Grants, Mentorship Programs & Surprises
Hi friends! 👋
This month has been a whirlwind of school visits, writing sessions, and parenting adventures. Being a twin parent is not for the weak. I am exhausted all the time, but watching them talk to each other is the cutest. Importantly, I recently spoke with a group of young readers who reminded me why I write stories—to help kids feel seen and celebrated! 💛 (See a fan letter below)
What can you expect from my newsletter? Something for authors, aspiring authors, parents, educators, and book lovers.
But if you want to see anything in particular, I’m listening. I want to make sure my newsletter is helpful to you, so please consider filling out my survey.
Fan Letter from student received during a school visit
🎒 For Educators & Parents: Read-Aloud & Activity Idea
Looking for a fun way to engage kids with Gloriana Presente? Try this:
📖 Before Reading: Ask kids, “How did you feel on your first day of school?”
🎨 After Reading: Have them share one new thing they will try to do. Maybe they will try a new food? Maybe they will learn a new dance? Maybe they will try out for the talent show? Whatever it is, remind them that they can be just as brave as Gloriana.
🔗 Click here for my teacher’s guide. Use code TEACH to get it for FREE until the end of the month.
📖 BOOK GRANT For Educators & Librarians
WNDB established the Books Save Lives Grant to provide up to $5,000 for schools and libraries to purchase books that reflect the world we live in. Teachers and librarians in communities heavily affected by book bans are encouraged to apply. The application window is now open until March 14, 2025. Here is the link to APPLY.
Become a TIME for Kids Reporter
Kids from all over the country are selected to report on local and national news. TFK Kid Reporters get access to people who are making history—from politicians to entertainers. Here is the link to apply: https://events.bizzabo.com/706634
✍️ For Writers: Quick Query Tip
Thinking about querying literary agents? Remember:
✅ Personalize your query—mention why you chose that agent!
✅ Keep it concise: Hook, book, and look (at you!).
✅ Show, don’t tell—let your writing shine!
Need query help? Here is a link to my sample query letter. Download the sample letter I sent to various agents, which helped me get my agent and ultimately get published. You can also book a complimentary Ask Me Anything session!
✍️ For Writers: Mentorship Program
I am so excited to share the opportunity to apply for two Mentorship Programs. These programs enable you to work with editors/authors - industry experts - on your book. Get feedback on your book and ask questions you have about the industry to help you in your journey toward publication.
Editor-Writer Mentorship Program Applications open until March 17, 2025 (closing at 11:59 pm US Denver/MT). Who is eligible to apply? Aspiring or upcoming writers from underrepresented groups (see explanation on their website) with a completed, unpublished manuscript in the outlined categories may apply. Applicants may apply in only one category. Please read the instructions before you apply.
PB Rising Stars Mentorship Program - Between March 7, 2025, and March 21, 2025, Mentee applications are open! Apply here during the application period. Applications close on March 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM EASTERN TIME. Please coordinate with your time zone and plan accordingly.
Upcoming Events
2025 Hudson Children’s Book Fair on Saturday, May 3. This event is FREE.
2025 Bronx Is Reading Book Festival at Fordham Plaza on JUNE 21, 2025. Grab your ticket here.
American Library Association (ALA) Conference in Philadelphia, PA, on June 26 -30.
School Visits: March 7, March 12, March 14, March 19, March 20, March 21, March 26, and March 28. I have availability in April and May. Contact me to visit your school.
PREORDER GIVEAWAY!!!
I have a NEW BOOK COMING OUT!!! It is called BOLD, BRILLIANT & LATINE and is available for pre-order. After you pre-order, enter my GIVEAWAY to get your BONUS GIFTS!!!
What do you get when you pre-order?
📄 Printable Activity Pack: Every pre-order gets a FREE downloadable PDF with coloring pages, word searches, and fun facts about some of the icons featured in the book.
💌 Personalized Thank You: Be one of the first 50 pre-orders and receive a signed bookplate and a heartfelt thank-you note from Alyssa!
🎥 3 Free Virtual School Visits: Pre-order to enter a giveaway for ONE of THREE 30-minute virtual school visits!
ABOUT THE BOOK: Meet 52 Latiné and Hispanic heroes in this celebratory and inspiring biography anthology.
With this dazzling addition to the See Yourself In Their Stories series, readers can meet 52 heroes past and present, from sporting legends to fashion icons, political leaders to fearless changemakers, as well as renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists, and more.
A heart-warming and soul-rousing book for Latine and Hispanic children and families, this book is also ideal for homeschoolers and educators studying Latine and Hispanic history and achievement, with one new figure to explore every week of the year. This is the perfect read for families looking for empowering stories to inspire their children.
Proud, talented, and boundless, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dreams . . . whatever they may be.
Bookish News
Check out this article I wrote for Fierce by Mitu about 10 Afro-Latina Authors Who Prove That Latinidad Is Not One-Size-Fits-All. Enjoy!!!
📢 Subscriber-Only Discount!
20% Discount on my manuscript critique services. Let me help you get your picture book and/or the first 10 pages of your middle-grade manuscript submission ready for the mentorship applications I listed above. Use the discount code MENTORSHIP until the end of the month for this discount.
💌 Let’s Stay Connected!
I’d love to hear from you! Hit “reply” and tell me:
👉 What’s a book you’re loving right now?
Thanks for being here! Until next month, keep reading, writing, and celebrating stories. 💛
With gratitude,
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
📲 [alyssaauthor.com]
