Soy Auténtica

By Kathryn López Resto

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Overview


Isabela's classmates don't always understand her. They laugh at her accent, her food, even the colors she loves. But with every challenge, Isabela whispers an affirmation that reminds her of her strength: Soy valiente. Soy fuerte. Soy creativa. Soy auténtica. Soy Auténtica is a lyrical, empowering story that celebrates identity, culture, and self-love. With ten powerful affirmations woven into Isabela's journey, this book reminds children that their differences are their superpowers. Perfect for readers ages 6–9, parents, and teachers, Soy Auténtica is a beautiful tool for sparking conversations about confidence, kindness, and embracing who we truly are.
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Description


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 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.
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About The Author


Kathryn López Resto is a Latina author and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, identity, and community empowerment. She is the debut author of Soy Auténtica, a lyrical children's book that follows Isabela, a young girl who learns to embrace her uniqueness through the power of affirmations. Inspired by Kathryn's own experience of moving from Puerto Rico to the United States without knowing English, the book was born from her deep desire to give children the words and courage she once needed herself: words that affirm their strength, celebrate their roots, and remind them they are enough, just as they are. Kathryn's personal story informs every aspect of her creative and professional life. Growing up, she navigated the complexities of cultural identity, often feeling the tension between learning a new language, adjusting to a new environment, and honoring her Puerto Rican heritage. Over time, she came to see her culture not as something to minimize but as something to celebrate. That journey fuels her mission to ensure that young readers see themselves reflected in stories that uplift their voices, their families, and their communities. Soy Auténtica is not just a book — it is a message to children everywhere that their differences are their superpowers. Beyond her work as an author, Kathryn is a visionary entrepreneur who has built ventures dedicated to creativity, leadership, and cultural pride. She is the founder and CEO of L e L o Consulting, a business strategy and marketing firm known as "the doctors for your business," where she helps entrepreneurs and organizations strengthen their structures, brand identities, and digital presence. With a focus on strategy development, marketing innovation, and team culture, L e L o Consulting embodies Kathryn's belief that businesses, like people, thrive when they are rooted in authenticity. Kathryn is also the co-founder and Executive Director of Empower Youth Latinx (EYL), a nonprofit organization designed to uplift Latinx youth through bilingual literacy, leadership development, and culturally rooted education. Under her leadership, EYL has launched programs such as Jóvenes Leyendo Juntos and Jóvenes con Visión, which provide mentorship, community, and academic support for Latinx youth in Multnomah and Washington counties. Empower Youth Latinx represents Kathryn's commitment to creating generational impact by investing in young leaders today. What ties all of Kathryn's endeavors together is a consistent theme: authenticity. Whether she is guiding a small business owner through their digital marketing strategy, mentoring Latinx youth, or writing a story about a young girl learning to love herself, Kathryn's work is grounded in the belief that authenticity is not only powerful but necessary. Her own path reflects the message she now shares with readers and audiences: that embracing who you are is the foundation for growth, leadership, and joy. Kathryn López Resto's voice is both professional and deeply personal, blending her entrepreneurial expertise with her passion for storytelling. Through her debut book Soy Auténtica, her leadership at L e L o Consulting, and her nonprofit work with Empower Youth Latinx, she continues to create spaces where authenticity is celebrated and where individuals, families, and communities are empowered to thrive. Today, Kathryn lives in Oregon, where she continues to write, lead, and dream big. She is actively involved in local community partnerships, professional networks, and cultural initiatives, and she often speaks on the themes of identity, entrepreneurship, and empowerment.

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Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Diversity & Multicultural
  • Age Range (years):6 - 9
  • Language:English
  • Pages:28
  • Paperback ISBN:9798317821197