Award-winning author Maria Twena has released ‘All Aboard’, the fourth installment in her acclaimed MariVi the Master Navigator series, offering readers an intimate portrayal of bicultural childhood experiences. The book follows MariVi, a bilingual third grader, as she confronts the intricate challenges of existing between two cultural worlds.
In this latest narrative, MariVi encounters meaningful moments that challenge her understanding of identity, including a transformative interaction with her biracial classmate Miriam. When Miriam’s mother unexpectedly speaks Spanish to MariVi, she experiences a moment of vulnerability, questioning her sense of belonging and worrying about potential perceptions from her monolingual friends.
Twena, who brings personal experience as a child of immigrant parents from Spain and Cuba, crafts a narrative that goes beyond simple storytelling. Her work serves as a powerful exploration of bilingualism, cultural navigation, and the nuanced emotional landscape of bicultural children who often serve as linguistic and cultural bridges within their families.
The book is complemented by Amy E. Ubelhor’s illustrative artwork, which provides visual depth to MariVi’s emotional journey. By depicting MariVi’s experiences with sensitivity and authenticity, Twena creates a platform for young readers to see their own complex identities reflected and validated.
The MariVi series has expanded beyond traditional book formats, now including a YouTube animated video series and the podcast ‘Navigating Dos Mares’, which further amplifies stories of growing up between cultures. This multimedia approach underscores the series’ commitment to providing representation and understanding for bicultural children.
‘All Aboard’ is available in both English and Spanish, making it accessible to a diverse readership and reinforcing the book’s themes of linguistic inclusivity and cultural understanding.
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