SOY AUTÉNTICA
Soy Auténtica is a heartwarming picture book about courage, identity, and self-love, written by Latina author and entrepreneur Kathryn López Resto. The story follows Isabela, a bright and resilient young girl who faces teasing from her classmates about her accent, her food, and even her creativity. Instead of letting their words bring her down, Isabela turns to the power of affirmations — words she speaks over herself that remind her of her value. "Soy valiente. Soy fuerte. Soy creativa. Soy auténtica."
Through her affirmations, Isabela learns that her uniqueness is her greatest strength. By the end of the story, she embraces her authentic self and celebrates the beauty of her culture, her voice, and her spirit. More than just a story, Soy Auténtica is a resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to empower children to: Build confidence through positive self-talk Celebrate their cultural identity and individuality. Develop resilience in the face of challenges. Foster kindness, pride, and empathy.
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The book includes ten affirmations, written in both Spanish and English, that children can learn, repeat, and carry into their daily lives. This bilingual element makes the book accessible to a wide audience while introducing young readers to Spanish in a meaningful, engaging way.
Kathryn López Resto drew inspiration for Soy Auténtica from her own experience moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States as a child. Arriving without knowing English, she learned firsthand the challenges of navigating language and cultural identity in new environments. Writing this book became a way for Kathryn to give children what she once needed herself — affirmations that remind them of their worth, stories that honor their roots, and encouragement to embrace their authentic selves.
With beautiful illustrations by A. Isabelle Amezcua, Soy Auténtica is not only a book to read but also a keepsake to cherish. Its rhythmic verses and vibrant art make it perfect for storytime, classroom discussions, or quiet moments of reflection.
Ideal for children ages 6–9, this book is a wonderful addition to homes, classrooms, and libraries. It opens the door to important conversations about identity, diversity, and the courage it takes to be yourself. Whether read aloud in a classroom or shared between parent and child at bedtime, Soy Auténtica is a reminder to all children: You are brave. You are strong. You are authentic.
About the Illustrator
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Amanda Isabelle Amezcua is a Mexican-American artist based in Portland, Oregon. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised along the Tijuana/San Diego border, her work is deeply shaped by the cultural, familial, and historical ties that span both sides of the border. Her art reflects a commitment to honoring lived experience, memory, and the everyday narratives of Latino communities in the United States.
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Working across watercolor, oil pastels, and digital media, Amanda Isabelle embraces a multidisciplinary practice that mirrors her passion for learning and exploration. She holds a B.A. in History and Philosophy, and her artistic practice is closely intertwined with her love of education, books, and literacy. This passion informed her excitement in
collaborating with Kathryn on her first children’s book, a project centered on uplifting and reaffirming Latino identities while fostering representation and imagination for young readers.
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Currently pursuing advanced study in American Medical History, Amanda Isabelle seeks to raise awareness around medical bias and inequity in the United States, bridging research, storytelling, and visual art. Rooted in her Latina identity, her work aims to educate, empower, and invite dialogue—using art as a tool for learning, advocacy, and cultural affirmation.
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More of her work can be found at a-isabelle-amezcua.com
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