1. A Portrait of Amada Irma Pérez
Shared Stories

2. Amada Irma Pérez
» Born in Mexico and came to the U.S.
as a child.
» Worked as a teacher for 25 years
before publishing her first book.
» Has taught kindergarten through
university classes
» Currently a third grade teacher in
Oxnard, California
» Lives with her teacher husband
Arturo and their two dogs in Ventura,
California
» Has two grown sons, Marco and
Nico

3. »2004 Pura Belpré Honor Book Award
»2000 Tomás Rivera Children’s Book Award
»Americas Award for Children’s Literature
»Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media Award
»Independent Publishers Book Award
»Skipping Stones Honor Book Award
Award Winning Author

4. Making Room as a Personal Theme
“I am honored and humbled by all the awards my books have
received. My stories are not just "my stories", but the stories of
thousands or maybe millions of immigrants and residents who
share my history, experiences, frustration, pain and warm, sweet
memories. Many people say they can relate to the universal
themes I write about even if they are not immigrants. From my tiny
storage closet room to a room in the house of children's literature?
Wow! I guess I have come a long way.
But it was not an easy road. Being one of three Chicanas in the
English/Language Arts Department at Cal Poly, Pomona in the
1970's was no easy task. I have worked very, very hard and have
been fortunate to have so many people carry me on their shoulders
throughout my career. I only hope to carry others on mine as we
bring more relevant stories/books to people of all ages and
backgrounds.” ~Amada Irma Perez

5. » An advocate for programs that encourage
literacy and promote cultural understanding
» Believes that better communication will
promote world peace
Building Bridges

6. The author wears the bright colors and patterns of traditional Latin
American costumes when she talks about her books.
Meeting Students

7. “I've always enjoyed reading autobiographies
and found it easy to tell my own stories when I
started writing. I wrote them as if I were telling
them to a friend. They are based on my life,
but fictionalized to make them even better.”
~Amada Irma Perez
Sharing Life Stories

8. Involving students in telling a story is the most fun way to capture an audience.
Acting it Out