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9781957321080

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What happens when three children walk into a magical closet and end up in Puerto Rico? Author, Maria Perez-Gomez, cleverly weaves Puerto Rican culture, history, and folklore into a story with unexpected turns and twists as the children, now in animal form, work to help their beloved homeland regain hope after two devastating hurricanes. As with any life adventure, real or imaginary, what they learn about love, loss, and hope permeates every step. It is a cultural contribution to the genre of children's literature that I recommend to school libraries and classroom teachers. -Janyne McConnaughey, PhD, Trauma-Informed Author & Advocate, Author of Trauma in the Pews The Magical Closet Mystery by Maria Perez-Gomez is a celebration of childhood imagination in the context of Puerto Rican culture. The children are having difficulty coping with the loss of their father and a move from Puerto Rico to Buffalo, NY. Suddenly, they are transformed into animals and transported to Puerto Rico, through their bedroom closet, by the magic of Puerto Rico. The resulting adventure is both entertaining and educational, and illustrates the healing power of art, music, and cultural heritage. Bravo! -Michael A. Cline, NP Bravo! A masterfully written story that weaves together the robust culture and history of Puerto Rico while acknowledging the struggle of moving to a new land and finding hope in the midst of grief. Maria uses tactful and descriptive language to spark imagination and produce powerful emotions while evoking a new appreciation for the food, art, music, and beauty of Puerto Rican culture. This timeless message entwines themes such as courage, empathy, love, suffering, and hope in a single story that will leave children and adults alike with a renewed sense of purpose. The Magical Closet Mystery will surely become a household staple for many, a story that brings new meaning every time it's read. -Abigail J. Grainge, MS, FNP The Magical Closet Mystery is a beautiful, modern-day parable filled with heart, humor, laughter, and love. After reading just the first few paragraphs, the characters come to life and lead you on an adventure where you learn that whatever you hold most dear and keep close to your heart can never truly be lost. -John Anderson, Kenmore Presbyterian Church Elder/Father This book is an enchanting and magical story, told through the lens of Puerto Rican culture but readily appreciated by those of any cultural background. Aside from weaving a beautiful tale of family, friendship, and community, The Magical Closet Mystery seeks to help children who may be dealing with trauma find hope and understanding. It points to the importance of expressing feelings and connecting to positive aspects of the character's lives and their personal and cultural histories. Ms. Perez-Gomez communicates these messages through the story of three young Puerto Rican children, now living in Buffalo, who are mourning the death of their father, the loss of their homeland, and the devastation of the hurricanes that swept through their beloved Puerto Rico. Their lives are changed completely when they discover a portal in their bedroom closet that leads to wild adventure, tender awakening, and individual and communal healing in the lush Puerto Rican rainforest. Ms. Perez-Gomez's beautifully descriptive writing style transports the reader to the delightful sights, sounds, and fragrant scents of Puerto Rico, but her message of courage, connection, and healing is as universal as the transcendent power of love itself. -Roberta Farkas-Huezo, MSW, Child Welfare Administrator, Erie County Department of Social Services

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Maria is a proudly Puerto Rican author, vocalist, playwright, and performer. She is the Managing Director for Raices Theatre Company, the only Latino theatre company in western New York, and she is Assistant Director at Vive, a shelter for asylum seekers. Her greatest goals are to craft stories Latino children can see themselves in and help children of all backgrounds develop resilience. She and her big family live in Buffalo, NY.

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