Bibliography
Books
Novels, story collections, and picture books.
The Ingredients That Make Us / Los ingredientes que nos hacen
"This must-read is Santiago’s first picture book, a delightful foray into island life that provides valuable insights on making a cultural dish by drawing on rich Taíno and African traditions."
— School Library Journal
"This poignant bilingual picture book featuring Anne Vega's illustrations depicting tropical life will encourage young readers to explore their own cultural heritage, all while enjoying Luis' adventures on his island home."
— La Bloga
"Really sweet book about cooking traditional food with grandma. Would be perfect to read with bilingual kiddos."
— Maria, Goodreads
A bilingual picture book about cooking traditional food with grandma — a tender bond between generations told in English and Spanish.
Of Dubious Origin
"A captivating and funny yarn about finding where you belong."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Santiagos' protagonist and his parents and brother are vividly portrayed, and downright hilarious."
— Windy City Reviews
"A funny, thoughtful, and very human story about searching for where you fit—and learning something along the way."
— Mr. Book Review
Israel Cruz, a half-Puerto Rican, half-Jewish recent community college graduate, travels to Portugal in search of identity, driven in part by his fascination with a beautiful social media influencer. Blending humor and satire, the novel explores themes of belonging, cultural identity, and restless ambition. Portugal serves as both the destination of his journey and a metaphor for the life he hopes to discover.
Beware the Bantam Fighter
Stories
"An often luminous group of stories."
— Kirkus Reviews
A collection of interrelated short stories that explores the lives of a Puerto Rican family in Chicago, blending themes of culture, family, and resilience.