The Love Story of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl: A Legend for Valentine’s Day Have you ever looked at two mountains and wondered if they had a story to tell? In Mexico, two famous volcanoes—Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl—do! Their names are long, but their story is unforgettable, especially on Valentine’s Day, because it’s all about love, courage, and loyalty. Meet theContinue reading “A Legend For Valentine’s Day / Una leyenda para el día de la amistad”
Author Archives: Alicia Salazar
February 2: My Crowded Birthday / Febrero 2: Mi cumpleaños abarrotado
I share my birthday with Groundhog Day, Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple), and Crêpe Day. Which means my birthday does not simply arrive. It shows up carrying a stack of traditions from several centuries and at least three continents.Continue reading “February 2: My Crowded Birthday / Febrero 2: Mi cumpleaños abarrotado”
A Light in Winter / Una luz en el invierno
A Light in Winter You might be cold today.You might be huddled inside your home, wrapped in a sweater, listening to the wind or the silence.You might be afraid—afraid of the headlines, the arguments, the loud and frightening things unfolding in the world around you. That makes sense. This is a heavy moment inContinue reading “A Light in Winter / Una luz en el invierno”
Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day Tomorrow / Feliz día de Martin Luther King Jr mañana
Why Learning About Martin Luther King, Jr. Is More Important Than Ever for All Kids Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who believed in something very powerful: that change does not have to come from anger or violence. He believed that people could stand up for what is right using peaceful words, brave hearts, and strong character.Continue reading “Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day Tomorrow / Feliz día de Martin Luther King Jr mañana”
The Quiet Power of Story / El poder silencioso de las historias
The Quiet Power of Story Stories don’t usually announce themselves as important. They don’t arrive with instructions or promises. Most of the time, they just show up—on a shelf, in a backpack, at bedtime—and wait. That waiting matters. When I was a teacher, my favorite part of the day was the read-aloud. I loved theContinue reading “The Quiet Power of Story / El poder silencioso de las historias”
Spotlight on Mirelle Ortega
On January 14, Bilingual Book Buddies podcast will feature an interview with Mirelle Ortega, writer, illustrator, and winner of the Pura Belpré Honor for her picture book, Magic. Mirelle herself describes her picture book a follows: “Growing up on a pineapple farm near Veracruz, Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magicContinue reading “Spotlight on Mirelle Ortega”
Why I Believe in Bilingual Books
Why I believe in bilingual books I believe in bilingual books because language is more than communication — it is a doorway into identity, memory, and imagination. The demographics of the United States have changed so much since I was born in 1973, and with that change has come a greater awareness that representation matters.Continue reading “Why I Believe in Bilingual Books”
New Year’s Resolutions / Resoluciones de año nuevo
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I never follow through for more than a week, and honestly, I don’t need the pressure of making a big announcement only to watch my optimism dissolve by mid-January. My philosophy is simple: set small goals, do them quietly, and keep moving forward. St. Thérèse of Lisieux talked aboutContinue reading “New Year’s Resolutions / Resoluciones de año nuevo”
My Favorite American Christmas Traditions / Mis Tradiciones Navideñas Americanas Favoritas
My Favorite American Christmas Traditions Every December, as the air turns chilly and the scent of tamales fills the house, I look forward to celebrating Christmas with the little traditions that make the season feel magical. While many of my holiday customs are rooted in my family’s culture and heritage, there are a few thatContinue reading “My Favorite American Christmas Traditions / Mis Tradiciones Navideñas Americanas Favoritas”
Buñuelos: Sweet Circles of Christmas Tradition / Buñuelos: Dulces círculos de la tradición navideña
Buñuelos: Sweet Circles of Christmas Tradition If tamales are the heart of a Christmas feast, then buñuelos are the soul—crispy, golden, and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, they bring a taste of joy to the season. For many Latino families, Christmas simply isn’t complete without a plate of freshly fried buñuelos served with syrup or hot chocolate.Continue reading “Buñuelos: Sweet Circles of Christmas Tradition / Buñuelos: Dulces círculos de la tradición navideña”