Author Archives: Alicia Salazar
Grit: The Legacy Behind My Books / Valentía: El Legado Detrás De Mis Libros
Grit: The Legacy Behind My Books Every time I walk into a classroom full of younger kids, I see resilience perched on the edge of childhood, delicate as wings. Then I watch the news or scroll my phone and see suicide statistics. It leaves me wondering, “what went wrong?” It takes grit to get throughContinue reading “Grit: The Legacy Behind My Books / Valentía: El Legado Detrás De Mis Libros”
Why I Write Brave Little Books For Brave Little Kids / Por Qué Escribo Libros Pequeños y Valientes Para Niños Pequeños y Valientes
Dear Brave Little Reader, We live in fast-moving, sometimes confusing, often scary world, but I have worked with you as a teacher for over 20 years and I can tell you that you are strong enough, bold enough, and smart enough to navigate whatever challenges you might face. I firmly believe that kids are capableContinue reading “Why I Write Brave Little Books For Brave Little Kids / Por Qué Escribo Libros Pequeños y Valientes Para Niños Pequeños y Valientes”
How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop/Cómo crear un mini taller de escritura
How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop at Home or in the Classroom A mini writing workshop is a simple yet powerful way to nurture young writers—whether you’re a teacher with a tight schedule or a parent looking to spark creativity at home. You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a few thoughtful routines canContinue reading “How to Build a Mini Writing Workshop/Cómo crear un mini taller de escritura”
My First Taste of Fried Chicken/Mi Primer Bocado de Pollo Frito
Growing up, my world of food was beautifully simple: it was all Mexican, all the time. My mom filled our home with the comforting aromas of simmering beans, sizzling tortillas, and bubbling pots of caldo. On the rare occasions we went out to eat, it was always to a Mexican restaurant. It wasn’t just food—itContinue reading “My First Taste of Fried Chicken/Mi Primer Bocado de Pollo Frito”
Pyramids/Piramides
I was about eleven years old the first time I visited Mexico City. Until then, most of my trips to Mexico had been short visits to the border cities of Matamoros and Reynosa, where life felt familiar and close to home. But this trip was different. Standing at the base of the Pyramid of theContinue reading “Pyramids/Piramides”
Why I Create Writing Prompts for Kids/Por Qué Creo Ejercicios de Escritura para Niños
Why I Create Writing Prompts for Kids Writing has always been more than just putting words on paper for me—it has been a refuge. Not an escape, but a safe place where I could untangle my thoughts, explore my feelings, and find my voice when the world felt too loud. When human friends drifted away,Continue reading “Why I Create Writing Prompts for Kids/Por Qué Creo Ejercicios de Escritura para Niños”
Ode to Libraries/Oda a las bibliotecas
We didn’t have vacations when I was little—at least not the kind with plane tickets, hotel pools, or matching T-shirts. The amusement park came later, when we were older. Back then, our escape was the library. It didn’t cost anything, so it fit right into our budget. The children’s section was to the right, downContinue reading “Ode to Libraries/Oda a las bibliotecas”
3 Quick Writing Prompts That Spark Imagination (in English & Spanish!)
Looking for a fun way to boost creativity and reinforce positive values at home or in the classroom? These quick bilingual writing prompts are designed for kids ages 5–9—and they’re perfect for sparking stories and character growth. Each one highlights a core value and invites kids to imagine themselves in meaningful, magical moments. Courage / Valentía English:YouContinue reading “3 Quick Writing Prompts That Spark Imagination (in English & Spanish!)”
I Am, Yo Soy by Gabriella Orozco Belt and Mirelle Ortega
Who are you? The Picture Book of the Week is I Am, Yo Soy, written by Gabriela Orozco Belt and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. Available in a bilingual version. ********** ¿Quien eres tu? El libro de cuentos de la semana es I Am, Yo Soy, escrito por Gabriela Orozco Belt e illustrate por Mirelle Ortega. Disponible enContinue reading “I Am, Yo Soy by Gabriella Orozco Belt and Mirelle Ortega”