What happens when our stories are missing from books, classrooms, and publishing?

In the first episode of The Missing Book, Dominican-American children’s author Luz Maria Mack sits down with poet and author Roxana Calderon for a powerful conversation about identity, literacy, poetry, publishing, and preserving culture through storytelling.

Together, they discuss representation in books, growing up Dominican in New York, traditional vs. independent publishing, poetry as healing, and the literacy crisis affecting millions of adults and children.

This episode explores how culturally relevant stories empower Latino and Black children to see themselves as worthy, intelligent, and capable — and why our stories deserve space.

✨ Featured Topics:
Afro-Latina identity • Dominican culture • Bilingual storytelling • Literacy • Publishing barriers • Poetry as resistance

📚 Featured Book:
Esto No Es Poesía by Roxana Calderon

About The Missing Book Podcast

The Missing Book Podcast explores the stories behind the stories—the people, communities, experiences, and conversations that inspire books, creativity, and meaningful change. Hosted by Dominican-American children's author and storyteller Luz Maria Mack, each episode celebrates the voices that help families feel seen.