Alexandra Alessandri is the author of several books for children, including Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, Our World: Colombia, Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas, and Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, which is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her books have gone on to receive numerous distinctions, including the Florida Book Award, International Latino Book Award, Américas Award Commendable Title, and the ILA 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award in Primary Fiction.

The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.

Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.