Abuela’s Letter

Abuela’s Letter is a beautiful story that addresses loss and grief within a Latin family where a young girl is challenged by the death of her grandmother and discovers letter-writing as a way to cope and connect with her loved one’s passing.

Alma’s favorite days are when her big family gathers at Abuela’s house. Tíos take siestas while tías tell their stories, and primos play dominoes while Abuela stirs the frijoles. Always at the center is the love of Abuela! Alma’s beloved grandmother and her number one fan! When Abuela dies, all of this is suddenly gone. Alma is filled with sadness and grief, until she finds a letter that Abuela left for her.

Could Abuela’s words be what fills her heart again with love and sweet memories?

This thoughtful story captures the concept of ＂familismo＂ beautifully ― a Latin cultural value that involves dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Regularly spending time with one’s immediate and extended family is part of familismo, as well as seeking the family’s advice and support for important decisions and life transitions, such grief and loss. Includes a note to readers in English and Spanish with coping strategies essential to Latino and Hispanic families about grief and loss of a loved one, as well as additional ways to support children and honor the life and memory of beloved family members.

Debbie Zapata, LCSW, works as a counselor in Austin, Texas, assisting families with childrenwho have special needs. Her stories celebrate diversity and honor her Mexican culture. Debbie has been awarded the Austin SCBWI Scholarship for Diverse Worlds multiple times and was a finalist for the We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Mentorship Contest. She is also the author of the
picture book Up and Adam (Kids Can Press, 2022). Visit debbiezapata.com.

Alejandra Ruiz was born in Bogotá. She studied Film at the National University of Colombia and costume history at Purdue University. Alejandra found her true passion, however, in illustration and storytelling. Visit alejandraruizilustracion.com and @thorinds on Instagram.