Basking Ridge Author Pens Children's Book Honoring Her Puerto Rican Heritage

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge-raised author and second-generation Puerto Rican Adriana Erin Rivera has written a children's book highlighting the history of her culture.

"It's important for Latinx to see themselves as stars of their stories in a positive, uplifting, and authentic way," said Rivera to Patch.

Rivera has always been a writer of some sort. At 5 years old she wrote a book that the Elizabeth Librarian put out in the children's section of the library. She progressed into writing short stories and vignettes. And in high school she was the Arts and Entertainment Editor of Ridge's newspaper.

She self-published a book called Swing Sets, a coming-of-age story, which was inspired by her own inner child.

Recently she was recommended to the Smithsonian as a good fit for their Nuestras Voces series, which shares inspiring Latino stories.

Rivera's "first big" book, titled "Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898", was completed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Latino. It will be released in bookstores on Aug. 1 and is currently available for pre-order.

The book is written in diary form through a child's point of view to appeal to young readers. The story follows 12-year-old Paloma who lives in Puerto Rico with her Papi, Mama, and little brother, Jorge on a coffee farm. The timeline is set in 1898 when the United States soldiers invade Puerto Rico, which was long controlled by Spain.

"I know a lot about our history but this is a story I never really learned about," said Rivera. "it was interesting for me to research. It was really eye-opening for me."

The diary incorporates so much more than just the history element, said Rivera. It also talks about her family and her culture.

With the book completed, Rivera is excited for it to be released.

"Seeing the final version always amazes me every time," said Rivera. "I am like, 'Wow, I wrote this. I did this'."

For more information on Rivera and her books visit adrianaerinrivera.com.