The author’s new book seems to hit the mark

If a book were written about Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, it might be called: From English learner to award-winning published author.

Reynoso-Morris, 34, a resident of Castor Gardens, has long wanted to be a published author.

“This is a goal I’ve had since I was seven years old,” she said.

However, she thought this goal was unattainable, as she herself learned English at what she described as an underfunded and under-resourced school in the Bronx. She learned to read in fourth grade, and that gave her the inspiration and voice to pursue her dream.

As a young adult, Reynoso-Morris began journaling while working a variety of jobs, including as chief of staff to Rep. Jared Solomon, in the United Nations Witness Protection Program, and at nonprofit organizations. These jobs included writing grant proposals, fundraising appeals, press releases, newsletters, and website content.

In 2016, she started taking writing really seriously, started working on manuscripts and viewed it as a career opportunity.

Until 2020 she had a literary agent.

“Finding a literary agent is a big challenge,” she said, especially for children’s books.

Reynoso-Morris did all the other things an aspiring author must do, joining organizations like the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) to network with others.

Dreaming of publishing her first book, she worked hard on editing, marketing, and collaborating with an illustrator, art director, and editors.

Last year, Simon & Schuster released their Platanos are lovea picture book about how plantains shape Latin American culture, community and family, told through the experiences of a young girl in the kitchen with her abuela (grandmother).

To market the book, printed in English and Spanish, she held 67 events in places such as schools, book fairs and libraries. Within six months, more than 10,000 copies were sold and the book was well received by critics.

“Every time I attended an event, my batteries were recharged,” she said.

Later in 2023, Hachette Book Group – like Simon & Schuster a Big Five publisher – published its The Bronx is my homea love letter to the Bronx and a picture-perfect celebration of hometown pride in the borough’s history, landscape, cultures and activities.

Now the Hachette Book Group is about to publish Reynoso-Morris’ third book. Gloriana, Presente: A story from the first day of school will be released on July 9. It is a painted, imaginative picture book told from the perspective of Gloriana, a young girl who finds her voice and overcomes her fears – a journey that mirrors that of the author. The book will be available in English and Spanish.

Gloriana began as a manuscript in 2016.

“It took the longest to complete,” said Reynoso-Morris. “After almost a decade, it’s finally out in the world.”

Reynoso-Morris said the book should resonate with all children and families because they can relate to the first day of school. She believes it will especially touch immigrant families when they read about the main character’s nervousness.

“It highlights the difficulties faced by English learners,” she said. “I think it will resonate with many people. It’s the perfect book for them.”

Transport GlorianaReynoso-Morris has events planned in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C. She expects the momentum to increase as the new school year approaches.

The launch will be held on Saturday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at the Julia de Burgos Bookstore in Taller Puertorriqueno, 2600 N. 5th St. There will be a bilingual reading, food, craft activities and a question-and-answer session.

Next year, Reynoso-Morris plans to publish two more books. Pieces of home will be a picture book about two sisters who collect memories of their neighborhood before moving. Brave, brilliant and Latin American will be an illustrated anthology of 52 Latin American heroes. ••

Gloriana, gift is available at https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/alyssa-reynoso-morris/gloriana-presente/9780316366618/

To register for the July 13 launch, go to shoptallerpr.org/glorianapresente

For more information and to purchase all her books, visit AlyssaAuthor.com