CUSD 50 is proud to celebrate 4th-grade dual-language teacher María del Mar Marín Pérez as a published author. Her book, Abuelita, ¿Eres Tú?, shares a heartfelt story about love, memory, and coping with change. Through her writing, María is helping young readers understand dementia and loss in a meaningful way.
Inspired by her own experiences, María wrote Abuelita, ¿Eres Tú? to honor her grandmother and mother. The story follows María, a young girl who adores spending time with her grandmother, Antonia. When Antonia starts forgetting things and acting differently, María struggles to understand what is happening. Through this touching story, she hopes to help children and teens navigate the challenges of watching a loved one change due to illness.
“This book means a lot to me because I wrote it to honor my grandmother for being such an important person in my life,” said Maria. “I also wanted to honor my mother, who took amazing care of her when she developed dementia. The story is also about grief, so I hope it helps kids and teens understand both the illness and the loss of a loved one.”
Her book is a testament to the power of literature in helping young readers process emotions and experiences that can be difficult to talk about. Through her writing, she offers a compassionate and relatable perspective that resonates with families everywhere.
María’s achievement as a published author is a reflection of her passion for education and storytelling. Her work continues to inspire students and families both inside and outside the classroom.
Contact María at mmarin@cusd50.org for inquiries about buying her book or any questions you may have for her.
Follow María on Facebook @abuelitaerestu or Instagram under the same handle to follow her publication journey!