In Episode 4 of The Missing Book Podcast, Luz Maria Mack sits down with author, educator, poet, and mother Carisa Musialik for a heartfelt conversation about representation, literacy, and the power of seeing yourself in a story.

Growing up in Valverde Mao, Dominican Republic, Carisa noticed that the books around her rarely reflected the people, homes, and culture she knew. That experience inspired her to create stories where children could recognize themselves and feel proud of where they come from.

Together, Luz and Carisa discuss:

📚 Why representation in children's books matters

📚 What it means to be Dominican

📚 Raising children who love reading and storytelling

📚 Literacy challenges facing today's students

📚 Self-publishing versus traditional publishing

📚 Why everyone has a story worth telling

This episode is a reminder that books do more than entertain they help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how we belong.

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.

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