Stories Belong To Everyone- Latino Authors in the Schools Program
A book becomes more meaningful when a child recognizes themselves in the story.
Imagine how much more powerful it becomes when they meet the person who wrote it.
For nearly two decades, the library's Latino Authors in the Schools program has given students that experience, introducing them to acclaimed Latino authors whose stories and life experiences help students see themselves and one another in new ways.
When award-winning children’s book author Donna Barba Higuera presents to elementary and middle school students, she always begins by sharing photographs of her own family. Donna - who is of mixed White and Hispanic heritage - believes her working-class ‘field and farm’ upbringing makes her relatable to many of the students.
“Kids need to know there are possibilities, futures in writing, sciences, medicine, all of it, no matter what family you are raised in,” she says. “Whether a child is nodding and giggling during my presentation because they recognize a nod to their own culture or looking on with deep focus trying to understand a different culture, the underlying message is clear: stories belong to everyone.”
When Donna visited Teton County schools in the fall of 2025, presenting at Munger Mountain, Colter, Jackson, and Wilson Elementary Schools, Munger Mountain librarian Melissa Snider witnessed that impact firsthand.
“Kids from the same cultural background as the author come away feeling seen and proud of their identity; meanwhile, students from other backgrounds gain curiosity, broaden their horizons, and get valuable exposure to different cultures,” Melissa shared.
Beyond providing inspiration, when an author engages directly with students, they often share their writing process and help reinforce critical habits for lifelong learning. Reading widely, editing work, and writing multiple drafts are all practices that help to validate the teacher’s daily curriculum.
For Donna, these moments in the classroom are the entire point of being a children’s author. “It’s incredible to see kids’ faces light up, wheels spinning, imagining their future,” she says. “Kids will often stay after to share something about their life and family.”
After one presentation, a fifth-grade Spanish-speaking student approached Donna to share that she dreamed of becoming an author herself. Donna encouraged her without hesitation. Later, with Donna’s help, Melissa arranged for this student to receive a signed Spanish-language copy of one of her books, complete with a personalized inscription. "She completely lit up," Melissa remembers. "It was a powerful moment of being fully seen, valued, and encouraged."
That's the lasting gift of Latino Authors in the Schools. Beyond inspiring a love of reading, the program helps young people believe their voices matter, their experiences have value, and their stories deserve to be told.
As Donna reminds us all, stories belong to everyone.