Gonzalo Alberto Garcia is no hero. But when the 13-year-old fantasy fan is forced to spend the summer with his estranged grandfather, famous author Alberto William Garcia, he learns that monsters and heroes exist in real life too.
Students at Isaac E. Young Middle School had the honor of meeting Pablo Cartaya, the author of “A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation,” which tells Gonzalo’s story. Cartaya, the author of six books for middle-grade students, spoke with students about his life and creative process on Friday, Oct. 9, in the IEYMS library.
The writing sessions began with students working collaboratively to develop stories that would emerge from the writing process, first brainstorming storytelling ideas, merging story concepts, and integrating characters and/or storylines inspired by books, TV shows, films, or even video games.
“This is my fifth year visiting Isaac,” said Cartaya, a Cuban American living in Miami, Fla. “I’m so happy to spend some time with all the awesome students here. There is such great creativity. These stories are really fun, and they’re amazing.”
Students described him as funny and an entertaining presenter.
”It was interesting to learn that Mr. Cartaya based characters on family members. He is a very good storyteller and speaker,” said Sofia A.
”I liked how Mr. Cartaya talked about making a book about Isaac and let us share our ideas!” said classmate Mason.
Cartaya is a New York Times bestselling acclaimed author, screenwriter, speaker, actor, educator, and community builder. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC, and on Oprah’s Book Club List.
He has worked with Disney, Apple TV+, and Sesame Street on projects adapted from television series and features, and has appeared on television shows and in commercials and music videos.
His novels have been published by Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, McGraw Hill, and Disney Publishing Worldwide. Novels include: “The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora,” “Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish,” “Each Tiny Spark,” the climate dystopia “The Last Beekeeper,” and “Hope Wins: A Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers.”
“I am grateful that Mr. Cartaya let us all get his autograph,” said Rony R. "It was great; it was cool meeting the author of the book we are reading."
Jacob G. added, "It was crazy because it was my first time meeting an author, and he told us about things in his life."
"I was excited because I've never met an author, and he told us about his abuela. I really liked when he spoke a little bit of Spanish," said Katerin M.