Emma Otheguy Boeken

Pope Francis's life and ground-breaking leadership are brought to life for young readers in this lyrical and inspirational picture book biography. Jorge Bergoglio was a typical boy growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, jumping into pick-up soccer games and listening to lively music on the city streets. His grandma Rosa taught him the importance of doing good and inspired his passion to help others. This passion and years of hard work led him to become a Jesuit priest, a bishop, and then a cardinal. And now the world knows Jorge by a different name--Pope Francis. As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has focused on another word for pope: "pontiff," a person who builds bridges to reach everyone, no matter who they are. Speaking out on the most important issues of our time, he has become an influential voice in our world--a true pontiff, a builder of bridges. This story of how an ordinary boy became a beloved world leader will inspire and inform readers of all ages.

A poignant, coming of age story about a Cuban-American girl trying to figure out where she belongs--both in her ballet-loving family and the wider world. Perfect for fans of Front Desk and Merci Suárez Changes Gears. It’s a good thing Sofía Acosta loves dreaming up costumes, because otherwise she’s a ballet disaster—unlike her parents, who danced under prima ballerina Alicia Alonso before immigrating to the suburbs of New York. Luckily, when the Acostas host their dancer friends from Cuba for a special performance with the American Ballet Theatre, Sofía learns there’s more than dance holding her family together. Between swapping stories about Cuba and sharing holiday celebrations, the Acostas have never been more of a team. Then Sofía finds out about the dancers’ secret plans to defect to the United States, and makes a serious mistake—she confides in her best friend, only to discover that Tricia doesn't want "outsiders" moving to their community. Now Sofía wonders what the other neighbors in her tight-knit suburban town really think of immigrant families like hers. Sofía doesn’t want to make a scene, but if she doesn’t speak up, how will she figure out if her family really belongs?

In Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy, Reina is embarrassed to admit she is afraid of a very big dog. This Level Two I Can Read story is perfect for social emotional learning! Reina Ramos is the creation of Emma Otheguy, a children's author who writes about Latin identity. The Reina I Can Read stories have engaging illustrations from Andrés Landazabal. Reina and her friend, Lila, practice gymnastics on Saturdays. It's Reina's favorite part of the week. But when Lila gets a puppy, Reina has to practice gymnastics by herself. Also, Lila's dog is HUGE and Reina is afraid to admit to her friend that she is scared. What can Reina do? Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success. This story is a Guided Reading Level (GRL) K. Reina Ramos Meets a BIG Puppy contains several Spanish words and a glossary. Acclaim for the first Reina Ramos I Can Read: Kirkus Best Book List for Early Readers 2022 and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best List 2022 Also available in Spanish: Reina Ramos conoce un cachorro ENORME.

Featuring a resilient young protagonist, this sparkling tale explores themes of courage and perseverance. The narrative invites readers into a vibrant world where challenges are met with determination and hope. Through engaging storytelling, it highlights the journey of self-discovery and the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles. The book promises to captivate with its charm and uplifting message, making it a delightful read for those who appreciate inspiring coming-of-age stories.

A retelling of the Caribbean folktale La Cucaracha Martina, in which Martina, in an effort to escape her noisy tâias, slips away to a warm familiar island where she can play in peace and quiet--but is she home at last?