Stories Are How We Preserve Memory and Identity - Donna Barba Higuera

Donna Barba Higuera is a Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Medal-winning author whose stories blend folklore, humor, and deep emotional truths. Her novel The Last Cuentista won both prestigious awards, cementing its place as a modern classic that explores the power of memory, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Meanwhile, Lupe Wong Won’t Dance received a Pura Belpré Honor and the Sid Fleischman Award for its humorous yet impactful take on identity and activism.In this interview, Higuera shares her journey from a childhood spent crafting ghost stories in cemeteries to becoming a celebrated voice in children’s literature. She reflects on her biracial identity, the inspiration behind her books, and the importance of preserving diverse stories in the face of increasing book bans.Join us as we discuss the magic of storytelling, the role of folklore in shaping young minds, and why books like The Last Cuentista and Lupe Wong Won’t Dance are more relevant than ever.#DonnaBarbaHiguera #TheLastCuentista #LupeWongWontDance #NewberyMedal #PuraBelpréMedal #BannedBooks #DiverseVoices #UnbanCoolies