NACHO LOVES SALSA

This book was created with the intention to possibly bridge a connection to race and "not judging a book by it's cover". The events in the beginning of the book, while walking Nacho, really happened. When I first got my dog, Sadie, and started walking her in the neighborhood these were some of my experiences. When I took her to the dog park, there was a big dog side and a little dog side. She loved the little dog side but there was a weight requirement and she didn't meet that but she loved the grass on the small dog side as opposed to the woodchips on the big dog side. As I walk Sadie and I take her to the dog park, I relate my experiences with her, to things that could happen to people. It made me think about how much better it is when we get to know each other through talking, working and playing together. I also quickly learned that not all dogs like other dogs and that the dog park was a good place for socialization for her and I both. I learned how to care for Sadie by talking to others and she made some good dog friends. Eudora, is based on an amazing student I had the opportunity to work with, Malia, who has albinism. After working with her, it made me think about how albinism comes into the conversation about race. It also made me think about how often, or not often, she must see herself in books. I wanted her to feel seen and heard. Hoping that this book will raise some awareness about being kind and knowing that you leave an impact wherever you go. Remember to always stand LOUD and PROUD of who you are and hoping that you meet wonderful neighbors and people along your journey.