MARIVI THE MASTER NAVIGATOR - ALL ABOARD by Maria (Lopez) Twena, Illustrated by Amy E. Ubelhor
 
* About the book *
In All Aboard, MariVi is now in third grade, embracing new experiences and challenges. From competing in a Spelling Bee to dealing with Gordo’s relentless seat-kicking on the school bus, she navigates the ups and downs of growing up. She finds joy in playing Dominoes with her elders, keenly observing the unique ways they play, and is eager to meet her new classmate, Miriam. Miriam stands out—she’s biracial and seems shy, much like MariVi was when she first started school. But to MariVi’s surprise, Miriam’s mom unexpectedly speaks to her in Spanish—a moment that stirs up a mix of discomfort and nervousness. Now, MariVi isn’t just unsure about her own feelings—she also wonders how her other friends, who don’t speak Spanish, will react to her interest in befriending Miriam. Like many kids navigating life in the U.S., MariVi wrestles with the complexities of assimilation, questioning what it truly means to belong to a culture with its own language and traditions.
 
* About the author *
MariVi's creator and author, Maria (Lopez) Twena, was born in Miami of immigrant parents, and raised in New Orleans. She is the fourth of five siblings, and the first-born Americana, serving as a bridge between two worlds, two cultures, two languages, and two ethoses (collectivism and self-reliance).
As a child, she felt like an outsider, yearning to find her place in the world. As an adult, she realized that had she seen her life experiences in the media as a child, life would have been a lot easier for herself and others like her. Lack of media representation created a singular narrative and drove the desire to become assimilated. She created MariVi to serve as a confidante and guide to other immigrant youngsters who share MariVi's early experiences and are in search of their own sense of belonging. She wants them to realize, sooner rather than later, that their dual cultures and navigational skills are a strength and an invaluable asset.
Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Mass Communications. She is an award-winning bicultural marketing pioneer (AdColor Award Recipient), and a senior marketing executive. She is passionate about assisting kids navigate their multifaceted childhoods and has LOTS of stories to share. She and her husband live in CA.
Facebook: wearemarivi
Instagram: wearemarivi
YouTube: @WeareMariVi
 
ISBN: 9798312161953
Format: Paperback
Pages: 42
Language: English
Condition: New