Laekan Zea Kemp se zaměřuje na nadpřirozené prvky a romantické zápletky, často se noří do složitých emocí a vztahů, které tyto žánry nabízejí. Její psaní vyniká schopností vytvářet poutavé světy, které čtenáře vtáhnou. Kemp se věnuje objevování mladých dospělých témat a jejich rezonanci u čtenářů. Její díla jsou odrazem jejího zájmu o vyprávění příběhů a spojení s publikem prostřednictvím silných postav.
Set against the backdrop of the Texas desert night, this story explores themes of tradition and memory through the lens of a family's connection to music. The narrative weaves together the rich cultural heritage and personal experiences, highlighting the significance of music in shaping relationships and preserving memories. Laekan Zea Kemp, a Pura Belpré Honor author, crafts a poignant tale that resonates with the beauty of familial bonds and the power of shared experiences.
A charming story about a girl who learns a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown, from two Pura Belpre award-winning creators.
Award-winning author Laekan Zea Kemp's heart-wrenching novel-in-verse follows two teens who must come together to heal the pain from their pasts, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Nicola Yoon. Danna Mendoza Villarreal's grandfather is slowly losing himself as his memories fade, and Danna's not sure her plan to help him remember through the foods he once reviewed will be enough to bring him back. Especially when her own love of food makes her complicated relationship with her mother even more difficult. Raúl Santos has been lost ever since his mother was wrongly incarcerated two years ago. Playing guitar for the elderly has been his only escape, to help them remember and him forget. But when his mom unexpectedly comes back into his life, what is he supposed to do when she isn't the same person who left? When Danna and Raúl meet, sparks fly immediately and they embark on a mission to heal her grandfather...and themselves. Because healing is something best done together--even if it doesn't always look the way we want it to.
I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets On the Come Up in this stunning story of first love, the power of music, and learning to heal from a broken heart.
I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning Pura Belpré Honor Book about first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong. Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father's restaurant, Nacho's Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans--leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she's been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho's who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she's been too afraid to ask herself. Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho's is an opportunity for just that--a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo's, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander's immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself. Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home. This stunning and poignant novel from debut author Laekan Zea Kemp explores identity, found families and the power of food, all nestled within a courageous and intensely loyal Chicanx community.