About the Author & Stories
My stories are inspired by real-life experiences and celebrate the magic, richness, and values of Puerto Rican culture.
Many of my tales are born from everyday moments: a crab that once stole my car keys inspired The Little Crab, while Borinquen: A Puerto Rican Story draws from the song “Preciosa” by Rafael Hernández, a lifelong inspiration to me.
Yuisa and Fotuto explores the mystery of the ocean’s restless afternoon waves, influenced by Taíno traditions—where the fotuto, a conch shell, was used for long-distance communication. Other stories come from personal encounters, such as a childhood meeting with a wise old man in El Parterre, who I later discovered was a renowned mathematician and philosopher.
My work also reflects important social values: The Little Red Box highlights generosity, manual labor, and sustainability, while The Sky Beneath Our Feet reimagines the natural wonder of Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent waters.
Through each story, I weave together life lessons, cultural heritage, and personal memory—expressing my deep love for Puerto Rico and my journey as a historian, artist, and educator.
