About the Author
Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Storyteller. Cultural bridge-builder. Champion of every child who has ever felt caught between two worlds.
A Voice Rooted in Two Worlds
Lupe Ruiz-Flores grew up surrounded by the stories of her family — tales told in Spanish and English, in kitchens fragrant with masa and under the wide, starlit skies of South Texas. From her earliest years, she understood that language was not just a way to communicate, but a way to belong.
Her books are love letters to every child who has ever felt caught between two worlds, and a celebration of the richness that comes from belonging to both. Drawing on her own bilingual upbringing and deep roots in Mexican American culture, Lupe writes stories that honor the complexity of identity while affirming the beauty of who we are.
A recipient of the Pura Belpré Award — one of the most distinguished honors in children's literature — Lupe has dedicated her career to ensuring that Latinx children see themselves reflected in the books they read, and that all children discover the joy of stories that cross borders of language and culture.
- Hometown
- San Antonio, Texas
- Languages
- English & Spanish
- Favorite childhood book
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- When she writes
- Early mornings, with strong coffee and birdsong
What Inspires Her Writing
Family & Oral Tradition
The stories passed down through generations — told at kitchen tables, on front porches, and during long drives — are the heartbeat of Lupe's work. She believes every family carries a library within it.
Bilingual Identity
Growing up moving between Spanish and English taught Lupe that bilingualism is not a limitation but a superpower. Her books celebrate the richness of living in two languages.
The Joy of Reading
Lupe remembers the exact moment a book first made her feel seen. She writes to give that gift to every child who picks up one of her stories.
Virtual School & Library Visits
Lupe is passionate about connecting with young readers in person. Her visits are warm, interactive, and tailored to the age group — from picture book read-alouds for the youngest readers to writing workshops and Q&A sessions for middle-grade students.
Author Readings
Lupe brings her books to life with expressive read-alouds, bilingual passages, and discussion that invites children into the story.
Writing Workshops
Hands-on sessions where students discover their own stories — exploring family memory, cultural identity, and the power of their own voice.
Keynotes & Panels
For educators and librarians: talks on bilingual literacy, cultural representation in children's literature, and building inclusive classroom libraries.