Picture a storyteller who spun tales of biracial heroes and dystopian dreamers from a childhood love of dusty cemeteries and dial-a-story lines—meet Donna Barba Higuera! This Mexican-American author, born in Taft, California, blends science fiction, fantasy, and children’s literature with a vibrant Spanglish voice, crafting stories that dance between humor, heart, and haunting folklore.
The Making of Donna Barba Higuera
Growing up in Central California’s agricultural and oil fields, Donna was no stranger to dust devils, but she preferred hiding in the janitor’s closet with a good book. Her imagination thrived on sneaking into restricted pioneer cemeteries, weaving spooky tales inspired by crumbling headstones. A biochemistry degree from California State University, Bakersfield, led her to a career in optometry, but her heart stayed with storytelling. In her forties, she began writing seriously, channeling her biracial identity and love for Mexican folklore into narratives that resonate with young readers.
Donna Barba Higuera’s Unforgettable Stories
Donna’s debut, Lupe Wong Won’t Dance (2020), is a hilarious middle-grade novel about a Chinacan/Mexinese girl determined to dodge square dancing in gym class while chasing her dream of becoming the first female Major League pitcher. It snagged a Pura Belpré Honor and the Sid Fleischman Humor Award for its witty take on cultural identity. Her dystopian masterpiece, The Last Cuentista (2021), follows Petra Peña, a storyteller preserving Earth’s forbidden tales after a comet’s destruction. This gripping tale won the 2022 Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Medal, cementing Donna’s place in children’s literature. El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! (2021), a picture book, explores fear and friendship through Mexican folklore, while Alebrijes (2023) dives into a post-apocalyptic world with vibrant, fantastical creatures. Donna’s Spanglish-infused style, blending folklore, humor, and themes of belonging, creates stories that feel both magical and deeply human.
Why Donna Barba Higuera Matters
Donna’s work is a beacon for young readers navigating biracial identities or feeling caught between worlds. Her stories celebrate cultural heritage while tackling universal themes like resilience and the power of storytelling. In an era of book bans targeting diverse voices, her 2022 Newbery win for The Last Cuentista was a powerful counterpoint, ensuring her tales reach a generation hungry for representation. Her ability to weave Mexican folklore with futuristic narratives makes her a vital voice in young adult and children’s literature, inspiring readers to embrace their own stories.
About Donna Barba Higuera
- Born: 1969, Taft, California
- Key Works: Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, The Last Cuentista, El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, Alebrijes
- Awards: Newbery Medal (2022), Pura Belpré Medal (2022), Pura Belpré Honor (2020), Sid Fleischman Humor Award
- Fun Fact: She once dreamed of being a writer or designer but pursued biochemistry at her parents’ urging.
Snag The Last Cuentista and dive into Donna Barba Higuera’s magical, folklore-fueled worlds!