Inspiration, Identity, and HOME: A Journey with Newbery Medalist Matt de la Peña

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What if the definition of Home extended beyond walls and roofs to embrace connection to nature and each other? We explore this question with Newbery medalist Matt de la Peña, author of beloved books like Last Stop on Market Street and Carmela Full of Wishes. Matt opens up about his creative process and how real-life experiences influence his writing. 

Matt shares how personal anecdotes find their way into his work (think Patchwork with Corrina Luyken). Student questions lead us to explore how the universal magic of picture books can captivate everyone from preschoolers to adults.

We deep dive into Love to Home (with Loren Long). Recent events like the fires in Los Angeles or the pandemic can act as disruptors, prompting a reevaluation of what truly constitutes a home. We talk about ways the writing process can take unexpected turns that lead to fresh discoveries and themes like reconnecting with nature. We also explore the themes of identity and resilience, especially for those standing on society's fringes. 

Chapters:

• 1:05: Inspiration and Writing for Audiences of All Ages
• 2:21: Patchworkand autobiographical seasonings
• 5:16: Carmela Full of Wishesinspiration and a love letter to the Mexican side of Matt's identity
• 7:22: From Love to Home
• 15:14: What is Home?
• 21:41:  Challenges to books and conversations
• 28:20: On the outside looking in: seeing things from a different perspective
• 31:48: Matt gives us a sneak peek at Home
• 37:28: Finding hope in challenging times

Links:

• Matt De La Pena's Website
• Purchase Matt's books
• Connect with Matt on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky

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*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.