Karla Arenas Valenti, author portrait

Karla Arenas Valenti

KARLA ARENAS VALENTI is an award-winning author who writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla received the Pura Belpré Author Award for her middle grade novel, Lola, and three starred reviews for her debut, Loteria. She has also written several picture books including Esperanza Caramelo: The Star of Nochebuena.
Quetzal's Labyrinth
Lola
Lotería
Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena
Esperanza Caramelo, la estrella de Nochebuena (Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena Spanish Edition)
Lotería

Books

Quetzal's Labyrinth
Lola
Lotería
Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena
Esperanza Caramelo, la estrella de Nochebuena (Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena Spanish Edition)
Lotería

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

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Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

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