Books by Aida Salazar

Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter

by Aida Salazar

**A CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK**
The remarkable true story of Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican revolutionary who disguised herself as a man to fight for her rights!

* “Graceful . . deft . . . mesmerizing. . . . Bravery and determination prevail in this inspiring tale.” ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “Gorgeous…hits the perfect balance of lively and lyrical...outstanding.” ― School Library Journal, starred review
* “Exquisite prose. . . . stunning spreads.” ― BookPage, starred review
Jovita dreamed of wearing pants! She hated the big skirts Abuela made her wear. She wanted to scale the tallest mesquite tree on her rancho, ride her horse, and feel the wind curl her face into a smile
When her father and brothers joined the Cristero War to fight for religious freedom, Jovita wanted to go, too. Forbidden, she defied her father’s rules – and society’s – and found a clever way to become a trailblazing revolutionary, wearing pants!
This remarkable true story about a little-known maverick Mexican heroine is brought vividly to life by her great-niece and Américas Award–winner Aida Salazar, and Eisner Award–honoree Molly Mendoza.

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The Moon Within (Scholastic Gold)

by Aida Salazar

The dazzling story of a girl navigating friendship, family, and growing up, an Are You There God, It's Me Margaret? for the modern day, from debut author Aida Salazar.

****Four starred reviews!****

* "A worthy successor to Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret set in present-day Oakland." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Celi Rivera's life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend's exploration of what it means to be genderfluid.

But most of all, her mother's insistence she have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. It's an ancestral Mexica ritual that Mima and her community have reclaimed, but Celi promises she will NOT be participating. Can she find the power within herself to take a stand for who she wants to be?

A dazzling story told with the sensitivity, humor, and brilliant verse of debut talent Aida Salazar.

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The Moon Within (Scholastic Gold)

by Aida Salazar

The dazzling story of a girl navigating friendship, family, and growing up, an Are You There God, It's Me Margaret? for the modern day, from debut author Aida Salazar.
****Four starred reviews!***** "A worthy successor to Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret set in present-day Oakland." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewCeli Rivera's life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend's exploration of what it means to be genderfluid.But most of all, her mother's insistence she have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. It's an ancestral Mexica ritual that Mima and her community have reclaimed, but Celi promises she will NOT be participating. Can she find the power within herself to take a stand for who she wants to be?A dazzling story told with the sensitivity, humor, and brilliant verse of debut talent Aida Salazar.

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La Luna Dentro de Mi (the Moon Within) [Spanish]

by Aida Salazar

A dazzling story told with the sensitivity, humor, and brilliant verse of debut talent Aida Salazar.
La vida de Celi Rivera es un torbellino de preguntas... por los cambios en su cuerpo, por sentirse atraída por un chico por primera vez y por la exploración que hace su mejor amiga de lo que significa ser género fluido.Pero, sobre todo, por la insistencia de su madre en hacerle una ceremonia lunar cuando le llegue su primer periodo. Se trata de un ancestral ritual mexica que Mima y su comunidad han rescatado, pero Celi se promete a sí misma que NO participará en él. ¿Encontrará dentro de sí la fortaleza necesaria para defender quién quiere ser?Celi Rivera's life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend's exploration of what it means to be gender-fluid.But most of all, her mother's insistence she have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. It's an ancestral Mexica ritual that Mima and her community have reclaimed, but Celi promises she will NOT be participating. Can she find the power within herself to take a stand for who she wants to be?

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Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors

by Yamile Saied Méndez, Aida Salazar

An essential, highly relatable collection of short fiction and poems around the topic of menstruation, written exclusively by authors who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color

For Angela, it came on the basketball court—while playing on the boys’ team. For Penny, it came on a lakeside field trip, inspiring some cringeworthy moments of humor. And to Layla’s disappointment, it came at the start of her first fasting Ramadan, mandating that she take a “holiday.” Whether their period's coming spurs silence or celebration, whether they are well prepared for it or totally in the dark, the young people in these sixteen stories find that getting a period brings not only changes to their bodies, but also joy, sorrow, and self-discovery. Featuring BIPOC contributors who are some of today’s most talented authors in middle-grade fiction, Calling the Moon offers coming-of-age stories and poetry as varied as the phases of the moon, from funny to heartbreaking to powerful, all of them reassuring readers that they are not alone in their period journey.

With contributions by:
Hilda Eunice Burgos * Veeda Bybee * Susan Muaddi Darraj * Saadia Faruqi * Nikki Grimes * Leah Henderson * Mason J. * Erin Entrada Kelly * Guadalupe Garcia McCall * Elise McMullen-Ciotti * Yamile Saied Méndez * Emma Otheguy * Aida Salazar * Christina Soontornvat * Padma Venkatraman * Ibi Zoboi

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When Sun Rises

by Aida Salazar

Derived from Mexican Indigenous wisdom, this is the third title in a series of poetic board books centering around establishing an authentic, heartfelt connection with nature.

Using Mexican concepts, this poignantly lyrical series invites young children to pay witness to nature and the ways in which the outside world interacts with our own human rhythms. The Sun guides all life on Earth. We move to its cycles through the seasons—listening to the awakening of nature in spring, celebrating the shining warmth in summer, honoring our loved ones in autumn, and dreaming of better days ahead in winter. Its steadfastness touches and gives life to every being, showcasing the power of universal interconnectedness. Award-winning author Aida Salazar lovingly turns her attention to the youngest readers with her signature lyrical text—in English with a few Spanish words interwoven, perfectly paired with vibrant, mystical art crafted by Caribay M. Benavides. This book is a truly meaningful and formative experience for all young readers.

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When Water Flows

by Aida Salazar

Derived from Mexican Indigenous wisdom, this is the second title in a series of poetic board books centering around establishing an authentic, heartfelt connection with nature.

Using Mexican concepts, this poignantly lyrical series invites young children to pay witness to nature, to value it, and to become a steward of the planet. Water is essential to all life on earth—it helps us grow, it feeds us, it cleanses us, and it heals us. Its fluidity touches and gives life to every being, showcasing the power of universal interconnectedness. Acclaimed middle-grade author Aida Salazar lovingly turns her attention to the youngest readers, bringing her signature lyrical text – in English with a few Spanish words interwoven. With vibrant, mystical art, this book is a truly meaningful and formative experience for all young readers.

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When Moon Blooms

by Aida Salazar

Derived from Mexican Indigenous wisdom, this series of poetic board books center around establishing an authentic, heartfelt connection with and respect for nature.

Using Mexican concepts, this poignantly lyrical series invites young children to pay witness to nature, to value it, and to become a steward of the planet. The moon’s phases – new, waxing, full, and waning – are seamlessly intertwined with our own natural cadences, showcasing the power and beauty of universal interconnectedness. Acclaimed middle-grade author Aida Salazar lovingly turns her attention to the youngest readers, bringing her signature lyrical text, in English with a few Spanish words interwoven. With vibrant, mystical art, this book is a truly meaningful and formative experience for all young readers.

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No copies available.