Emily Galvin Almanza: A New Voice in Children’s Literature
IOWA CITY — Iowa City native Emily Galvin Almanza has worn many hats: public defender, nonprofit co-founder, professor, and now, children’s author. Her latest work, Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt, marks her entry into the realm of middle-grade mystery.
Galvin Almanza draws from her own childhood experiences to craft stories that resonate with young readers. “Before I was a public defender, I was actually a kid who needed to be defended,” she shares. This personal familiarity with the judicial system informs her writing, emphasizing the need for young children to understand their rights.
The author is particularly concerned with the alarming statistic that 90% of children waive their right to legal counsel when interacting with police. “Most efforts to teach kids about their rights are focused only on teenagers,” she notes, highlighting the gap she aims to address through her writing.
Creating Andromeda Diaz
Central to her narrative is Andromeda Diaz, a spirited fifth grader with a legal background in her family. In Reasonable Doubt, she and her best friend, Danny Sullivan, dive into a school mystery involving a classmate accused of theft. They navigate the complexities of fact and fiction, embodying the role of young public defenders as they piece together the truth.
Galvin Almanza emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, stating, “Andromeda and Danny never take something at face value. They investigate and test various angles while presuming innocence.”
The book infuses legal concepts into its plot, making them accessible for children. In one scene, Andromeda explains to Danny the difference between misdemeanors and felonies, enriching the narrative with real-world knowledge in a digestible format.
A Family Affair
Galvin Almanza’s writing process involves her daughter, who shares feedback and insights. Her daughter has even uncovered typos in the manuscript, proving to be a valuable ally in the creative process.
Cultural representation also plays a significant role in the book, as Andromeda’s character is part Bolivian, reflecting the author’s own family heritage. The narrative includes Bolivian recipes, accentuating the diverse cultural background that shapes Galvin Almanza’s storytelling.
Homecoming in Iowa City
An Iowa City West graduate now living in Massachusetts, Galvin Almanza is excited for a return to her roots. She plans to hold a reading event at Prairie Lights on September 13, a venue she cherishes for its vibrant literary community.
In her own words, “To do a book event in Iowa City is one of the great joys in life,” she expresses, noting the engaged audience that prompts thoughtful discussions.
Ultimately, Galvin Almanza hopes her readers, whether they are young students or seasoned literary enthusiasts, walk away with a strengthened sense of empathy and a healthy skepticism regarding accusations, reflecting the core values woven throughout Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt.
Event Details
What: Emily Galvin Almanza reads from Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt
When: 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, September 13
Where: Prairie Lights Books, 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City
Cost: Free
More Information: Visit prairielights.com for details.
