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Behind The Story: Author Talk with Lucky Diaz (English)

A CCPL Virtual Author Speaker Series Program

Join us and author Lucky Diaz to discuss his journey of neighborhood, music, and art!

Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man. 

What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!

Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.

Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, this beautiful story invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner.

Register today and discover how we can all bring a little more sweetness and community spirit into our daily lives!

Please note that there will be two Lucky Diaz events on this day, one in English and one in Spanish. Be sure that you are registering for your preferred language.

About the Author: Lucky Diaz is a GRAMMY Award-winning, multi–Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, acclaimed author, and a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature. A six-time Emmy-nominated songwriter and Berklee College of Music alumnus, Diaz made history as the first North American children’s artist to win a Latin GRAMMY. His work bridges music and storytelling, creating a distinct body of bilingual work rooted in the cultural life of Mexican American communities in Los Angeles.

As an author, Diaz has earned some of the highest honors in publishing. His books have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, placing him among a rare group of creators recognized across every major literary journal. His breakout title Paletero Man received a Kirkus star and audiobook distinction and was awarded the 2024 Alma Flor Ada Award for its lasting contribution to Latino-centered storytelling. He is also a recipient of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award and a NAPPA Award, further recognizing his impact on family audiences. His latest book, Fix-It Familia, continues to build national recognition, with a Spanish edition arriving this summer, expanding access to bilingual readers and classrooms across the country.

Diaz’s work has been featured and praised by NPR, Billboard, The New York Times, and People Magazine, positioning him as a trusted creative voice at the intersection of culture, music, and literature.

Through his books, recordings, and performances with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Diaz continues to expand the possibilities of American storytelling. He is not only contributing to the field, he is helping define it.

To view a recording of this event or to see the full archive of Behind the Story events, click here. Scroll to search for the event you are looking for.

The views expressed by presenters are their own, and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Charles County Public Library.

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