Latino Voices in Children’s Literature

Writing Contest Winners

Sponsored by Con Todo Press and Free Spirit Publishing, the Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest aims to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Latino people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes are awarded.

Contest Page

Current Winners

1st Place

Car Shop Sábado by Delia Ruiz

“Vamos a explorar?” Apá says, motioning me to get up and go explore.

We head to the vending machine to count all the snacks. I count them all, side by side, up and down, but our car still isn’t ready.

“Ya mero?” I ask

“Not yet,” Apá responds.

When the family car starts coughing, a dad and daughter duo head to the car shop only to realize that an easy fix ends up lasting all afternoon. Impatience takes over at first, but the girl realizes that quality time with her dad helps Sábado at the car shop be more enjoyable, turning it into a day of exploration. The story incorporates themes and topics of family engagement, service workers, patience, and familial love. It is an ode to working families.

Delia Ruiz is a first-generation Latinx author. Her published works include the !123 Baila! board book series and the International Latino Book award–winning Roqui’s Pandero Beat. She currently resides in Puerto Rico with her husband, baby boy, and pug. Delia hopes to inspire the next generation of writers who also come from immigrant households. She is represented by Sera Rivers at Speilburg Literary Agency.

2nd Place

Party in the Plaza by Eduardo and Jolene Gutiérrez

Bells ring in la plaza, celebrating us.

Familia, amigos, comunidad: our plaza is our place.

“¡Vamos a la plaza!”

Based on their family’s own experiences in the plazas near where Eduardo grew up in Mexico, Party in the Plaza celebrates the beauty of a community enjoying time together. The book explores what a night in a Mexican plaza sounds, smells, tastes, and looks

like through poetic, alliterative language and Spanish words.

Eduardo Gutiérrez was born in Jalostotitlán, Jalisco, Mexico and immigrated to America when he was young. He spent summers and some school years in Mexico, and the plazas were his favorite place. He loved the music, the people, and the food in his city’s plazas and he spent many summer days there. Today, he is a father, husband, and software engineer. It’s been his pleasure to share this favorite place with his wife and his own children when they return to Jalostotitlán and the surrounding areas.

Jolene Gutiérrez is an award-winning neurodivergent teacher librarian who has been working with neurodivergent learners at Denver Academy since 1995. Jolene is an active member of SCBWI, part of the KidLitCollective group, and a co-creator of #KidlitZombieWeek and Picture Book Gold. Jolene is represented by agent Kaitlyn Sanchez of Bradford Literary and is the author of several children’s books, including Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp (co-authored with Minoru Tonai), Mamiachi and Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band (co-authored with her son Dakota), The Ofrenda That We Built (co-authored with her daughter Shaian), and Too Much! An Overwhelming Day.

3rd Place

Mariaelena’s Counting Journey by Maria Valdez Perez

Uno - 1 beso.

A kiss from Mamá.

"Elena," she whispered, "today, we start our journey to our new home."

Dos - 2 tightly tied shoes.

“Lista—I’m ready to start our walk,” I said, wiggling my ten toes inside.

This emotional yet hopeful counting book follows Mariaelena, a young girl who embarks on a journey from Guatemala to the United States with her mamá. Each number she counts—uno through veinte—represents a piece of her experience, from the kiss her mama gives her before they set out, to the sunrises and rivers they cross, to the moment they reunite with her papá at their new home. With every step, Mariaelena’s counting helps her make sense of a frightening and unpredictable world, giving her strength and hope through the long and difficult walk.

Meet Maria Valdez Perez, a passionate advocate for children with over 30 years of experience! From being a school counselor to an elementary teacher and a children’s pastor, Maria has dedicated her life to supporting young ones in their growth. She loves drawing inspiration from her experiences and her genuine love for kids to create stories that help nurture character and emotional development. Each of her books aims to provide a warm and safe space for children to talk about their feelings with caring adults. One of her beloved titles is My Shepherd, My Protector. Maria lives in a charming rural town in Texas, where she happily serves alongside her husband at Emmanuel Church. Together, they share a commitment to their community and the well-being of children.