Episode 21: Book Fairs and Representation with Stephanie Moran Reed of MiJa Books

In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, hosts Claudia, Silvia, and Alicia sit down with Stephanie Moran Reed, co-founder of MiJa Books, to talk about the power of representation in children’s literature.

Stephanie shares the story behind MiJa Books—how the search for books that reflected her daughter’s identity inspired her to create a bookstore and book fair company dedicated to multicultural and multilingual children’s books. We explore how inclusive stories help young readers see themselves in the pages of a book and why access to diverse literature matters in classrooms, libraries, and homes.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:
• The origin story of MiJa Books
• Why representation in children’s literature matters
• How multicultural book fairs connect young readers with diverse stories
• Advice for authors and educators working to bring inclusive books to children

If you love children’s books, literacy, and diverse storytelling, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Bilingual Book Buddies forconversations with authors, educators, and literacy advocates working to bring more stories to more readers.

#BilingualBooks #ChildrensBooks #DiverseBooks #KidLit#Literacy #BookFairs #MulticulturalBooks #BilingualBookBuddies

Social media/Contact

Instagram: @smoranreed

Facebook: @stephmreed

Linkedin: @smoranreed

Email: [e-mail]

Meet Your Hosts:

Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers.

Website: alicia-salazar.com

Facebook: Alicia SalazarAuthor

Instagram: @albricias123

Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.

Website: claudia-sloan.com

Instagram: @claudia.sloan

Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity.

Website: silvialopezbooks.com

Instagram: @silvialopezbooks

Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes

About Bilingual Book Buddies:

Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode featuresconversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life.

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