LAS MUSAS BOOK BIRTHDAY - I Am, Yo Soy

Today we are delighted to celebrate the book birthday of I AM, YO SOY with author Gabriela Orozco Belt. 

 With lyrical text in English and Spanish, this vibrant picture book is a celebration of Hispanic American identity—showcasing the beauty of being part of two cultures. Author Gabriela Orozco Belt and Pura Belpré Award Honor Book illustrator Mirelle Ortega honor all the big and small ways that embracing both heritages are the key to being exactly who you’re meant to be.

We sat down with Gabriela to learn a bit more about this beautiful book. Details after the jump!

Ellie and the inspiration for Santiago

What inspired you to become a writer?
I have always been a reader but never thought about writing until I was almost 40! I was the kid who would hide the book in the desk cubby, hoping not to get caught by the teacher. It wasn’t surprising to anyone that I decided to study Literature in college and become a high school English teacher. It wasn’t until my daughter, who was eight at the time, asked me to write down a bedtime story, one about a sloth named Santiago, so she could read it whenever she wanted to, that the idea of becoming a writer entered my head and heart.

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​How would you describe your main character? Why did you create your character that way?
There isn’t a main character! I wanted to make sure that anyone reading or listening to the story could be able to insert themselves into any moment. There are various Latine children represented in the story. I created it in this way to highlight the fact that we are not a monolith! We represent over 20 Latin American countries, each with its own unique history, heritage, and culture. 
 
Where did you get the idea to write this particular story?
Growing up Costa Rican-American, I never really knew which one I was. Every bi-cultural kid has felt and heard ni de aquí ni de allá! It’s a feeling that resonates with so many, including my own children as third-generation immigrants. I wrote this book for them, for myself, and for everyone else who feels in the middle.

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Visiting Costa Rica with my kids

What was the most challenging part of the publication process with this story?
To showcase the duality of being bi-cultural, I used both English and Spanish in the story. For every “I am” statement, there is a “yo soy” statement. I included a translation of the “yo soy” statements for my editor to read and when she decided to include them in the book, I was very nervous. I wanted to ensure the translations conveyed the right message; translating “sana, sana, colita de rana” was probably the most challenging!
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What message are you hoping readers will take away from this story?
The message I hope readers take away is that they are not a little of this culture and a little of that culture, I want them to know they are 100% of here and 100% of there, 200%! Their bi-culturalism doesn’t make them less than but makes them so much more.

get your copy of i am, yo soy

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​Gabriela Orozco Belt is a Costa Rican-American children’s book author who lives in a small town in the Mojave Desert. Inspired by her experiences of growing up bilingual and bicultural, she writes stories for children so they can see themselves in books. When not teaching, writing, or reading, she can be found spending time with her husband, three children, and extended family. 

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Connect with her:
IG @thegreatgabsie  
Website: www.gabrielabelt.com

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