Author, Lola Cruz
Lola believes that every child is a treasure. After 25 years in the classroom, she began writing children’s stories based on her childhood, and her former student’s experiences. Her intention is to write stories for all young children to enjoy, and feel accepted and valued. Besides writing children’s stories, Lola loves to hike, play ukulele, and hang out with her two cats, Emmy and Izzy.
Changing the Narrative
Books can change lives. We’ve all held onto certain books because they have had a lasting impression on us. Perhaps it was a phrase that resonated with us or we saw ourselves in one of the main characters. Books help us to have a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Our world has always been home to many wonderful people, places, and cultures. Children’s books provide valuable opportunities for children to explore other cultures and help them learn and share ideas with one another. When kids grow up seeing, reading about, and learning from people from a wide range of backgrounds, their lives are wonderfully enriched, and they become more accepting and appreciative of those differences.
Culturally diverse books are for all children to enjoy. For
children of color, it offers them the opportunity to
feel seen, accepted, and valued. Today, many more
books are available to kids that reflect the reality
of the diverse world around us, yet these books
still only make up a small percentage of the children’s
book market. There is still work to be done.
In times when there is so much disagreement over
diversity, children’s books that address differences in a
kind and warm-hearted way provide an important
starting point for these tough conversations. As parents,
teachers, librarians, and community members, it is our
responsibility to begin these conversations.
Our children are the future, and it is worth the effort to
build a more harmonious and conscientious world. Join
me in reading, supporting, and creating books that
empower all children to tell their stories, and to learn and
share their ideas in a meaningful way. Together,
we can change the future one book at a time!
Our Readers' Reviews
Wonderful Message
“I love that this sweet story gives the overall message that we all have things in our lives to treasure. The story draws you in with its realistic depiction of show-and-tell school days and the anxiety kids surely feel to deliver something great. Great book and illustrations!”
Carol Wyllie, Children's Book Author
