Award winning author of children's and middle graders' books
2026 Pura Belpre Children’s Author Award
I am honored to receive the 2026 Pura Belpre Children’s Author Award for my book, The Pecan Sheller. Like many of us, I write to remember. It is a privilege to be recognized amongst so many worthy and talented authors, illustrators, and book creators. Thank you so much for all your well wishes.
Ignite Young Imaginations
About the Author
Hi there! I'm Lupe Ruiz-Flores, a passionate storyteller and the proud author of educational children's books and middle-grade novels. As a former Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) Southwest Texas Chapter, my journey has been filled with enriching experiences and delightful stories.
Born and raised in Texas, I've also had the privilege of living in Bangkok, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan. My close-knit family, especially my sisters, have always been my biggest supporters. My writing career truly took off when I won a New York writing contest, which included an all-expenses-paid week-long workshop. This unforgettable experience paved the way for my diverse writing journey, from nonfiction short stories to poetry and children's picture books.
Exciting News: I'm thrilled to announce that I've obtained agent representation by Kayla Cichello from Upstart Crow Literary Agency. For any publishing inquiries, please reach out to Kayla at kayla@upstartcrowliterary.com.
Born and raised in Texas, I've also had the privilege of living in Bangkok, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan. My close-knit family, especially my sisters, have always been my biggest supporters. My writing career truly took off when I won a New York writing contest, which included an all-expenses-paid week-long workshop. This unforgettable experience paved the way for my diverse writing journey, from nonfiction short stories to poetry and children's picture books.
Exciting News: I'm thrilled to announce that I've obtained agent representation by Kayla Cichello from Upstart Crow Literary Agency. For any publishing inquiries, please reach out to Kayla at kayla@upstartcrowliterary.com.
Latest Release: The Pecan Sheller
My latest historical fiction middle-grade novel, The Pecan Sheller, is now available for purchase at your local bookstore, Lerner Books, and Amazon. Published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner, this story is very close to my heart. For more details and to order my books, click here.
Come along and explore the captivating worlds I've created, each book a new adventure waiting to be discovered.