Mary PlattLibrerÍa MartÍnez de Chapman University, the unique bookstore partnership between community literacy advocate Ruebén MartÍnez and the College of Educational Studies at Chapman University, has announced that from now on it will specialize in Spanish- and English-language children’s books, with programs including appearances and signings by noted children’s authors, poets and artists; and educational events for children, teens and families. Previously, the store carried Spanish- and English-language literature for children and adults.
The first two events of the new year will be appearances and book signings by authors Vinicio Murillo on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m. and Luis Ruan on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 4 p.m.
Murillo was born in Santa Ana and is a student at California State University, Fullerton. He’ll be introducing and signing his first published book, Roderick Roach, the first in a planned trilogy. The book introduces Rod, an 11-year-old student at the Wentworth Academy for Children with Special Abilities. Rod has the power of invisibility, but he’s overshadowed by his world-famous best friend, Ezra, who can manipulate blue fire. Then Rod gets the chance of a lifetime when he must face a dangerous dragon terrorizing the school. Does he have what it takes to protect his friends and conquer the dragon?
Ruan will talk about and sign his book, Journey to the Mountain Within, about his life’s work as founder of the Beyond Limits program, which works with at-risk youth throughout the United States and Canada. Poignant and heartfelt, the book recounts his experiences leading youth on challenging backpacking trips and cultural exchange programs on Native American reservations, helping them to learn about their inherent potential and the place they hold in the world. Ruan concentrates his efforts on Native and Indigenous cultures, working to create programs for youth involved in gangs or at high risk of gang involvement.
Both author events are free and open to the public.
Librería Martínez de Chapman University is at 216 N. Broadway in Santa Ana, near Third Street. For more information, call 714-973-7900. Net sales of all books at these events go to support educational programs at Librería Martínez.
We had an excellent presentation and reading this past Saturday by CSUF student, Vinicio Murillo, who is just beginning to publish his many wonderful stories for middle school aged children. Be sure to join us January 25th at 4 pm for another excellent presentation, this time by Luis Ruan on his book, Journey to the Mountain Within.