Finding My Voice
Author Spotlight Dra. Esmeralda Mora
¡Hola!
I'm Esmeralda Mora, a Mexican-American author in Chicago navigating the vibrant profession of language and culture. Like many of you, my heritage is a rich tapestry woven with threads from two worlds. Spanish, the language of my hometown, dances alongside English, the language of my now everyday life. Growing up in a bilingual household immersed me in a vibrant culture. The aroma of my mother’s cooking filled the air, the sounds of mariachi music resonated through the house, and the Spanish language flowed like a river, connecting me to my roots.
My love for language and culture led me to pursue a career as an author. Words, both English and Spanish, became my tools, my paintbrushes, my way of expressing the kaleidoscope of my experiences. Through my writing, I strive to capture the essence of my Mexican-American identity, the beauty of bilingualism, and the power of language to bridge cultures.
I'm excited to announce the release of my new book titled Adelita. Inspired by the courageous women of the Mexican Revolution, this story follows the journey of a young woman who grows up to become a leader and role model, challenging societal expectations and fighting for a better future. Fun fact, the Mexican Revolution is the most popular topic for pleasure reading in Mexico.
Adelita is more than just a story; it's a tool for language learning. With a carefully curated vocabulary and a focus on high-frequency verbs, it's designed to build confidence and accelerate language acquisition for Spanish language learners. I believe that language and culture are intertwined, and through "Adelita," I hope to share not only the beauty of the Spanish language but also the rich history and resilience of the Mexican people.
My journey as an author and language learner is ongoing. It is a journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and linguistic enrichment. It is a journey that I am honored to share with you through my writing.
¡Hasta la próxima!
Dra. Esmeralda Mora Román is the newest addition to Acento Latino.
Esmeralda Mora Román was born in Apetlanca, Guerrero, Mexico. She started teaching the Spanish language in 2010 and has a Master's in Latin American Literature and Cultures and an EdD in Curriculum focusing on language learner literature. Furthermore, Esmeralda is the founding director of the Language Learner Literature Advisory Board (LLLAB) and has presented at numerous national and international conferences, such as ACTFL and IFLT. When she is not writing or teaching, the author is busy being a mother, wife, and volunteer to local non-profit organizations in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Being an immigrant from an Indigenous community, language professional, and lifelong student makes her work a great asset to classroom libraries.
For more information please visit: www.esmeraldamora.com
