This month’s Author Spotlight features Paola Santos!
Paola joins us to discuss A House in My Barrio, a touching picture book about the importance of kindness and lending a hand through the eyes of a young boy gathering his community to take care of a loved one.
What inspired you to write A House in My Barrio? Is there a particular barrio that helped shape you?
Paola Santos: When I was 10 or 11 years old, there was a house near my school that I loved to visit. Before going home, I would open the gate to this tiny house, knowing that inside I would always be welcomed with warmth and open arms. It was in a lively barrio, surrounded by friends, teachers, and the whole school community. But many other barrios shaped me as well, countless neighborhoods where I witnessed people coming together to support one another.
This was just one of the seeds that gave life to A House in My Barrio. The others came from my grandma and from the volunteer work I did with older adults, both in Venezuela and here in Canada. Those experiences showed me how vulnerable people can become as they age and how deeply they long for companionship, care, and love.
This story is a tribute to those who are the heart of their barrio (neighborhood) and home, those who spent their lives caring for their communities and loved ones through simple acts of kindness but who, because of illness or old age, can no longer care for themselves. Can we give back the same love they once gave us?
Can you share a little about your creative process? How do you get started writing a story?
Paola: A story always comes to me from my childhood memories and the emotions that filled me then. If an idea stays with me long enough, I start crafting it, like casting a little spell onto paper. During this process, I crawl under my sheets and write in an endless mix of Spanglish without worrying about grammar or spelling. The spell slowly takes shape.
Then, once I have the spark of the structure and the beginning and ending of the story, it’s time to move to my computer, piece everything together, and begin a long rewriting process that is different for every manuscript. Rewriting is my favorite part! It always includes the support of my critique partners and friends, along with the back-and-forth exchange of ideas with my agent, who brings out the best in every word.
Tell us what your favorite spread is from the book and why. The color palette is so lovely!
Paola: The first two spreads are my favorite! I believe Olivia’s illustrations beautifully capture the sense of infinite love, care, and kindness of Mamá Elena’s welcoming heart. I especially love how the first spread uses the jungle to symbolize how Mamá Elena’s small house feels vast and full of life, while the second introduces us to the lively barrio itself.
Olivia Sua brings the text to life with rich colors and incredible detail. I’m deeply grateful for her work, and I’m sure readers will be effortlessly transported into Manuel and Mamá Elena’s story.
How did you like to be helpful as a child? Was there anyone you enjoyed helping?
Paola: When I was a child, I was always helping at home: sweeping the backyard, tidying my room, or making arepas for my whole family at dinnertime. These were my chores, but it wasn’t until a little later that I truly understood what it meant to lend a hand.
At the beginning of junior high, I joined the Marist Youth Movement. We did all kinds of community service, but my favorite was spending time with older adults. I guess that’s why many of my stories explore intergenerational relationships. One experience that deeply impacted me was visiting an older couple in their home, in their barrio. I swept the floors, helped clean the house, and prepared meals for them. I always wished I could have done more.
Is there a message you hope kids will take away from the book?
Paola: Despite what they may see in the world today, I hope children remember that we are capable of beautiful gestures and even heroic acts, no matter how small they may seem. When readers close the book, I hope they feel uplifted and inspired, knowing that building community and sharing love are choices that are in our own hands.
Can you tell us about a librarian or educator that positively impacted you?
Paola: My mom was an educator and a librarian! She was the first person to introduce me to the power of stories. She never told me I wasn’t old enough to read a certain kind of book; instead, she let me choose whatever book sparked my curiosity. She always encouraged me to ask questions and share my thoughts.
What advice would you give to young writers?
Paola: I understand how challenging it can be to manage expectations and be patient, especially in such a competitive industry. But it’s important to remember that progress takes time, and it’s okay to experience both ups and downs.
Comparison and self-judgment are our greatest enemies. Because social media often shows us brilliant outcomes instead of the struggles behind them, it’s easy to believe we’re doing something wrong if success doesn’t come quickly. I’ve found myself at that crossroads many times. Each time, I have to pause, look back, and remind myself to be grateful for everything I’ve accomplished. I guess what I’m trying to say is this: allow yourself to fall, and allow yourself to get back up. Do it with self-compassion and self-love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paola Santos was born and raised in Venezuela before she fled to Canada. Paola is a member of the SCBWI, a graduate of the Children’s Book Academy, and the author of How to Eat a Mango, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo. She was awarded a Las Musas Hermanas mentorship with author Alexandra Alessandri and a We Need Diverse Books mentorship with author Meg Medina.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A House in My Barrio by Paola Santos; illustrated by Olivia Sua
Ages 4-8
In this touching picture book about the importance of kindness and lending a hand, a young boy gathers his community to take care of a loved one, perfect for fans of The Last Stop on Market Street.
Mamá Elena always knows just what to do when someone needs help. Whether it’s by cooking a delicious meal or simply by lending an ear, she keeps her community together. And because of her warmth, her home is young Manuel’s favorite.
But when Mamá Elena suffers a fall that leaves her bedridden, the barrio changes overnight. Missing Mamá Elena and her house, Manuel is determined to help lift her spirits. In a selfless act of organizing, he gathers his neighborhood so they can give back all the love and support Mamá Elena has shown them.
This picture book includes gentle introductions to the Spanish language with a strong message about caring for others.
Praise for A House in My Barrio
“This would make an excellent readaloud . . . and would pair well with a paper craft and a discussion about people who make their worlds welcoming and bright.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“With Spanish woven throughout, this story celebrates family, resilience, and the ways in which we brighten each other’s lives. Perfect for children to read with an adult or alone, this story shows the power of coming together.” —Booklist