Angela Cervantes Celebrates Kansas City Roots at Library Event

On March 18, 2024, the Johnson County Library will welcome author Angela Cervantes for a special event highlighting her creation of the 2026 American Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes. The evening will take place at the Central Resource Library in Overland Park, Kansas, and will feature a conversation with Cervantes, interactive activities, and opportunities for families to engage with the beloved stories.

American Girl books have become a cherished tradition for many families, with each annual release introducing a new character who explores themes of friendship, family, and growing up. This year, local readers are particularly excited as Raquel Reyes hails from Kansas City, allowing them to connect more deeply with her story. Cervantes emphasizes that the region significantly influenced her narrative choices, particularly in depicting Raquel’s parents as small business owners in the vibrant Westside neighborhood.

A Celebration of Community and Representation

In the stories, Raquel’s family runs a paleteria, a shop selling traditional Mexican ice pops. Cervantes describes the paleteria as a “place of joy and togetherness,” highlighting its role in family bonding. She noted, “It’s where families go together for a special treat.” The author’s portrayal of Raquel’s entrepreneurial family reflects the spirit of Kansas City’s Mexican American community, which has inspired her character’s adventurous and bold traits.

Cervantes’ commitment to authentic storytelling stems from her own childhood experiences. She expresses the importance of representation, stating, “As a kid, I didn’t see many characters who looked like me.” She credits her parents and supportive community for instilling pride in their Mexican American heritage. Cervantes believes that visibility in literature can significantly impact a child’s self-esteem.

Raquel Reyes is also linked to the broader history of American Girl. She is written as a descendant of Samantha Parkington, one of the original characters in the brand’s lineup. This connection reinforces the idea that history is passed down through families just as much as it is recorded in textbooks.

Connecting Readers and Aspiring Writers

Hosting Cervantes aligns with the library’s mission to connect readers with the authors behind their favorite stories while championing local creative voices. The library actively supports aspiring writers through initiatives like the annual Writers Conference and elementia, a literary magazine aimed at teens. Program coordinator Jennifer Reeves noted that events like Cervantes’ promote community engagement and inspire young people to envision creative careers. She stated, “Seeing an established author working in Kansas City can spark a child’s belief that creative careers are within reach.”

Cervantes hopes that attendees resonate with Raquel’s journey, saying, “I hope they feel proud and seen.” She describes Raquel’s story as universal, touching on themes of family, courage, and advocacy for others. Her upcoming book, Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy, is set to release on May 5, 2024, coinciding with soccer-themed programs at the library as matches come to Kansas City. This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Read. Score. Roar.”

The event, An Evening with Angela Cervantes, will take place from 18:30 to 19:30 at the Central Resource Library. Registration is required and can be completed at jocolibrary.org.