During the hottest summer of their lives, two best friends, Manuel Polanco and Xiomara Vargas, slowly drift apart as they deal with gangs, drugs and growing up in… El Barrio.
Fiction, Film & TV Writing, Stage & Screen, Young Adult (YA) Fiction
El Barrio de la Escritura: A Latinx Story Collection
One story does not define all experiences, but an abundance of stories can put things into perspective. No matter where you were born, what complexion you share, or how familiar you are with the language and culture, being Latinx is not something that can be confined to a box despite what the census might have you believe. It's a melting pot of similarities and differences that curates a deeper understanding that being Latinx can't be tied down to one thing, all while forming a rooted community. — Denise Domena
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Memoir & Personal Essay, Nonfiction, Poetry, Prose Poetry
El Barrio, an Excerpt
Dos Gardenias del Campo
Sitting in the Dominican countryside, known as El Campo, Agustina plays the guitar with her grandfather. She reflects on her time spent on the island and her anxiety surrounding her soon departure.
The Lifelong Gift
People leave a mark in our lives that will forever stay with us; this essay is a love letter to everyone that has influenced me and put me on the path I am now traveling.
Mi Dos Casitas
Highlighting the beauty of my two colorful homes.
Pan Dulce in My Veins
My life growing up in a family of bakers.
Stories from the Shag
My time-out rug was white, with blue squares and tassels at opposite ends.
Truth Riders, a podcast about arts and justice
This is the Truth Riders Podcast. We are Maria Osorio and Barbara Victoria, a mentee and mentor from South America that met through Girls Write Now. Truth Riders is about arts & social justice.
Parte de Mi
This piece is a personal reflection, based on recent moments during which I have learned more about my heritage. This piece reflects an acceptance of who I am and what is a part of me.
Colombia: The Place Where I Can Always Return.
This was originally a school assignment that was meant to be a college essay. I decided to scrap it and turn it into a different piece. It is inspired by the mountains in Colombia.
A Taste of Life: Musings by Kailee and Shyanne
On culinary connections to our cultures.
Flavor
This piece is about the details in food, specifically cake, and all it has to offer—because each one is a reflection of one’s inner self.
Strange Combination
Although this piece is not tied to the theme “Taking Our Place in History,” it does take place in my own history of living in a world where someone of my shade of color grows up Hispanic.
A Planted Scar
I dedicate this poem to my mom, Ana Vazquez. She sacrificed so much to help me become the woman I am. Even when we aren’t together, I know she’s giving me strength.
Siempre Boricua
This poem focuses on my experience growing up in Brooklyn, New York. It addresses the challenges and stereotypes that Puerto Ricans face in the neighborhood.
Las Manos de mi Mama
My whole life I have been fascinated with my mother’s hands and how they are changing over time. I decided to dedicate a poem to them.