Leticia Ordaz is an Anchor/Reporter at KCRA 3 in Sacramento, California. But that’s not all that keeps this mother of two busy these days. Leticia Ordaz is a children’s book author! What began as an effort to write books in Spanish for her children so that she didn’t have to translate every book they read, became a mission to help Latino’s nationwide increase their reading, believe in themselves and appreciate their own native language.
After being told by major publishers that Latino’s don’t read, she proved them wrong by venturing out on her own, establishing Cielito Lindo Books, LLC, and becoming a great success. Now an award winning author she’s also one of the nicest people we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with. With a new book release in the offing, take a moment to hear HER story.
1. With your busy life as a wife, mother, and news anchor/reporter what motivated you to found Cielito Lindo Books?
I was 5 years old when I realized I wanted to be a news anchor to give my community a voice. I would watch the news and ask my Mami why no one on TV looked like me. She told me that one day I would go to college and be that girl on TV, and she was right! It also inspired me to write my children’s autobiography, That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor.
As a Latina mother of two Spanish-speaking boys, it’s my passion to create bilingual books for them and other children to choose from. After spending countless nights translating picture books for my children in Spanish, I decided it was time to write her own stories for the world to read.
I want children around the world to see themselves in my books and to know that they are important and that their stories matter. When I was growing up, I didn’t see many books with Latinos as protagonists and that really bothered me. I felt like society didn’t feel that we were worthy.
It started as a mission to help my own children see themselves in a positive light but it’s become so much bigger than that. My stories are giving so many kids across the country the confidence to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
I founded my own company after several big publishers told me “Latinos Don’t Read!”
My success is proving them wrong. A recent study found Latinos read an average of 28 hours a week. They read more than they watch tv. Latinos are huge consumers of quality books.
It’s come full circle with Scholastic licensing That Girl on TV Could Be Me! The Journey of a Latina News Anchor. Look for it in the Rising Voices Book Boxes for schools.
2. Which comes first for you? Plot/Story or character?
The character always comes first. My children are my biggest inspiration for writing books. They have the biggest imaginations and always have great book ideas. Mr. Macaw and Carousel King are their creations.
3. In support of girls following their dreams despite obvious barriers, what has been the overall response to your book “That Girl on TV Could Be Me!” And to follow up that question, what advice would you give authors about how to create books about overcoming barriers and still support a positive and non-condemning storyline?
When I released my two books in 2020, the world welcomed me with open arms. Through Zoom I had the opportunity to read to children in hospitals and in their living rooms. Girls and boys shed tears of joy and so did parents. They let me know how happy they were that the characters in my book looked like them. They said it made them feel proud to be Latino and to speak another language. It’s also helped all children see their classmates and neighbors in a positive light. Diversity in books transforms communities.
This book is my children’s autobiography so it was easy to speak about overcoming barriers. If authors write fiction books about overcoming barriers, they should be authentic and based on experiences the author is familiar with. Not every story has to come with a life lesson. Children appreciate storylines that give them hope and show them they can overcome barriers and succeed.
4. How can authors provide more bilingual books for kids? Is there a process they should go through to ensure the translation is accurate?
I have author friends who have translated books and they haven’t sold well. More and more readers are looking for books with authentic voices and that are culturally relevant.
Just because a book is translated into Spanish doesn’t mean it will feel authentic to readers who may be looking for those books. More schools are looking for books written for and by Latino authors.
If you decide to take the plunge, use translators that have good references and credentials.
See what other quality books they have translated. Make the book conversational.
Beware of those who may be using software to do their job. You could end up with Castilian Spanish, which isn’t what most of the population speaks in the U.S.
My translators work with the top five publishing companies. The awards that I have won and my mission has led those translators to reach out to me to support my book projects.
5. What titles can we look forward to next and will there be another kite involved?
Mr. Macaw Lost in the Big City will be released March of 2023. My most popular book will now be a series. I’m working on my next children’s book inspired by my 8-year-old son. There will be a cool kite for families to enjoy. I love giving kites away during my school visits and getting them into the hands of kids to make their own memories with their families.
My kites so far include Mr. Macaw, Luis the Dragon, and the Carousel King Rocket.