Books
Books
Latest Release: The Pecan Sheller
My latest historical fiction middle-grade novel, The Pecan Sheller, is now available for pre-order and purchase at your local bookstore, Lerner Books, and Amazon. Published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner, this heartfelt story holds a special place in my heart.My Picture Books:
Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt
- Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt is set during the Great Depression in San Antonio, Texas. This book tells the inspiring true story of a young girl who crafts a beautiful work of art from discarded wooden boxes for the president, a piece now proudly displayed at the FDR museum. I'm honored that this book received the Junior Library Guild award and was selected for the Bank Street College of Education’s 2024 Best Children’s Books of the Year. You can order it now on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Let’s Salsa/Bailemos Salsa
Published 2013
Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Robert Casilla
In this bilingual picture book for children ages 5-9, a young girl discovers the joy of dancing. It’s all about having fun, staying fit, and realizing that kids can make a big difference too. You can purchase it here:
Lupita’s First Dance/El primer baile de Lupita
Published 2012Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Gabhor Utomo
Lupita finds herself on stage alone after her partner backs out. She learns to shine in unexpected situations and captivates the audience with her solo performance. You can purchase it here:
Alicia’s Fruity Drinks/Las aguas frescas de Alicia
Published 2012Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Laura Lacámara
In this bilingual picture book, Alicia discovers the delight of her mother’s traditional Mexican-American fruit drinks, which quickly make her a favorite among her friends. You can purchase it here:
The Battle of the Snow Cones/La guerra de las raspas
Published 2010Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Alisha GambinoSpanish Amira Plascencia
Elena and Alma's clever business strategies in their snow cone venture teach them that competition can build friendships. You can purchase it here:
The Woodcutter’s Gift/El regalo del leñador
Published 2007Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Elaine JeromeSpanish Gabriela Baeza Ventura
Tomás creates a life-sized zoo from a discarded tree, enchanting the whole town. When museum strangers want to buy his art, he faces a heartwarming dilemma. You can purchase it here:
Lupita’s Papalote/El papalote de Lupita
Published 2002Author Lupe Ruiz-FloresIllustrator Pauline Rodriguez HowardSpanish Gabriela Baeza Ventura
This joyful bilingual picture book invites children aged 3-7 to let their imaginations fly along with Lupita and her papalote (kite). You can purchase it here: