Happy Fall, readers!
As we gear up to this year’s Comité Noviembre Artisan and Book Expo, we bring you this feature to highlight this author and the many wonderful writers you will meet at the expo on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Hostos Community College.
Paul Rodriguez
We met Paul at his home in Long Island, NY, where he treated us to mofongo followed by a cafesito con leche.
Paul is a children’s book author and illustrator, teaching artist, and educational consultant. To many, this may seem like a lot, but Paul tells us that he is fortunate enough to do what he loves. All his roles are anchored in books, and tied together by social-emotional themes, each of which supports, informs, and enhances the others. Paul’s work helps students navigate the murky waters of growing up and the social and emotional issues it brings.
Hailing from Puerto Rico, through family originally from Aguadilla and Guaynabo, Paul has been writing and illustrating children’s picture books for over twenty-five years. In his books, he takes on the challenges that come from not growing up with a natural affinity for language arts, to inspire others. Struggling with dyslexia also brought struggles with reading and writing in childhood. He preferred to do almost anything else rather than read or write. His awakening came when he was working on a project that combined dance and literacy, where he discovered the power of stories to help children engage in learning and tackle challenging topics. As a result, he was hooked on literacy and realized he could provide an avenue for others to do the same. It was his love for children and desire to help them avoid unnecessary suffering that provided the drive he needed to overcome his personal limitations.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Paul is a graduate of the prestigious Pratt Institute in Bedford Stuyvesant, right across the street from his grandparents’ home. At Pratt, he studied fine arts and interior design. He credits his success in writing and publishing children’s books to his ability to illustrate the many stories he has produced.
Paul self-publishes his books and educational materials. He has 18 books covering themes from diversity and protecting the environment to mindfulness and anti-bullying. His titles include What Color are You?, on friendship and diversity, The Sandwich Boy Rescue, on family and community, and The Magical Song of Sona and Dora, on discovering internal strength and value through the wildlife and culture of Puerto Rico.
He can be found online via www.rodro.com. His books are in soft-cover and e-book formats and can be purchased on his website and on Amazon. He also offers specialized educational orders, related programs, and professional development.
He tells us he is inspired to write from the belief that we can “make the world a better place by caring about our children and teaching them to care about themselves and one another.”
He is currently working on finishing the second installment of The Magical Song of Sona and Dora in collaboration with a class of 5th-grade student-illustrators. The group created the book as a fundraiser to help children and families in Puerto Rico affected by the devastation of Hurricane Maria. They have raised and donated a total of a thousand dollars and are currently approaching the next milestone that will lead to the next donation. Paul and his collaborators donate the money to a family in need, instead of sending the money to an organization. This allows them the discretion to select a family and know that the money is going directly to families affected by this tragedy. For the next phase of the project, he is recruiting a group of students to collaborate on a Spanish language version of the book.
Paul will be selling his books as well as The Magical Song of Sona and Dora at the fair, so make sure to stop by if you are looking for a way to help our sisters and brothers on the island.
His favorite Latina author is Pam Muñoz Ryan. He tells us she resonates with him because of her book Esperanza Rising. Muñoz Ryan’s story explores immigration, hope, and appreciation of family and thus, has inspired the work that Paul does for elementary school students, many of whom identify with these themes.
On why become members of PRIDA as artisans, writers, supporters, or allies, Paul told us that everyone should join and support organizations like PRIDA because it provides access to inspiring artist and engaging professionals, while cultivating and maintaining the wonderful sense of family rooted in our Puerto Rican culture.
We truly enjoyed our time with Paul, and can’t wait to see him at his table this coming Saturday. We are inviting you to visit him and our writers as well.
Make sure to stop by and meet all our marvelous writers who are members of our annual creative family reunion. Visit us at Hostos Community College, this November 23, 2019 at 149th and Grand Concourse from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
We salute this year’s participants
at the Book Expo
Alex Maldonado
Alexandra Román Román
Annette Perez
Basilio Serrano
Bobby Gonzalez
Carlos Alberto Laster
Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa
Dania Ramos
Humberto Pancho Cintron
Ismael Martinez
Janet Caraballo
Javier Cruz Winnick
Jessica Gonzalez
Manuel Melendez
Maria Aponte
Margarita Rodriguez
Melissa Medina
Monica Martinez
Naomi Pouchie
Ponce Laspina
Paul Rodriguez
Ramon Serrano
Rosemary Rivera
Rafael Rivera
Richie Narvaez
Theresa Varela
Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, Esq.
Yolanda Alvarez
- Seeking Writing Submissions: Alberto O. Cappas is seeking submissions from our community for the monthly issue of The Latino Village, a Puerto Rican/Latino publication in Buffalo, NY. This publication is friendly to poets and writers. Will also consider book reviews to publish. Keep submissions to the limit of 425 words. The publication will compensate you with two copies of the issue where your work appears. To submit you may send an email to: latinovillage1@gmail.com.
- So You Want to be Published? Looking for opportunities to submit your writing for consideration? Visit Poets and Writers Magazine for links to hundreds of literary magazines and contests.
- Join an ALREADY THRIVING writing community in the BRONX! Visit bronxarts.org/bwc_events.asp You will find connections to a great organization that provided FREE writing workshops. Writing is a lonely endeavor so why not find other writers to mingle with and bounce ideas around with?
- Want to help Puerto Rico? Send a copy of your book or purchase a fellow Puerto Rican Author’s book and send to any of the Bibliotecas listed on for public libraries in Puerto Rico. Include a card or a card with an uplifting message. www.everylibrary.com/PR.ht