September 7, 2008
Susan Sanchez-Casal

Welcome to Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul

As the co-editor (and one of the contributing authors) of Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul,  I welcome you to the Latino Soul website.  Thanks to the outstanding talent of the 73 contributing authors whose wonderful stories and poems are reaching out to thousands across the nation, Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul offers some of the most talented voices and insightful perspectives in American storytelling today. It is a book by, for and about Latin@ people, but its diverse, blockbuster stories and poems have appeal for ALL readers (of course it won't hurt if you're already interested in Latino life in the USA, and the richness of Latino cultures and storytelling!).  Latino Soul is a book to be read and reread, to be shared and treasured.   Everytime you come back to the book, you will discover something new.  Here's what Emmy award-winning journalist Catherine Anaya says about Latino Soul:

"Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul: Celebrating La Comunidad Latina is a collection of powerful stories and poems written by people from all over the country. They are stories about family, loyalty to our parents, the wisdom of our grandparents, the deep sense of faith in the community, and so much more... The stories will make you laugh, they'll make you cry and if you're like me, you'll finish the book with an even greater sense of Latino strength and pride" (Catherine Anaya, Latino Perspectives Magazine, www.latinoperspectivesmagazine.com).

But don't take anyone's word for it!  Check out the selection of featured stories in the "Features" section and see for yourself why everyone is praising Latino Soul.


Gracias, y un saludo caluroso,

Susan Sánchez-Casal


 Latino Soul Newsletter Minimize

  

Latino Soul Podcasts
Here's a summary of all the Latino Soul Podcasts in case you missed them. Enjoy!

Podcast #1: Latino Soul - University Ave.
First Latino Soul podcast with co-author Susan Sanchez-Casal. Introduction to the show, details about the book and the poem "University Avenue" by Pat Mora read by Susan.

Podcast #2: Latino Soul - Abolengo
Second Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Marie Delgado Travis who reads her poem Abolengo.

Podcast #3: Latino Soul - In My Classroom
Third Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Anjela Villarreal Ratliff who reads her story "In My Classroom."

Podcast #4: Latino Soul - I'll Always Remember You
Fourth Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Norma Oquendo who reads her story "I'll Always Remember You."

Podcast #5: Latino Soul - Dad, The Rock Star of Tamale Makers
Fifth Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Kathy Cano Murillo who reads her story "Dad, The Rock Star of Tamale Makers."

Podcast #6: Latino Soul - Me and Don Paco
Sixth Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Marie Delgado Travis who reads her story "Me and Don Paco."

Podcast #7: Latino Soul - A Hero's Story
Seventh Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Monica Garcia Saenz who reads her story "A Hero's Story."

Podcast #8: Latino Soul - Hunger
Eighth Latino Soul podcast with contributing author Nilsa Mariano who reads her story "Hunger."

Podcast #9: Latino Soul - Abuelas
Nineth Latino Soul podcast focusing on Abuelas and Latino Heritage Month with co-author Susan Sanchez-Casal reading "Don't do it Willy"

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latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol 

BIG NEWS!!!

¡¡¡ LATINO SOUL IS NOW IN SPANISH !!!

¡¡¡ LATINO SOUL EN ESPAÑOL !!!

(say it, it rhymes!!!)

¡¡¡ LATINO SOUL EN ESPAÑOL !!!

(see???)

YES! SOPA DE POLLO PARA EL ALMA LATINA (doesn't rhyme but it still sounds good) is finally available!  That's right, all your favorite Latino Soul stories from all of those amazing writers and poets are now available in Spanish translation in this new edition which came out on January 1, 2008. Available at major bookstores and online sellers (check it out on Amazon!).

DÍSELO A TOD@S TUS AMIG@S Y PARIENTES!!!

¡¡¡ LATINO SOUL EN ESPAÑOL !!!

everybody now...

¡¡¡ LATINO SOUL EN ESPAÑOL !!!

get your copy today!!!

ok?

(hey, that rhymes too!)

latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol   latinosoulenespañol  

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****2008 Latino Soul Readings****

If you're in the San Antonio area on April 5th, don't miss a a Barnes and Noble Latino Soul reading by super fabulous LS authors Marie Delgado Travis ("Abolengo" / "Me and Don Paco"), Jackie Mendez ("Grandma's Recipe" and "A Bridge to Freedom") and Angela Cervantes ("What's Up With Dad's and Pork Chop Sandwiches?").

.......................................

Latest podcast: Podcast #9 (click on the link on the right or subscribe to it in iTunes) features me, Susan Sánchez, reading my story “Don’t Do It, Willy!” And as a special treat, I also read two more Latino Soul tributes to abuelitas: “I Graduate Barkley,” by Regina Ramos, and the touching poem by young New York City poet Lauren Perez, “Abuelita,Abuelita.” Celebrating Latino Heritage for me means reflecting on our rich histories and diverse cultural inheritance, and on our heroes, especially those ordinary Latin@ heroes who are out there taking care of business everyday, making sure that our families and communities flourish. And in that spirit, the Latino Soul hero of the season is everyone's abuelita. So if you're lucky enough to still have your abuela with you, go give her a big kiss and tell her that Latino Soul salutes her! And if you're lucky enough to be an abuelita yourself, congratulations on being the Latino Soul hero of podcast #9!                        

!Pa'lante siempre! Be proud!

**********

**FEBRUARY / MARCH Late Breaking News**

Latino Soul contributing authors Johnny Diaz and Nancy Harless have books coming out this spring! Watch this space for more information!


Marie Delgado Travis
and Nancy Harless on the Main Stage at the Latino Literacy Festival in Chicago!

Celebrity authors from Mexico and award-winning Latin@ authors presented their new books and signed autographs at the 8th Annual Chicago Latino Book & Family Festival on November 11 and 12, 2006. Among them were our own Latino Soul authors Marie Delgado Travis (award winning author of "Abolengo", "Me and Don Paco") and Nancy Harless ("I am a Curandera"). Maire and Nancy report that there were about 150 people in attendance at their reading! Marie graciously translated Nancy's story so that it could be read in English and Spanish at the festival. Marie also presented a workshop on "Latino Authors Getting Published."  ¡Felicitaciones a las dos! The theme of this wonderful celebration of literacy wasLEER ES PODER!  If any of you saw Marie and Nancy's performance, please email me and let me know!

CONGRATS!
In August Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul was among the Chicken Soup series' "Top 10 Best Sellers" ¡Epa! Thanks to all of you who picked up your copy of Latino Soul and made this possible! Spread the word!

**Latino Soul Wins International Award**
LATINO SOUL was recently named as one of the AWARD WINNERS in the 8th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARDS, sponsored by LATINO LITERACY NOW! Congratulations to all the LS authors whose talent and inspiration made this happen! We are so honored and proud to have won an award in this most prestigious event. We invite our readers to join in our celebration of this wonderful achievement. And please, spread the word!

**Latino Soul in Southern California!**
For all of you who live in Southern California, don't miss your opportunity to see 9 Latino Soul authors read their stories and poems and sign copies of Latino Soul at the
Edward James Olmos Latino Book Fair and Family Festival, October 14-15, Pomona Fairplex. Presenters are: Maya Alvarez-Galvan ("Transforming Tragedy"), Zulmara Cline ("The Bear"), Alejandro Diaz ("Every First Friday"), Maria Ercilla ("Where Rosaries Ride The Wind" "Oysters And Zarzuelas"), Salvador Gonzalez-Padilla ("On Teaching"), Suzanne La Fetra ("On My Altar"), Ruben Navarrette, Sr.  ("Cop By Destiny"), Jennifer Ramon-Dover ("The White Butterfly"). Additionally, Latino Soul author and distinguished journalist Ruben Navarrette, Jr. will be featured in his own session where he will read from and discuss his acclaimed memoir: A Darker Shade of Crimson: Odyssey of a Harvard Chicano. Latino Soul sessions will be held on Saturday 2:30-4pm and Sunday 4-5pm. You can also picked up a signed copy of Latino Soul while you're there! Latinosoul.com gives a special shout out to Bear Valley Elementary for supporting the festival a lo grande. We hear there are 2 and maybe 3 busloads of children and parents who will visit the festival. Stop in and say hi to the Latino Soul authors! The bus trip is being organized by Latino Soul author Michele Sanchez-Capriotti, who is an award winning reading specialist at Bear Valley. And *very* special thanks to Latino Soul author and promoter Marie Delgado Travis for her dedicated work in coordinating this event!  Gracias mil, Marie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**Latino Soul Poet Wins Award**
Congratulations to Latino Soul poet Maria Ercilla who placed fourth in the annual writing competition of the prestigious Writer's Digest Magazine . Felicitaciones, Maria! Copies of Maria’s book of poetry Thirteen Miracles and Counting can be purchased on amazon.com.
Don’t miss Maria at the Latino Book Fair and Family Festival in October!

**Latino Soul in Houston** 
In May, LS authors Marie Delgado Travis ("Abolengo" and "Me and Don Paco") Esther Bonilla Read ("The Ring"), Olga Valle Herr ("Papá's Best Lesson") and Maria Luisa Salcines ("Salsa Lessons," "Learning to Appreciate Papi" and "Reeling in a Boy's Dream") offered a reading, book signing, and panel discussion on "Latino Authors: How to Get Published" at the Edward James Olmos Latino Family Literacy Fiesta in Houston, Texas. Congratulations to each of you! Check out the photo of these gorgeous authors
HERE.

**Latino Soul in Dallas**
In July, LS authors Anjela Villarreal Ratliff ("In My Classroom") and Jacqueline Mendez ("A Bridge to Freedom" and "Grandma's Recipe") read their stories at the Edward James Olmos Latino Family Literacy Fiesta in Dallas,Texas. Congratulations to both of you, and  to the lucky people who heard you read that day!

Over 10,000 LS fans have listened to Podcast #8 featuring Nilsa Mariano's powerful story HUNGER! If you haven't tuned in yet, just clic below and treat yourself. Podcast #9, featuring my story "Don't Do It, Willy,!" is on it's way.
Keep checking back!

If you haven't already done so, listen to Blog/Podcast #8, which features Nilsa Mariano's poignant and powerful story "Hunger." Please tune in and you will get a chance to have Nilsa reach right in and grab your heart with her fantastic story about the hunger of our Latin@ children to be proud of who they are, and where they come from. Nilsa's story brings me to tears each time I read or hear it, because it gets straight to the crux of the matter: we need to help our children see the beauty and power in their cultural heritage and in themselves, and defeat the negative messages that our children may receive about who they are. God bless you for being in the world, Nilsa, and for helping our children to walk tall, and to dream big... It's a powerful podcast, so don't miss it! And don't forget to check out Nilsa's Featured Author Interview, and to read "Hunger" in the Featured Story section. Tell a friend!

Latino Soul Latino Hero of the Month: The general theme of Podcast #8 is Latino children and Latino literacy, and this gives me a chance to also honor Latino Soul author Michele Sanchez-Capriotti and Bear Valley Elementary School (Moreno Valley, California), for their heroic efforts in organizing the tremendously successful FAMILY LITERACY FIESTA that was held in mid March at their school. If you are interested in more information on how to organize a Family Literacy Fiesta at your school, please go to the April blog section, where you can find pertinent contact information. If you would like to nominate someone as a future Latino Soul Hero of the Month, please write to me at soup@latinosoul.com, and include the person's name and a paragraph about them.

Dr. Susi's Book Club: On podcast #8, I recommend two children's bilingual (Spanish/English) books: Carlos And The Squash Plant/Carlos y la planta de calabaza, by Jan Romero Stevens, (Jeanne Arnold, illustrator), and A Gift from Papá Diego/Un regalo de Papá Diego, by American book award winner Benjamin Alire Saenz, (Geronimo Garcia, Illustrator).

Latino Soul Newsletter #2: Edited by talented Latino Soul contributing author Monica Garcia Saenz ("A Hero's Story"), LS Newsletter #2 features up-to-date information about Latino Soul authors, behind the scenes glimpses of the creation of Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul, and much much more. Check it out!

Enjoy latinosoul.com! We look forward to hearing from you. Are you a teacher with a great story about empowering our children? Do you have a hero in your life? Write your story, then click here and send it to us online.

 


  

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