Books with author Ed Rodriguez

Pacha Riley's family is being threatened, and they must leave Perú and head to safety in America to live with their Uncle Jamie and Aunt Nina. For one who prefers anonymity, the thought of being the skinny weird kid with the funny name in a new country is not appealing. One night, there is another sudden attack, and twelve-year-old Pacha and nine- year-old little sister Lucy must escape through the window...without Mami and Papi. Pacha begins to realize that there is more going on than protests over the sacred sun disk his archaeologist parents discovered at Machu Picchu. By the time he and Lucy arrive in America, he has more doubts and questions than hope. But Pacha is aided in his quest by his Traveller—animal spirit guide—and his Uncle Jamie. Their father's younger brother, Uncle Jamie is nothing like his buttoned-up sibling; he's a jokester, an adventurer...and a sorcerer? Uncle Jamie takes Pacha into his confidence and reveals a secret: Travellers can take their humans to visit past lifetimes. He also shares his suspicions about Tomás de la Vela, a Peruvian art gallery owner, who may or not be connected to the attacks on the Rileys. While amazed to learn his uncle's secrets, Pacha does not share his own fears that Aunt Nina may also be involved. The stakes are raised when Lucy is kidnapped by de la Vela and Aunt Nina. Searching for clues sparks a fire in Pacha, and he is able to overcome his insecurities and find the fight inside himself. He Travels to his past lifetimes as an Incan emperor and untangles a centuries- old tale of revenge to save both the sacred disk and his little sister.

A magical Spanish-language tale, Kiki Koki tells the story of a little Taino Indian boy who is too lazy to help his tribe prepare for the Moon Festival. To punish Kiki Koki, the Moon Goddess turns him into a tree frog. To return to his human form, he must rescue his new frog friends from dangerous pirates, and, in the process, learns that friendship takes courage, dedication, and hard work. With its vibrant illustrations, heartwarming message, and adorable hero, children will love this fun tale.

When high school senior Gaby faked a pregnancy as a project to challenge stereotypes, she also changed her life. Discover this compelling memoir from an inspirational teenage activist, now a Lifetime movie.It started as a school project, but it turned into so much more. Growing up, Gaby Rodriguez was often told she would end up a teen mom. After all, her mother and her older sisters had gotten pregnant as teenagers; from an outsider’s perspective, it was practically a family tradition. Gaby had ambitions that didn’t include teen motherhood. But she wondered: how would she be treated if she fulfilled others’ expectations? Would everyone ignore the years she put into being a good student and see her as just another pregnant teen statistic with no future? These questions sparked Gaby’s high school senior project: faking her own pregnancy to see how her family, friends, and community would react. What she learned changed her life forever…and made international headlines in the process. In The Pregnancy Project, Gaby details how she was able to fake her own pregnancy, hiding the truth from even her siblings and boyfriend’s parents, and reveals all that she learned from the experience. But more than that, Gaby’s story is about fighting stereotypes, and how one girl found the strength to come out from the shadow of low expectations to forge a bright future for herself.

Sergio's a soccer star... in his dreams. He can't even kick the ball! So Sergio decides to try playing another position--goalie! He isn't so good at first, but with hard work and practice, he's ready for the game against the big, bad Seagulls. Will Sergio become a true star?This adorable "everypenguin" (Kirkus) returns with a story about determination and finding your true talents, leading to a triumphant and hilarious outcome.

Travel with Art Rodriguez as he dreams of his past. He experiences an unpleasant childhood full of difficult obstacles that could have profoundly impaired his chance for a normal life. Life appears hopeless during those young years as he struggles to discover who he really is and at the same time contends with his dictatorial father. Travel with him as he takes you through the California Youth Authority, the prison system for young offenders. In this story, which brings laughter and tears, both young and old can find comfort in knowing that when life appears bleak and there seems to be no hope, events in life can change. In 1975 Art Rodriguez started a successful business in San Jose, the city in which he was born. Grow with him in his life and experience with him the hardships and successes of a new business.

When a white water rafting adventure goes horribly wrong, four teens must brave the wilderness to survive in Stranded in the Wild. Sixteen-year-old Savi Evans came to an adventure camp in Idaho carrying the pain of a recent and tragic loss and a dark family secret. She hopes the wilderness setting, vigorous activities, and some new faces might help take her mind off things back home. At Camp Arrowhead, Savi makes fast friends with Jade Chang and Rico Cruz, but mean and sarcastic Conner Swift is also on their raft. What was supposed to be an exciting expedition turns into a nightmare when their raft slams into a boulder and the adult guide is ejected into the water and disappears downriver. Without their guide and desperately trying to steer an out-of-control raft, the terrified teens pass the "last chance" point of no return and enter the fiercest rapids on the river. After another collision, Jade gets pinned between a rock and the raft, and Rico is also jolted from the float and ends up in the water. Savi has no choice but to cut the raft loose. By the time the teens drag themselves out of the river, they're injured, exhausted, and twenty-five miles from camp. Soon stranded, the foursome is in a remote wilderness with meager provisions. The area is rife with wild animals, snakes, and a vicious flesh-eating predator known as Vexel. Nobody is sure what kind of animal Vexel is because no one who has encountered him has ever survived. Now the disoriented teens must find their way to Camp Arrowhead with the clock ticking and Vexel stalking them. Can they make it over a final hurdle before the dam opens, and crushes their only hope of reaching safety? Stranded in the Wild - A thrilling adventure you won't soon forget!

Sergio's a soccer star... in his dreams. He can't even kick the ball! So Sergio decides to try playing another position--goalie! He isn't so good at first, but with hard work and practice, he's ready for the game against the big, bad Seagulls. Will Sergio become a true star?This adorable "everypenguin" (Kirkus) returns with a story about determination and finding your true talents, leading to a triumphant and hilarious outcome.