Raquel M. Ortiz, Author and Educator

I create stories I find compelling and magical

My name is Raquel M. Ortiz. I am an Anthropologist, educator, songwriter, and above all else, I am a storyteller. I create stories from information and experiences I find interesting and magical. As a mother of two, I want my children to have the opportunity to enjoy stories about activities that are familiar and people that look like them. But, there aren’t many picture books available for children from Caribbean and Latina/o countries. I want to create stories that celebrate these traditions and histories, allowing all children and families to join in on adventures to new worlds in place with which they’re familiar.

For these reasons and many more, I decided to write children’s books. To share stories about our heroes; the abuelitos and abuelitas, parents, teachers, mentors, and giants on whose shoulders we stand upon.

Ph.D. in Social Anthropology, Universidad de Salamanca

M.A. in Puerto Rican Studies, Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe

Documentary

Director, Memories on the Wall: Education and Enrichment through Community Murals. This documentary explores the creative process of artist María Domínguez and 8th-grade students from I.S. 406 in creating the story of their mural, and features select community murals created and directed by Domínguez.

Honors

MOSAIC 5 Star Multicultural Book Recognition  –  Lincoln Public Schools Library Services, September 2020 

National Library Guild Golden Selection, September 2019

Special Recognition, Hispanic Heritage Month –  City of Cleveland, October 2018

Second Place, Best Educational Children’s Picture Book – International Latino Book Awards, September 2016

Honorable Mention, Best Latino Focused Children’s Bilingual Picture Book–  International Latino Book Awards, September 2016

Special Recognition Award – New York League of Puerto Rican Women, June 2016

Educational Leadership Award – National Puerto Rican Day Parade, May 2016

Tejas Star Reading List – February 2016