Las Musas Book Birthday - Bold, Brilliant, and Latiné

Today we celebrate the release of BOLD, BRILLIANT, AND LATINE written by Musa Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and illustrated by Sol Cotti. We checked in with Alyssa to learn more about the book:

Inspire the next generation of changemakers with this celebratory biography anthology of 52
Latine and Hispanic heroes. In Bold, Brilliant and Latine, young Latine and Hispanic children
can see themselves reflected in 52 heroes from the past and present, whom everyone can
look up to.

From sporting legends to fashion icons, political leaders to fearless changemakers,
as well as renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists, and more, these heroes’ lives are
vividly recounted by queer award-winning Dominican and Puerto Rican storyteller Alyssa
Reynoso-Morris and brought to life by Argentinian illustrator Sol Cotti’s artwork. Kids will find
motivation in the stories of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (politician, youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress), Lionel Messi (superstar soccer player), Sonia Sotomayor (US Supreme Court Justice), Frida Kahlo (iconic artist), Cesar Chavez (activist and labor leader), Ellen Ochoa (first Latina astronaut in space) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (actor, composer, creator of Broadway musicals).

A heartwarming and empowering book for Latine and Hispanic children and families, this
anthology is also ideal for homeschoolers and educators looking to diversify their
perspectives through Latine and Hispanic history and achievements, with one new figure to
explore each week of the year. Proud, talented, and boundless, these extraordinary men and
women will inspire readers of all backgrounds to chase their dreams… whatever they may be.

Read more after the link...

1. What is the most important lesson you have learned as a writer until now?

The most important lesson I have learned as a writer is to not give up. Getting
published takes time. It takes time to write and edit your manuscript. Finding
the right agent takes time, patience, and perseverance. I was rejected by over
50 agents. Just keep at it and stay organized in your outreach. Finally, even
when you have an agent, you still have to struggle with rejection. I have spent
countless hours on manuscripts that never sold, but I keep going. That is the
key - keep writing and do not give up.

2. What message are you hoping readers will take away from this story?
I want kiddos to know that they can be heroes. Maybe they love to sing and dance?
Maybe they like math and science? Maybe they hope to be artists one day as they
experiment with various media, like words, paint, or fabric. Whatever your wildest
dreams are, remember that you can accomplish them and inspire others to dream
big.

When I was a kid, I could not even name five Latine heroes because I was not
taught about them in school. The only heroes I knew about were the Mirabal sisters
because my Abuela told me about how they bravely opposed the dictator Trujillo. I
remember thinking, ‘I hope I can be as brave as them.’

As I researched the incredible legends in this book, I was inspired, and I hope all
young readers, especially Latine readers, can see themselves as heroes in the 
making. I hope they know that they have the power to decide their destiny and that
they can make the world a better place.

3. What 3 words would you use to describe your book?
I would say the title perfectly describes the book in 3 words – Bold, Brilliant, and Latine
All 52 legends in the book are these traits and more.

4. Can you share if you used any mentor texts for your story? If so, how did you use
them?
Bold Brilliant and Latiné is part of the See Yourself in Their Stories biography
series so I read the other books on the series including Young Gifted and Black. I was
paying attention to the length of the bios as well as what information was shared. The
legends and heroes in the book are incredibly accomplished and it was hard to try to
sum up their lives in less than 300 words.

5. What comes next for you as an author?
I have another book coming out next year (2026) called Pieces of Home with Bloomsbury Children’s. Two sisters visit their favorite spots on their block on their last day in their Bronx neighborhood, collecting mementos and memories to carry with them always. This book is perfect for kiddos struggling with moving and/or other major life changes. I was fortunate
enough to work with Alex Borbolla – my editor for Plàtanos Are Love.

get your copy here!

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller, author, motivational speaker, mother, and community organizer.

During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts on her writer’s hat to craft heartfelt stories. 

Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA,
with her family.

She is the author of Plátanos Are Love & Los plátanos son amor (a NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Read); The Bronx Is My Home; Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book & Gloriana Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx; Bold, Brilliant and Latine: Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present; and Pieces of Home. You can learn more about her at AlyssaAuthor.com and on IG @AReynosoMorris

---