Official Out of Darkness book release
It’s here! No, I’m not talking about Liam Miguel’s first day of kindergarten (that was yesterday) or Ethan Andrés’s first day of nursery school (that’s today). I’m talking about the official release of Out of Darkness, which has been part of my world since I started writing it in 2011 and can now–finally–become part of your world… if you dare.
For the past month, I’ve been answering questions and clarifying (for myself and anyone who will listen) why this novel matters and what writing it was like. Dip into any of the blog tour posts, and you’ll get a taste of the novel, which takes the 1937 New London, Texas, school explosion as the backdrop for a secret romance between an African American boy and a Mexican American girl. In my editor’s words (lightly revised): “It’s a book about segregation, love, family, and the forces that destroy people.”
8/9: Q&A – Shelf Life @ Texas
8/10: review – Finding Wonderland
8/12: interview and giveaway – YA Outside the Lines
8/17: guest post on cover art – Actin’ Up With Books
8/21: excerpt and giveaway – Forever Young Adult
8/26: why write with history – the Sarah Laurence blog
8/28: review – Forever Young Adult
8/28-8/31: three-part conversation at Finding Wonderland (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
8/31: “Words that Wake Us” guest post – Diversity in YA
11/27/2015 at 9:41 pm
I just started reading “Out of Darkness” and so far I love it. I haven’t had the chance to finish it yet because of a book I am reading for class and a bunch of essays. I was so happy when I found out that this book deals with racism towards Latinos because I haven’t found a book that covers this topic. When we read books about racism and discrimination in school they never talk about us Latinos. This book brings to light the history that I feel has been hidden. I remember when I was younger I found a book that covered a topic similar to this and I was so shocked to find it, my teacher let me keep it since I read it over and over. I’ve always kind of felt betrayed that schools never talk about this, not even on Hispanic Heritage month! I guess I just want to say that this book is a book that needs to be read by people. I can’t wait to read more books from you, its nice to see books with Latinos in the lead. I hope this comment doesn’t come across weird or dumb I just really needed to say this.
11/28/2015 at 2:00 am
Hi Karina, thanks so much for stopping by to comment. I completely agree with your reaction to the silence regarding the discrimination and violence suffered by Latinos in our American history. When I was teaching high school in Houston, I had no idea that the grandparents of many of my students had been systematically forced out of school. A dark legacy, indeed.