Donna Barba Higuera

Donna Barba Higuera is an award-winning Mexican American author celebrated for her imaginative middle-grade fiction. She won the prestigious Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award for "The Last Cuentista," a science fiction novel blending Mexican folklore with space adventure. Her other acclaimed works include "Alebrijes," a magical fantasy featuring Mexican mythology, and "Lupe Wong Won't Dance," which follows a determined young athlete. Before becoming a full-time writer, Higuera worked as an engineer and taught English. She draws inspiration from her Mexican heritage and childhood experiences to create authentic, empowering stories that resonate with young readers seeking representation in literature.