María Pérez-Gómez
With boundless resilience and creativity, she turns the closet into a magical doorway to a world of adventure, joy, and discovery.
A True Adventurer
María Pérez-Gómez
Welcome, I’m thrilled you’ve made it here. I’d love to introduce myself! I hold many names and titles: writer, performer, singer, sister, wife, mother, and now author. But to me, The Magical Closet Mystery is so much more than a book or play.
It’s a love letter to Puerto Rico.
It’s an honor to my late father who cherished the island.
It’s a story that other latino(è) kids can find their roots in.
It’s a redemption of my brother’s passing when I was little, when I used to hide in my closet to grieve.
With boundless resilience and creativity, I turned the closet into a magical doorway to a world of adventure, joy, and discovery. And now I’m happy to share my story with you…
Photo credits to Rafi Mencía.
María Pérez-Gómez is a multifaceted talent, known not only for her enchanting storytelling but also for her tireless dedication to the arts and her community. As the Managing Director of Raices Theatre Company in Buffalo, New York, she has played a pivotal role in promoting and preserving Latinx/e culture through the medium of theater.
Beyond her literary achievements, María is a gifted singer and songwriter, whose music resonates with themes of resilience, identity, and the power of cultural expression. Her ability to captivate audiences extends beyond the written word, making her a well-rounded artist who connects deeply with her audience through various artistic avenues.
María's literary prowess has earned her accolades and recognition, including the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association. Her commitment to literature that reflects diverse experiences and cultures is a testament to her passion for inclusivity and cultural understanding.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, María Pérez-Gómez has dedicated her time and expertise to social causes. Her role as the director of Vive: a shelter for people seeking asylum exemplifies her commitment to providing refuge and support to those in need.
Through her work in theater, music, literature, and social advocacy, Maria Perez Gomez continues to inspire others and foster a sense of belonging and community for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her artistic and humanitarian contributions are a testament to the power of storytelling and the arts to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.
Meet the Illustrator
Carlos Torres
Carlos Torres is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in publications such as Time, Sports Illustrated, Barron's, The National Review, The LA Times and The Chicago Tribune. His clients have included, Pepsi, American Airlines, Macy's, DuPont, Time Warner and Scholastic.
Known for his editorial caricatures, one of Mr. Torres’ works, a caricature of former President Richard M. Nixon wearing a Mao Tse Tung style jacket entitled “Chairman Nixon”, was part of a national traveling exhibition hosted by the New York City based Society of Illustrators.
More recently, his personal works have included a series of carousel horse images inspired by the historic Herschell Carrousel Museum located in North Tonawanda, New York where he lives.
Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Torres has been a resident of North Tonawanda for the last 25 years, with his wife Claudia and their three boys.
When not working on a deadline, Mr. Torres also enjoys teaching art to students ranging from preschoolers at a local early childhood center, to private lessons for adults at his Tonawanda studio.
On Sale Now
The Magical Closet
Mystery
The Magical Closet book series teaches kids to develop skills for working through tough emotions with courage. Along the way, kids go on enchanting adventures to learn about the island and culture of Puerto Rico.
María’s dream is that latino(è) kids will see their culture, family dynamics, and triumphs in these stories. For others, she hopes to ignite a love for learning about different people and places. No matter who you are, these books are fun. Once you enter, you are sure to fall in love with The Magical Closet!
The first book is on sale now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart! NOW available in English & Spanish!
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