Maria Lopez Twena launches her third book in the ‘MariVi the Master Navigator’ Series

Children’s book author Maria Lopez Twena just launched the third book titled “North Star,” the third in her popular children’s chapter book series “MariVi the Master Navigator.”

In the series, MariVi, a bilingual and bicultural Hispanic primary schooler, navigates the challenges of balancing two worlds, Hispanic collectivism and American individualism.

The series is a remarkable and relatable read for children of all backgrounds thanks to Twena's unique background, growing up in New Orleans with immigrant parents from Spain and Cuba.

“‘The MariVi the Master Navigator’ series is more than just a collection of books; it is a movement that resonates with immigrant children, young or old, who have had to mature quickly while helping their parents navigate a new society,” Twena said.

“These children often find themselves as the sole translators and interpreters for their families, bridging the gap between their Spanish-speaking homes that teach collectivism and their English-speaking world that employs individualism. MariVi’s story represents the challenges and triumphs of these children as they navigate the complexities of their dual identities, unable to find the lexicon to rationally express what they are experiencing,” she added.

Aiming to empower and inspire children who may feel unseen or unheard, she created the longitudinal series as a guide for families of primary school students, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic, since it reflects the everyday experiences faced by immigrants and teaches the importance of diversity.

The book does a great job in showcasing the ways that MariVi is determined to teach everyone her real name while finding her voice in two different cultures. Also throughout the book, it shows MariVi’s first experience riding a school bus and a culture clash at home when her sister, Isa, asks for permission to attend a sleepover with her friends.

Many Latinos know that asking for sleepovers is sometimes a question that shouldn’t be asked at all. As it is explained in the book, in many parts of Latin America there’s no such thing as sleepovers. While many first-generation parents get accustomed to the culture in America, some of the reasons why they say no when their children ask are because of the worry of not knowing the friends or the parents.

Illustrated by Amy Elliott Ubelhor, the “MariVi the Master Navigator” series also includes two other captivating books: "School Crossing" and "Weekend Ways. " These books delve into the daily challenges faced by immigrant children, from significant life events such as starting school to yearning for activities that are typical in American society yet foreign to the Hispanic culture—universal truths shared by many.

The book has led to an animated video series currently featured on their YouTube channel. There is also an upcoming podcast called “Navigating dos Mares,” catering to adult children of immigrants who share their childhood challenges as well as how they have embraced their duality and use it as a superpower today. The podcast will launch in the fall. “North Star” is now available at wearemarivi.com