How long have you been writing children’s literature and how many books have you traditionally published?

I started writing children’s stories in 2020. I had an idea for a story, and I just started writing it down. Soon, I had my first full story with a beginning, middle, and end. I have one traditionally published picture book that published in October 2024.

1b. What is the name of the book?

Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers is my debut picture book. It’s written by me, illustrated by Melissa Castillo, and published by Beaming Books.

Why was it important for you to write this book?

As I continued to study the craft of writing picture books, I realized that I wanted to draw from things that I loved when I was a child. Growing up, I danced ballet, tap, and jazz, and it was always a special part of my life. It was important for me to channel my own experiences as I wrote, and I found that it brought heart and emotion to my writing. I wanted to write specifically about ballet slippers and how the one traditional shade has been an obstacle for dancers with darker skin tones. Dancers have “pancaked” their slippers, where they take a matching makeup and apply it to the slipper in order to achieve the long lines. I wrote the book to inform about this process and to highlight the importance of inclusion, belonging, and diversity.

Why is it important to write about breaking barriers in children’s literature?

Stories about breaking barriers can empower readers and leave them with a sense of determination and belonging. When a child can see themselves in a story, or can get a glimpse into a world unlike their own, it can stay with them and resonate emotionally. Breaking prejudices and systems that have always been in place brings inclusion and equality. It demonstrates that they really can do anything and that anything is possible!

Do you have any lived experience with dancing ballet?

I danced ballet since I was three years old and continued through high school. I attended many dance competitions and conventions, and I always looked forward to performing. I went on to study theatre, music, and dance at Texas Tech Univeristy and earned a BFA. After college, I moved to NYC and began auditioning for many shows, eventually landing roles in RENT the Broadway tour, the Trans‐Siberian Orchestra, and many TV shows and commercials. Dancing ballet has always been at the core of my love for the stage and performance. It’s where I gained the confidence to get up and express my whole self.

What difference do you hope to make in children’s lives by writing about breaking barriers?

I hope to make a difference by giving children hope, that even if they don’t feel like something is fair or just, that it’s okay to ask questions and stand up for what they believe. Specifically with Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, I hope that the story stays with them and they remember that even if they don’t dance ballet, they can find their own way to shine. When I share the book with a large group of young readers, I know they don’t all dance ballet, and that’s what makes us all unique in that we’re all different. The story highlights inclusion, and I love to hear how each individual shines and what activities or extra curricular things they may be involved in. This provides confidence and self‐empowerment to go out into the big world and conquer anything!

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

I’ve had so much fun sharing Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers with readers at bookstore events, and school visits. I’m looking forward to more visits in the next school year, and I’m writing new picture book stories, and working on two middle grade novels.

I will have a book signing event on July 16th, 2025 at The Twig Bookshop in San Antonio, TX.

How can people purchase your book?

Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers is available everywhere books are sold. My publisher, Beamingbooks.com is a great place to find out more about the book and to purchase. If you like to support indie bookstores, signed copies are available at my local bookstore, The Twig Bookshop in San Antonio, TX. Other retailers: Bookshop.org, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble

Any other comments?

Thank you so much, Kimberly, for having me on your wonderful blog! It was so much fun to chat with you, and I appreciate your thoughtful questions.

I will also mail a book to someone who comments about this interview on Kimberly’s blog and gives it a like. Kimberly will need your email to contact you!