Adriana Erin Rivera, marketing manager of graduate programs at Mercy College, recently wrote her second book, a children’s historical fiction novel entitled "Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898." The book — which will be released on August 1 by Capstone Publishing — is part of a series created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Latino that aims to showcase the American Latino experience.
“This book was a really big project for me, and I’m so proud of it,” Rivera said. “It is a piece of Latino history that not enough people know about. I feel very strongly that our stories need to be told by our voices.”
The story is set in 1898 during the Spanish-American War when the United States invaded Puerto Rico to take the island from Spain. Written in diary form, the book chronicles the life of a 12-year-old Puerto Rican girl who lives with her family on a coffee farm and how she navigates changes she cannot control.
Rivera worked closely with the Smithsonian to ensure that the story was historically accurate. “It was an honor to work with the Smithsonian and I commend the institution for creating this series that puts Latinos and their stories at the forefront.” She completed the first draft in just six weeks, which included an original song.
A second-generation Puerto Rican, Rivera believes that it is important for Latinos to see their stories being told, especially young Latino generations: “Latino children deserve to see themselves as the stars of their own stories in a positive and authentic way.” She also thinks that readers of all ages, from all backgrounds, will benefit from reading about Paloma. “The book teaches readers about having hope for the future in the face of adversity and turbulent times. It's something we can learn from at any age,” she said.
Rivera’s work at Mercy also involves shaping the American Latino experience as she helps connect prospective students — many of whom are Latino — with Mercy’s life-changing programs. “It’s inspiring to see all the Latino students on campus,” she said. “I love that so many different cultures and heritages are represented at Mercy College.”
As part of the “Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary From 1898,” press tour, Rivera will be a guest on the PBS television show ¿Qué Pasa NJ? hosted by Carlos Medina. The episode will air on PBS in early August.
