Books by Emma Otheguy

Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene

by Emma Otheguy

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?

The Madre de Aguas of Cuba (The Unicorn Rescue Society)

by Adam Gidwitz, Emma Otheguy

Critically acclaimed author Emma Otheguy joins Newbery Honor-winning Adam Gidwitz as co-author of the newest adventure in the NYT bestselling Unicorn Rescue Society series as the kids travel to Cuba to help the legendary Madre de aguas.

In Cuba, it is believed that a mysterious water serpent--the Madre de aguas--is responsible for providing and protecting the fresh water of the island. But the serpent is missing, and a drought has gripped the island. Uchenna, Elliot, and Professor Fauna fly to Cuba and endeavor to rescue the Madre de aguas. Unfortunately, it tries to kill them. Meanwhile, the Schmoke Brothers' goons are driving around Havana, dumping pink sludge into the sewers. What is going on? Can Elliot and Uchenna end the drought? Stop the Schmokes? Or will the creature they are trying to save just eat them instead?

The Madre de Aguas of Cuba (The Unicorn Rescue Society)

by Adam Gidwitz, Emma Otheguy

Critically acclaimed author Emma Otheguy joins Newbery Honor-winning Adam Gidwitz as co-author as the kids travel to Cuba to help the legendary Madre de aguas, now in paperback.

In Cuba, it is believed that a mysterious water serpent--the Madre de aguas--is responsible for providing and protecting the fresh water of the island. But the serpent is missing, and a drought has gripped the island. Uchenna, Elliot, and Professor Fauna fly to Cuba and endeavor to rescue the Madre de aguas. Unfortunately, it tries to kill them. Meanwhile, the Schmoke Brothers' goons are driving around Havana, dumping pink sludge into the sewers. What is going on? Can Elliot and Uchenna end the drought? Stop the Schmokes? Or will the creature they are trying to save just eat them instead?

Silver Meadows Summer

by Emma Otheguy

"Beautiful and wise, [this] is a gem of a book." --Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor's Tale

Just right for fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan, this story of moving out and moving on is a touching portrayal of the experience of leaving one's home country and making new friends--sometimes where least expected.

Eleven-year-old Carolina's summer--and life as she knows it--is upended when Papi loses his job and she and her family must move from Puerto Rico to her Tía Cuca and Uncle Porter's house in upstate New York. Now Carolina must attend Silver Meadows Camp, where her bossy older cousin Gabriela rules the social scene.

Just as Carolina worries she'll have to spend the entire summer in Gabriela's shadow, she makes a friend of her own in Jennifer, a fellow artist. Carolina gets another welcome surprise when she stumbles upon a long-abandoned cottage in the woods near the campsite and immediately sees its potential as a creative haven for making art. There, with Jennifer, Carolina begins to reclaim the parts of the life she loved in Puerto Rico and forgets about how her relationship with Mami has changed and how distant Papi has become.

But when the future of Silver Meadows and the cottage is thrown into jeopardy, Carolina and--to everyone's surprise--Gabriela come up with a plan to save them. Will it work?

Silver Meadows Summer

by Emma Otheguy

"Beautiful and wise, [this] is a gem of a book." --Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor's Tale

Just right for fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan, this story of moving out and moving on is a touching portrayal of the experience of leaving one's home country and making new friends--sometimes where least expected.

Eleven-year-old Carolina's summer--and life as she knows it--is upended when Papi loses his job, and she and her family must move from Puerto Rico to her Tía Cuca and Uncle Porter's house in upstate New York. Now Carolina must attend Silver Meadows camp, where her bossy older cousin Gabriela rules the social scene.

Just as Carolina worries she'll have to spend the entire summer in Gabriela's shadow, she makes a friend of her own in Jennifer, a fellow artist. Carolina gets another welcome surprise when she stumbles upon a long-abandoned cottage in the woods near the campsite and immediately sees its potential as a creative haven for making art. There, with Jennifer, Carolina begins to reclaim the parts of the life she loved in Puerto Rico and forget about how her relationship with Mami has changed and how distant Papi has become.

But when the future of Silver Meadows and the cottage is thrown into jeopardy, Carolina and--to everyone's surprise--Gabriela come up with a plan to save them. Will it work?

"A warm depiction of family and of standing up for what you believe in."--Kirkus
"An introspective, character-driven tale that will appeal to artists, introverts, or any child who has felt like an outsider."--SLJ
"With comforting warmth and gentle realism, this is a hopeful exploration of what home means."--The Bulletin

Papa Francisco: Creador de puentes (Spanish Edition)

by Emma Otheguy

Pope Francis's life and ground-breaking leadership are brought to life for young readers in this lyrical and inspirational picture book biography. Spanish language edition.

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.

Jorge Bergoglio era un típico chico de Buenos Aires, Argentina, que jugaba picaditos de fútbol y escuchaba música alegre en las calles de su ciudad. Su abuela Rosa le enseñó la importancia de hacer el bien e inspiró su pasión por ayudar a otros. Esta pasión y años de esfuerzo lo llevaron a convertirse en un sacerdote jesuita, en un obispo y, luego, en un cardenal.

Y ahora el mundo conoce a Jorge con un nombre diferente: papa Francisco.

Como líder de la Iglesia católica romana, el papa Francisco se ha enfocado en la otra palabra para 'papa', 'pontífice': una persona que crea puentes para llegar a todos, sin importar quiénes sean. Expresándose sobre los asuntos más importantes de nuestro tiempo, se ha convertido en una influyente voz en nuestro mundo, en un verdadero pontífice: un creador de puentes.

Esta historia de cómo un chico común se convirtió en un líder mundial inspirará e informará a lectores de todas las edades.

Pope Francis: Builder of Bridges

by Emma Otheguy

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.

Reina Ramos: Tour Guide

by Emma Otheguy

"An easy reader with a simple plot, packed with all things adorable. Reina Ramos fills a need for representation and brings a metaphorical sliding glass door to classroom libraries" --School Library Journal

Reina Ramos is a tour guide in this Level Two I Can Read story. Perfect for social emotional learning. Features Spanish vocabulary!

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 can't wait for her cousin's visit. At first, it's not as much fun as she'd imagined. Andrés is always talking to Abuela about people and places Reina doesn't know. But their friendship soon blossoms when Reina shares her city with Andrés.

Reina Ramos: Tour Guide 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. The story contains several Spanish words.

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

Praise for Reina Ramos Works It Out:

"A sparkling tale starring a resilient young protagonist" --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This Level Two beginning reader contains an engaging, relatable story for emergent readers that features simple text, a sprinkling of Spanish vocabulary, and sweet illustrations on each page." --ALA Booklist

"The Spanish words and positive messages about managing conflict and problem-solving make this a welcome addition to beginning reader collections." --School Library Journal

Also available in Spanish: Reina Ramos: la guía turística

Reina Ramos: Neighborhood Helper

by Emma Otheguy

Reina helps her neighbors in this Level Two I Can Read story about Reina Ramos, a loyal friend whose high-spirited antics sometimes cause chaos but who always finds a way to make things right! Features Spanish vocabulary and a glossary.

Reina's school is holding a food drive for the local shelter, and the classroom that collects the most cans wins a pizza party! Reina is so excited, but Abuela is too busy helping a neighbor with a new baby to help Reina with her school project. If her class doesn't win, can Reina still find a way to help out

Reina Ramos: Neighborhood Helper is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. The story also 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 ayuda a los vecinos.