Book Reading Event In Montclair: ‘Paloma’s Song For Puerto Rico’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Public Library will host Adriana Erin Rivera for a free author reading of “Paloma’s Song For Puerto Rico” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The event will also include a moderated Q&A session and a musical performance of the original song from the book. The event – which is suitable for children grade 3 and up – is co-presented by Latinos of Montclair. Light refreshments will be provided and the book will be available for purchase and signing, organizers said.

Here’s what the book is about, according to a news release:

“Paloma’s Song For Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898 is created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Latino. It is 1898, and twelve-year-old Paloma lives in Puerto Rico with her Papi, Mama, and little brother, Jorge. They are coffee farmers, and Paloma loves the goats, chickens, and fruit trees that she helps to care for. She also loves music—the song of the coqui frogs who sing her to sleep, and the melodies from Papi’s tiple guitar. But Paloma’s world begins to change when United States soldiers invade Puerto Rico, long controlled by Spain. What will happen to their farm, their culture, the island? As Paloma and her family navigate changes they can’t control, they hold tightly to each other and hope for a better future. In diary format, Paloma’s Song For Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898 is a historical fiction middle grade book as part of the Nuestras Voces series which profiles inspiring characters and honors the joys, challenges, and outcomes of Latino experiences.”

“This is important Puerto Rican history that is not traditionally taught as part of the U.S. kindergarten-12 curriculum, but ‘Paloma’s Song For Puerto Rico’ shares the events of this time in an educational and engaging way,” Rivera said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page.