Donna Barba Higuera

Donna Barba Higuera is an American children's book author who gained prominence with her award-winning middle-grade novels. Her work examines themes of cultural identity, family heritage, and survival through both contemporary and speculative fiction lenses. Her debut novel "Lupe Wong Won't Dance" (2020) earned a Pura Belpré Honor and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award. Her second novel "The Last Cuentista" achieved significant recognition by winning both the 2022 Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Medal, marking a notable achievement in children's literature. Growing up in Central California's agricultural region influenced Higuera's storytelling, which often incorporates elements of her Mexican-American heritage. Her work spans multiple genres, including contemporary middle-grade fiction, dystopian science fiction, and picture books. Higuera maintains a career in healthcare alongside her writing. She currently resides in Washington State and continues to create stories that explore themes of cultural differences, identity, and personal courage.

Readers connect with Higuera's blend of science fiction and Mexican-American cultural elements. Her books receive strong reviews for representing diverse characters and handling difficult topics like loss and identity with sensitivity. Likes: - Complex emotional depth that respects young readers - Rich cultural details and Spanish language integration - Balanced pacing between action and character development - "Made me cry but in a good way" - frequent reader comment - Realistic family dynamics and relationships Dislikes: - Some find the sci-fi elements too dark for middle grade - A few note pacing slows in middle sections - Spanish phrases can be challenging for non-speakers Ratings: Goodreads: The Last Cuentista - 4.3/5 (7,800+ ratings) El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! - 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Lupe Wong Won't Dance - 4.1/5 (900+ ratings) Amazon: The Last Cuentista - 4.7/5 El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! - 4.8/5 Lupe Wong Won't Dance - 4.6/5

Lupe Wong Won't Dance (2020) A seventh-grade girl who dreams of becoming the first female pitcher in Major League Baseball must navigate square dancing in gym class while staying true to her multicultural identity and personal goals.

The Last Cuentista (2022) A 12-year-old girl becomes one of the last humans to remember Earth's stories and culture after awakening from suspended animation on a journey to a new planet where a sinister organization has erased humanity's memories.

Pam Muñoz Ryan writes middle-grade novels that blend Mexican-American family stories with historical elements and magical realism. Her books like "Esperanza Rising" and "Echo" deal with cultural identity and persistence through hardship, utilizing multi-layered narratives.

Rebecca Roanhorse combines Indigenous perspectives with science fiction and fantasy elements in her work. She creates stories of survival and heritage that bridge traditional cultural elements with futuristic settings.

David Bowles writes children's books that incorporate Mexican folklore and contemporary Latinx experiences. His work spans multiple formats including novels and graphic novels, focusing on border culture and Mexican-American identity.

Joseph Bruchac writes stories that integrate Native American traditions and contemporary challenges faced by young people. His work spans historical fiction and science fiction, consistently centering Indigenous perspectives and cultural preservation.

Guadalupe García McCall creates stories that explore Mexican-American experiences through both realistic and speculative fiction. Her work addresses themes of family relationships and cultural identity while incorporating elements of folklore and science fiction.