Author Biographies*

Kayla Tucker Adams, “Speech Communication: a study guide for prospective speech teachers”, “There’s beauty in the rainbow”. Ms Adams is a motivational speaker, writer, business executive and on-air talent. Her resume includes radio and television broadcasting, public speaking, events planning, feature writing, marketing, and corporate communications. Ms. Adams has held various leadership positions in public education, including Public Relations Director/Assistant Principal and Executive Director. She is an avid writer, serving as the Editor of the Youth and Education pages for four Dallas area newspapers. Ms. Adams is the Founder and Board President of Milestones Youth and Community Center, Inc, a non-profit organization for at-risk youth in Kaufman County, Texas.

Bright Siaw Afriyie, is a professional Information Technology Analyst. He is also the founder of  Sab Softech USA, and in Ghana. He has a degree in Computer Science and and an Advaced degree in Telecommunications from the University of Quebec in Canada. Bright Siaw Afriyie worked as a programmer/statistics for the World Health Organization (WHO) Onchocerciaisis Control Program in West Africa for seven years while stationed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. He is currently serving as Information Technology professional with the City of Dallas, designing and maintaining several automated systems for Dallas 9-1-1 emergency dispatch. His book “Information to computer fundamentals” is a great companion for computer science students.

David Boston, Born in Memphis, TN, David moved from city to city while growing up. Always being the new kid in school and being very shy led him to "live in his own world." This would eventually come out in his artwork, and Boston has come to appreciate his history and the results. Boston received a BFA in graphic design from Memphis State University (now The University of Memphis). After early jobs in the printing industry, Boston soon began freelancing. The artist moved to Dallas in 1979, where he has worked for corporations, advertising agencies and media outlets. In recent years, the artist has branched out into illustrating six children's books and developing images for glass Christmas ornaments. Boston says illustrating children's books has proved to be his most rewarding work. It is the path he hopes to follow. The artist's mediums of choice are colored pencil and pen and ink. He also enjoys the challenge of watercolor.

Araceli Calderon (Tingambato, Mich.) is a story-tellers and gives creative writing workshops for children, teachers, and parents in Mexico and the U.S. She works for the Michoacán Secretary of Culture and with the General Coordination of Attention to Michoacán Migrants. Her books of literature by children are Un ojo al gato y otro al garabato; Nuestro costal de historias mágicas; Río de cuentos; Canto, cuento y poesía de niños mazahuas de Michoacán; Canto,Cuento y poesía de niños otomís de Michoacán, and the present book, In Mexico, the Flowers are Blue. She lives in Davis, CA with her husband and daughter. Her email is cheliara@hotmail.com.

Roberto Calderon,   "Mexican Coal Mining Labor in Texas and Coahuila, 1880-1930" Mexican labor history, working in the coal mine industry, in North Texas, during the period from the 1800s to 1930’s. Editor of Al Filo Mexican American Studies Series, UNT Press

Yanitzia Canetti (Havana, 1967), is an author, writer, editor, and translator with a Bachelor's in Journalism, a Master's in Linguistics, and a Ph.D. in Literature. She has published over 30 books in various genres, including novels, poetry, short stories, theatre and children's literature. She has written fiction and nonfiction series, teachers' guides, student editions, ancillaries and other educational materials for the bilingual educational system. She has also written over 2,000 specialized articles, catalogues, and literary reviews for newspapers and magazines in the United States, Cuba, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and other countries. Fluent in Spanish, Italian and English, she has translated over 100 books, principally for young readers. Her translations include several English literature classics. Yanitzia has received many awards for her work, including the National Literature Award (Ministry of Education, Cuba) 1984, 1985, 1986; the White Rose Literature Award (Best Literature of the Year, Cuba) 1994; Honorable Mention (National Association of Hispanic Publications, California) 1997. At present, Yanitzia lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and works as an editorial director and literary assessor. Her most recent publications include: "Novelita Rosa" [Through Rose-Colored Lenses] (Versal, 1997), "Al otro lado" [On the Other Side] (Seix Barral, 1998; Planeta de Agostini, 2000), "Completamente diferente" [Completely Different] (Everest, 2000), "Doña Flautina Resuelvelotodo" [Miss Flautina Fixit] (Edebé, 2002), and “Ay, luna, luna, lunita” (Everest 2006). Find more information at  www.YanitziaCanetti.com.

Catherine Carrasco Lynch, was born in El Paso, Texas. She received a bachelor’s and master degree in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Woman’s University in Denton. She started writing children’s books while still working full time with theb Denton Independent School District as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Her book “Mi Abuelita” is the first of a series of books designed in a similar fashion to promote early speech and language development while encouraging literacy amongst Hispanic families. The wording is highly specific. The words are chosen to include early speech sounds with soft rhythmic patterns to promote phonemic awareness. Repetitive story lines are used to promote early literacy development. Finally the illustrations are a celebration of the vibrant Hispanic culture.

Olga Cilia originally from Bogota, Colombia she is a bilingual teacher with the Garland School District “I have 18 kids in my classroom and 2 more at home for a total of 20, they fill my life and inspire me” She has written stories discipline, values, safety and educational themes for kids.

Gretchen Craig Always and Forever  (April 2006) “I’m from a long line of Florida pioneers, most of them descended from early Scots immigrants. Among other ancestors, though, is a French Canadian who arrived in Tampa when it was a fishing village and a Danish nanny who immigrated in 1915. Though I was born in the Florida panhandle, I grew up in sun-drenched St. Petersburg on the Gulf Coast. My husband and I and our three kids also lived in Palm Beach County in Southern Florida. Next was a ten year sojourn in Maine. At last we arrived in Texas ten years ago and expect to stay here forever”. Ms Craig has a BA in English, from the University of Florida and an M.A. from Florida Atlantic  University in Boca Raton. She lives in Denton with her family and a golden lab named Josie after the character in Always and Forever.  “Life is good in Denton, Texas”. Gretchen said.

Ivar Da Coll was born in Bogota Colombia, march 13, 1962. Author and illustrator of children’s books Ivar was nominated in 2000 to represent Colombia in the Hans Christian Award (this is the most prestigious award that children’s authors and illustrators could receive, comprarable to the Literature Nobel Prize). His books has been published by  Editorial NORMA -  Carlos Valencia editores – Ediciones Alfaguara – Panamericana Editorial ) as well as ( Ediciones Ekaré de Venezuela – Fondo de Cultura Económica de México – Houghton Mifflin Co de USA – Scott Foresman de USA – Lectorum Publications- Scholastic USA – Editorial ANAYA de España ). His books appeared in recommended lists by  IBBY (Internacional Board of Bookks for Young People )

Richard Dominguez,  El Gato Negro  Dominguez, a Skyline High school graduate works as a freelance illustrator, drawing story boards for ad agencies. “Growing up, reading comic books, there was never a true Latino superhero that I could look up to. There were some that were created, but they were created by the mainstream. They were non-Latinos. So they lacked capturing the true essence of the community.

Margaret Donnelly After a childhood in Venezuela, Margaret moved to the United States when she was 15-years-old.  She is the daughter of an Irish American native of Illinois raised in Texas and Venezuelan mother. Margaret’s first language was Spanish and in spite of many cultural and economic obstacles, she created a successful career as a lawyer in the state of Texas.  She has been a lawyer for nearly 30 years and a Board-certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law for 18 years. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Today, she divides her time between her law practice in Dallas, Texas, civic/community projects, and writing.  She is a member of the City of Dallas Ethics Advisory Commission.  In recognition of her community work with indigent immigrants and with native people of Mexico, the U.S. and Venezuela, she was nominated for the 2004 prize of The Right Livelihood Foundation of Sweden, known as the alternative Nobel Prize. In 2005, she published her first book, The Spirits of Venezuela, about the African and Indian spiritual heritage of Venezuela; in 2006 she published The Song of the Golden Cocks, a historical novel about the origin of the death squads of Latin America.  Both books are available in English and Spanish through www.trafford.com and www.amazon.com. Ms. Donnelly’s presentation highlights some issues about the reality of the U.S. immigration system’s inefficiency and what needs to be done to restore common sense, compassion and due process in the system.  She will be available to answer questions about pending immigration legislation in the U.S. Congress and related issues.

Raj Dore Tandoori Texan Tales

Shirley Smith Duke, No Bows! (March 2006) Shirley writes for toddlers and teens. No Bows is her first picture book. Shirley is a former teacher. She taught elementary school and middle school. She loves to cook and garden, but most of all loves reading. Her book No Bows! was recently purchased by a Korean Publisher, so we will be able to see it in Korean soon.

Xavier Garza, Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask: A bilingual cuento Born and raised in Rio Grande Valley, Xavier grew up loving the legends of Lucha Libre. A prolific artist/writer/storyteller his stories and illustrations have been reviewed in magazines and newspapers such as El Mañana, The Monitor, TABE, The Mesquite Review, The Corpus Christi Caller Times and the Milwaukee Spanish Journal. He has been included in the following anthologies: Aztlanahuac Project, Penn English: Chicano Writings, Once Upon a Cuento.

Jose Angel Gutierrez, during the mid 1960’s through the Chicano movement and to present time, Dr. Gutierrez was lead organizer, founder and co-founder of several organizations such as Mexican American Youth Organization (MAYO), Mexican American Unity Council (MAUC), Ciudadanos Unidos, Oberos Unidos Independientes, La Raza Unity Party, Grupos de Apoyo para Immigrantes Latino Americanos (GAILA). His book publications include: El Politico: The Mexican American Elected Officials (1972), A Gringo Manual on How to Handle Mexicans (1974), The Making of a Chicano Militant : Lessons from Crystal (1998), My Struggle for the Land: Autobiography of Reies Lopez Tijerina (2000). He has also written several articles and book chapters. He currently is at work on three manuscripts. Dr. Gutierrez lives in Dallas.

David Hernandez, PhD, born and raised in Chicago during the Great Depression, David worked his way as a musician to a PhD at the University of Illinois. Active in educational and political affairs, he has published articles in the United States and Mexico. He is a playwright and poet. Missing in America: Freedom,Justice and Honor (2006) is a book that will be discussed for years, perhaps for generations. It grapples with the many stormy events and issues of the day, those that have shaken and embarrassed us: civil rights, 9/11, the Iraq War, sexual abstinence, education, separation of church and state. Unlike the diet we are fed by the media, Hernandez without mincing words, dares to unveil our sins and foibles.

Juan Hernandez, PhD, born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of a Mexican father and a North American mother, Juan Hernandez has always had one foot in the U.S. and the other in Mexico. Juan became an important part of Vicente Fox’s team and continued by his side when Fox decided to run for president of Mexico. Dr Hernandez was named one of the “Smartest People We Know” when he was featured on the cover of Fortune Magazine, honored as “Humanitarian of the Year” by Latin Trade, and listed as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics” by Hispanic Business magazine. He is still a man with one foot on each side of the border, Dr. Hernandez is a regular guest on Univision, ABC and Fox News and author of  The New American Pioneers: Why are we afraid of Mexican Immigrants? (Feb 2006)

Margarita Hernandez,  poet. Featured poet in Antologia de poetas vivos de Jalisco (2005) and Sojurn (UTD literary quarterly, 2005). Margarita describes herself as a fruit of two cultures and two countries, “a blessing or a curse”. “I experience both Mexico and the United States with ambivalence. A blessing because Carly Simon and Astrid Hadad speak to me, as do Lucha Reyes and Billie Holiday, Pedro Infante and Louis Armstrong. My personal hymns are a song by Paul Simon (I am a rock) and another by Jose Alfredo Jimenez (Alma de acero). The mariachi music, the good one, like tequila, nestles deep within my soul but the blues goes to the same place and in the same measure. A curse because in neither am I totally at ease- I have become too gringa in my ways for Mexico and I am too Mexican for the United States.” Margarita lives in Dallas since 1993.

Kathi Jackson, has a BLS from St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas. Kathi has written several articles. Her book They Called Them Angels: American Military Nurses of World War II (2000) includes interviews she conducted with nurses from Texas. She has two works in progress: Living with the enemy (Greenwood Press, contract peding), Steven Spielberg: A Biography (in progress, Greenwood Press Spring 2007). Kathi lives in Lynnwood, WA

David Bruce Jones, “we tend to think of writing in terms of ink and paper or its closely related relatives in the computer world. But the world of exotic writing systems gives us a view of cultures and the past unavailable in traditional writing. Not that long ago, Egyptian hieroglyphs were dismissed as “decoration”, as were Mayan glyphs. Their decoding has opened up literally thousands of years of the past. What began for me as an investigation of a legend regarding a Knotted Cord Writing System in earliest China evolved into an exploration of exotic writing systems worldwide with what now appears to be the discovery of possibly two ancient writing systems in China and one in early Greece, including the discovery of a massive cache of very early Chinese writings. These writings are already moving our knowledge of earliest China by hundreds of years”.  After graduate studies at Taiwan National University I continued my research with the kind encouragement of the British Museum’s retired Egyptologist Dr. Robert Anderson and the help of the good people at the British Library, Victoria and Albert Library, Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard and Stanford.

Jennifer Kindert – Illustrator- Jennifer Kindert attended the International Art School in Stockholm, Sweden and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. In addition to being a Children’s Book Illustrator, she also has a background in the apparel, advertising, marketing and industries. Her illustrated children’s book titles include: “Hurry Up” by Bernette Ford, “Mommy’s Bed” by Sonia Black both part of the “Just For You! series published by Scholastic as well as “The Christmas Puppy” and “Llamas in Pajamas” by Teddy Slater, published by Sterling/Barnes & Noble. Although a classicist by training, Jennifer sees herself as more of a “style chameleon.”  As a child, growing up in Sweden she was inspired by Nordic folklore and fairytale literature as well as the lush, Swedish nature. However, her years in New York City and Dallas has a inevitably brought out the artist’s natural aptitude for capturing multicultural aesthetic details that allows her to showcase a bit of urban flair. Much like an actor’s need have range, she enjoys the challenge of constantly reinventing herself through experimenting with different styles and genres of illustration, ranging from realism using to traditional techniques and media to cartoon-like digitally rendered pieces while retaining true draftsmanship and painting qualities. Her desire to share her passion manifests itself in volunteering with various charitable organizations that focus on the welfare of children and adolescents in the Dallas Metroplex area.  She also holds art workshops, conducts school visits in order to inspire both the young and young-at-heart to view and use drawing and painting as means of self-expression and problem-solving enablers. She is currently collaborating with Hope Cottage Adoption and Family Services by illustrating a fund-raising cookbook benefiting their Adoption Programs. Jennifer currently lives in Dallas, TX and is a freelance illustrator, portrait and muralist artist, and graphic designer.

Ruth King, “The Ugly Truth About Small Business: 50 Things that can go wrong and what you can do about it”. Ruth holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Chemical Engineering from Tufts University and University of Pennsylvania, respectively. Ruth King is a serial entrepreneur. Over the past 25 years she has owned 7 businesses. BusinessTV/Channel.com is one of the four companies that Ruth currently is an owner/partner in. Ruth is passionate about helping adults to learn to read, photography, and marathon races.

Vivian Mansour El enmascarado de Lata, With great wit and sensitivity Mexican author Vivian Mansour incorporates the world of Lucha Libre into a little boy's search for self-esteem. The son of El Enmascarado de Lata fights for acceptance at school while his dad fights in the ring. It is not until all seems lost that the boy realizes that his dad is a true hero. Famed Mexican caricaturist Trino lends his unique style of artwork to this humorous novel that will appear to both young and old.  El peinado de la tia Chofi, This hilarious, uproarious, endearing story tells of a little tiny beetle that takes refuge in Tía Chofi's six-foot tall hairdo on the way to a wedding. The chaos that ensues teaches Tía Chofi that a hat might be the best hairdo after all. Vivian lives in Mexico D.F.

Josué Gabriel de Montemayor is a poet/writer. Montemayor was born in Monterrey, Mexico in July 1974, and has a degree in Business Administration from the Regiomontana University. He is the author of five books of poetry and fiction and has recently participated in the 14^th Austin Annual International Poetry Festival April 20-23, 2006. He is the screenwriter, host and producer of a national TV network called Más Música TV. Gabriel is busy writing his first novel, preparing another poetry book and a multimedia project that includes film, poetry and music.

Michael Moore Michael Moore is an author of three books of haiku poetry. He has been specializing in the (free-verse) style known as modern haiku and the traditional (5-7-5) English style since 1990.  Mr. Moore teaches haiku to elementary, middle, and high school students in Dallas and throughout Texas. He lectures on his experience in publishing poetry to colleges and university students as well.  Michael was one of the guest authors that participated in the Children’s Book Fair and Literary Festival at the Dallas Public Library 2000-02. He was also part of the Dallas Public Library Celebrates National Poetry Month festivities coordinated by Mr. Victor Kralisz.  The following titles are books by Mr. Moore: Chocolate Chips, (Contemporary Haiku), Contemporary View of Haiku (Vista Contemporanea de Haiku), and Haiku Landscapes, (Traditional Western Haiku).

Gustavo Morales    Vivir con el vecino  Gustavo Morales has more than twenty years of marketing and management experience with Grupo Bimbo, where he began his career as a Corporate Sales Manager for Bimbo’s headquarters in Mexico. Today, he works in marketing where he leads Bimbo and Tia Rosa brands nationwide in the US. He is a recent immigrant to this country who is fascinated by the experience of finding another culture to learn from. Gustavo’s professional history includes introducing Sara Lee’s frozen baked goods in Mexico where he obtained the recognition “Outstanding Performance” for converting a single brand to account for 25% of total sales in the frozen section. Lately he has contributed to keep Bimbo and Tia Rosa brands growing double digits in the US for the past five years. Gustavo has also been general manager of two companies during his career where he acquired a broad knowledge not only of business management but human behavior and people’s management styles A Bachelor in Psychology with a masters in business administration, he has been a professor and conferencist since 1991 in fields including Total Quality Control Management, Sales, Leadership and Human Development, areas where he has done some consulting work as well. Gustavo, as he calls himself, “a person interested in everything that unfortunately does not happen to me” is a consummated golfer and guitar player that can entertain for hours a group of friends. He lives with his wife and children in Dallas, Texas. 

Gloria Novak, is a Spanish teacher of toddlers/preschool elementary students and their parents at Southlake, Grapevine and Keller Community Centers in Texas. Gloria is a native of Colombia, South America where she was a practicing attorney.  Gloria also has a Master’s degree in business.  Twelve years ago she married a US Citizen and became one herself in 2000.  During her time in Washington D.C. she taught Diplomats and Executives conversational Spanish. When Gloria’s husband was transferred to Texas, Gloria decided to teach toddlers and their parents Spanish.  She had a strong desire to develop a teaching method that would be fun and successful at getting children to absorb a second language.  She concluded that the best method emulates the way that parents teach their children their first language, and she incorporated these language lessons into small instructional segments.  Gloria now has students from two years old to High School. In 2005, Gloria and her family created the la manzana roja company and produced Mom, Dad & Me Aprendemos Español a DVD with songs, and games that captures Gloria’s unique and fun learning method.  The DVD was published in 2006. Mom, Dad & Me Aprendemos Español  has been designated a 2006 Parents’ Choice Approved Award winner

Dolores Morales Owens, Dolores is an author, speaker and the owner of N-Harmony Publishing. She has a heart to empower women of faith and save the heart and souls of women who have been abused physically, mentally and sexually. Her divine mission is to promote positive self-images for hurting women, particularly the Hispanic/Latino community. Armed with the Word of God and the power of prayer, Dolores’ own life is an incredible testimony of how God’s goodness and mercy has recued her from many years of “bad choices” and delivered her into a world of deliverance and victory. Dolores shares her mighty message of the power of prayer through her newly released book “Lessons From a Virtuous Woman: A tribute to Fedencia Castllo-Morales”, which is a tribute to her mother who taught Dolores about the essence of a strong prayer life. She is a member of the Frisco Community Fellowship Church and lives in the Dallas area. She is happily married and the proud mother of three children.

DeWayne Owens is a dynamic motivational speaker and author of the highly acclaimed book, How to Get Rich on PURPOSE. His captivating presentations and keynote addresses inform and educate ordinary people on how to lead extraordinary lives. DeWayne utilizes personal insight and a practical approach to share life-changing principles that will inspire your organization to maximize personal and professional growth. His inspiration for you to succeed is fueled by his ability to overcome a fifteen- year addiction to drugs. He knows first hand how to fight the adversities of life and come out on top a winner. DeWayne has dedicated his time to learning and revealing the principles of purpose. He exposes why people who have accepted and understand their calling in life lead an abundantly successful lifestyle. DeWayne’s presentations will leave your audience empowered with the tools of success. His powerful messages and entertaining style will uplift the morale of your organization and motivate the desire for increased productivity on a personal and professional level. DeWayne is the President and CEO of Maximum Motivation Seminar Company. He is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and the past president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter of the National African American Speakers Association and the Whiterock Toastmasters Club of Toastmasters International. Due to his outstanding achievements, DeWayne has been selected to Marqui’s Who’s Who in America as one of America’s new millennium leaders. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a double minor in Business Administration and Human Services. DeWayne is happily married and lives in the Dallas area.

Phil Porter   “The Route to Happiness” the back or Mr. Porter’s card lists his “plan for today”, which includes steps he’s followed for most of his 79 years to achieve his happiness. He has devoted many years to the young people of his area. As a result, in 1995 then-Governor of Texas George w. Bush presented Porter an award for the state’s Outstanding Volunteer in Education.

Ana Reymundo “Celia mi vida” the life of Celia Cruz . Ana Cristina Reymundo has been the Editorial Director of Nexos magazine since 1998. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Hispanic Media’s 100’s list of Top 100 US Hispanic journalists. She lives in Hurst, Texas.

Dr. Alexey Root's first book is Children and Chess: A Guide for Educators, published by Libraries Unlimited (www.lu.com). Dr. Root has a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. Her work history includes full-time public high school teaching (social studies and English) and substitute teaching at all grade levels. Root has been a tournament chess player since she was nine years old. Her most notable chess accomplishment was winning the U.S. Women's championship in 1989. For the last six years, Root has been a lecturer at the University of  Texas at Dallas (UTD) (www.utdallas.edu). She has taught UTD education classes, tutored prospective teachers for certification exams, and supervised student teachers. Root's current assignment for UTD is to teach education courses that explore the use of chess in classrooms. Her courses are available worldwide, via the UT Telecampus online platform http://www.telecampus.utsystem.edu/index.cfm/4,906,82,56,html

Terje Saar-Hambazaza is a PhD candidate in Humanities in the field of Literary Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas. She holds a Master’s degree in Humanities in the field of Literary Studies and Translation from the aforementioned university and a Bachelor’s degree in Estonian and Finno-Ugric language and literature from the renowned University of Tartu in Estonia. Terje Saar-Hambazaza is also a translator of contemporary Estonian literature. Translating, which is her great passion, has helped her introduce the literature of Estonia to a wider audience. Her Master’s thesis included translations of Estonian poetry into English and she was awarded the American Literary Translators Association’s fellowship for her translations of Estonian author Karl Ristikivi’s poetry in 2004. Her translations have been published in Two Lines: A Journal  of Translation and Sojourn. She is currently working on a book titled Beginner’s Estonian for Hippocrene Books.

Juan Rivera Saavedra, award winner playwright from Peru. Saavedra’s prolific work extends to over 150 plays and 500 short stories. A local theater group MACA will present one of his plays “Los Humanoides” during the International Book Fair. Saavedra will read and sign some of his books and will provide a free lecture on “How to write a Play”. Mr. Saavedra who lives in Peru will be accompany by his wife.

Sharon Scott, LPC, LMFT     Sharon is a family counselor who has been making a difference in people’s lives for 30 years through her private counseling, international lectures and eight award winning books. She has appeared in CNN and Good Morning Australia discussing her teen best seller. How to Say No and Keep Your Friends . She also has a charming series for elementary-age children that is “co-author” by her savvy cocker spaniel Nicholas who makes learning valuable living skills fun. Included in this series is Life’s Not Alwas Fair: A Chid’s Lfe to Managing Emotions and Nichola’s Values: A Child’s Guide to Building Character. She has been quoted by hundreds of media, including 20/20, Good Housekeeping, and The London Tmes concerning her guide for adults Peer Pressure Reversal, who want to peer-proof children or teens. For more information please see her web site: www.SharonScot.com

Toni Simmons is a storyteller, author and producer. She graduated Magna cum laude from Fisk University, where she majored in speech and drama. After receiving a Master's degree in Library Science, she began working as a children's librarian combining her knowledge of children's literature and creative drama in storytelling sessions. She continued this activity while working for public libraries in Miami, FL; Des Moines, IA; and Minneapolis, MN. Now a professional storyteller, she brings to the stories new life with the use of rhythms, songs and audience participation, which places them in the story. her work appeals to audiences of all ages, young and old, and includes a wide variety of literature from different cultures. Now living in Dallas, Texas, where she taught drama at The Hockaday School, she continues to share stories. She has been featured on the Good Morning Texas TV Show, the Texas Library Association Convention and as a Regional Teller at the Texas Storytelling Festival. Toni has performed in 13 states, South Africa, the Bahamas, and most recently, through Germany.

Andrew Smith, Food Writer & Editor-in-chief, Oxford Encyclopedia on Food and Drink in America; co-author of Real American Food: A Culinary Tour of the United States. Join a lively discussion of Texas’ culinary history, investigating food traditions and their many influences. Andy promises to not only reveal the real history of such delicacies as chili con carne and Texas barbecue but  to discuss the culinary effect our great state has had on the rest of America. His new book, Real American Food, co-authored with Burt Wolf, defines the distinctive contributions of key regions to American cuisine. An indispensable tool to take with you when traveling, this book defines a cherished local cuisine, lists which markets and restaurants offer the best version of these items, and includes over 70 recipes that have been handed down through generations. San Antonio is highlighted as an important destination in the tour of real American food, with the introduction of chili con carne as its claim to fame. Andy also serves as Chair of the Culinary Trust of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, the group that reprinted Dallas’s first cookbook, the  Lone Star Cook Book, compiled by the Ladies’ of the Dallas Free Kindergarten and Training School in 1901.

James L. Spikes, “The Adventures of Lemmon Head & Mudd Duck”  in “What to do if someone tries to grab YOU!!!” is the Taffey Pop Kids first publication. The content of the book deals with child safety around strangers. Keeping children out of danger is important. This book, through the use of Lemmon Head and Mudd Duck, will help children know what to do when it comes to strangers. The advice Lemmon Head and Mudd Duck give is no different than what police and teachers tell children. “Don’t talk to strangers. Don’t take shortcuts on the way home. Don’t ride with strangers”, they are just new characters who can add another voice to what children need to know.

Roberto R. Treviño The Church in the Barrio: Mexican American Ethno-Catholicism in Houston, University of North Carolina Press, 2006. Treviño is a native tejano who was born in Mathis, Texas and lived and worked many years in Houston. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Houston Baptist College, a Master in Education from the Univeristy of Houston, and did post-baccalaureate and graduate study in Mexico City in 1970 and 1980 at the Universidad Autónoma and El Colegio de México. Dr. Treviño received his PhD in United States History from Stanford University in 1993, specializing in Mexican American history with emphasis in religion. A member of the Department of History at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) since 1999, Professor Treviño is also Research Associate and Assistant Director of the Center for Mexican American Studies at UTA. Before joining UTA, Dr. Treviño taught at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, lectured at the University of Houston, taught High School in the Houston Independent School District (HISD), and was consultant for the HISD Migrant Education Program. He is the author of the The Church in the Barrio: Mexican American Ethno-Catholicism in Houston, University of North Carolina Press, 2006 and other publications about Mexican Americans, religion, and ethnicity in U.S. history.

Dr.  C. Roberto Umaña MD Second Opinion , Cardiac Surgery, a Personal Experience (Out of print). Dr. Umaña has an MD degree from the University of San Carlos, Guatemala,  a PhD. in biochemistry from the University of Rochester, N.Y. Other experiences include: Family practice training, University of Minnesota; Professor and Chairman, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of San Carlos, Guatemala; Scientist, Institute of Nutrition of Central American and Panama, Guatemala, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, School of Dentistry and Medicine University of Minnesota, Private Family Practice, Arlington TX. Retired. Dr. Umaña is a health columnist for Escapees Magazine, Livingston, TX.

Liliana Valenzuela Born and raised in Mexico City, Liliana Valenzuela is an adopted tejana. She earned bachelor's and master’s degrees in anthropology and folklore from the University of Texas at Austin. As a literary translator, her recent publications include Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros, La conquista de Yxta Maya Murray, Latin Jazz by Raúl Fernández, and La Yagüita del Pastor by Isaías Orozco-Lang. She is an award-winning writer and poet, and her fiction and poetry have appeared in journals and anthologies. She has two poetry collections entitled "Bocas palabras" and "Mujer frontera, mujer Malinche". She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family.

Lydia Vélez Román,  was born in Puerto Rico.  She received a Ph.D in Latin American Literature from the University of California, Irvine.  In 1998, she published Sigamos: Lecturas literarias y culturales.  Also published at the same time, with coauthor Jacqueline M. Córdova, was Sigamos: Cultura y Lengua (both published by McGraw-Hill). Among her creative writings are a book of poems Osadía de los soles truncos (Editorial Betania, Spain, 1991) and Memoria de escribanas, a book of poems and narrations (Editorial Cultural, Puerto Rico, 2000), Women of Steel: Unsentimental Stories, biographical stories about women who had to overcome obstacles in order to achieve a higher education (self-published, 2002). Her poem, "A las mujeres," was set to music and included in a performance at the Centro de Bellas Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  She has various short stories published in different journals.  Her work was included in an anthology of short stories published in 1993 by Arte Público Press.Unpublished works include La palabra misma, a collection of poems and El cuco va a Nueva York, a collection of short stories. Lydia lives in California. She teaches Spanish, Hispanic American Culture, and Literature at California State University, Fullerton.

Benjamin Vincent is a freelance illustrator in Dallas, Texas.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.  He enjoys illustrating children’s books as well as books directed toward teens and young adults.  He also illustrates for magazines and advertising agencies, does vision drawings for corporations, paints murals and portraits, and is a well-known caricature artist.

Shelby Vincent is a freelance translator in Dallas, Texas.  She recently received a Master of Arts in the Humanities, with a Major in Studies in Literature and a concentration in Translation Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).  She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at UTD, once again concentrating in Translation Studies. “Los papeles del dragon tipico” by Ignacio Padilla is the first of many collaborations on the horizon for the husband and wife team. 

Elizabeth Woodworth,  while teaching second grade in 1997, Elizabeth Woodworth started writing children’s poems to share with her students.  But she was always surrounded by poetry and children’s books as a child; her mother was a librarian.  After teaching for 15 years, Woodworth moved into educational publishing and has worked for companies in New York, Washington (DC), and Dallas.  She earned her BA from Boise State University, her MA from California State University, San Bernardino (both in English), and is finishing her doctorate in Victorian poetry at TCU.  She is a published author of Victorian scholarship and is published in the field of education; her favorite work in education has been focused on writing and writing instruction.  She is working on her first book of poems with David Boston doing the illustration and art direction.  Another collaborator, Joan Hoban, is writing original music to accompany many of the poems.  They hope to have their first book available for purchase this fall.  Woodworth was born in Los Angeles, CA and now lives with her husband and son outside Fort Worth, TX.