From the Author - José Chavez

"I became interested in poetry when I began writing poems in second grade. I’ve retired from teaching and have time to devote to mission of writing bilingual poetry for children. Themes I explore include family relationships, education, second language acquisition, healthy eating, and taking care of Mother Earth. I enjoy the natural rhythm of words in two languages, wordplay, humor, and believe this style resonates with young readers."

Bio 

José Chávez was born in New Mexico and raised in Southern California. He attended college in Orange County, Berkeley, and Eastern New Mexico University. He has a master’s degree in English as a Second Language and retired as a second-grade Dual Language Immersion teacher in Moreno Valley, CA. 

He writes poetry, picture books, and short stories for children. His poetry for adults includes the poem Juan Not John, published by the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), 2018 issue of Multilingual Educator, poems in The Acentos Review, and Inlandia Anthology. His first two bilingual poetry books for children, Little Stars and Cactus, Estrellitas y Nopales, and Dancing Fruit, Singing Rivers, have both won awards. 

Awards

Little Stars and Cactus, Estrellitas y Nopales , International Latino Book Awards, 2017

Dancing Fruit, Singing Rivers, Baila la Fruta, Cantan los Ríos, International Latino Book Awards 2020

Organizations

• Academy of American Poets, Member
  
• SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) 
• ISLA (International Society of Latino Authors)
• CABE (California Association of Bilingual Educators)
• Inlandia Member