Hyde, New York. The book can now be bought at Amazon or any local bookstore.

PIECE BY PIECE: ERNESTINE’S GIFT FOR PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

A small but feel-good historical anecdote. The true story of an elaborate clock case that a young Mexican American resident of San Antonio made for Franklin Delano Roosevelt as a thank-you gift. A gingerbread fantasy crafted from 156 pieces of sugar pine crates saved from New Deal food deliveries, the 40-inch-high case sits today in the FDR Presidential Library. It was made in 1937 in recognition of help received during the Great Depression. The letter to the president that she composed to go with the gift, which is excerpted in the narrative and shown in full at the end, is likewise marvelous.

Good news: The ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) for my picture book, Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, have arrived.  The final hardcover books are due out in September 2023; however, you can always preorder at Amazon or Barnes & Noble or your local bookstore. The story is inspirational and the illustrations are beautiful. This true story is set in San Antonio, Texas.

My second bit of news: I have signed a contract for a yet-untitled middle-grade novel set in Texas. Tons of research went into this book which describes the struggles of Mexican-American pecan shellers who fought for social justice during the late 1930s. The story is also set in Texas.

I wish you much success in your writing. Hang in there. It will happen.

It’s been a while since I posted here. I am in the middle of revisions for another middle-grade book. I do have good news but am unable to reveal it until further notice. The illustrations for my historical picture book, Piece by Piece, are just about done. They look great. Wishing all of you writers and illustrators a great day for writing and for your artwork. Hasta luego! Happy Thanksgiving!