Malín Alegria is more than just a writer – she's a story sorceress, weaving tales that embrace her Chicana heritage, urban roots, and commitment to social justice, and a dash of magic. Her creative journey started in elementary school when she borrowed her Dad’s camcorder and never returned it. She started making comedic short videos with her siblings and cousins as nonunion laborers, then moved onto the stage in high school and college, creating humorous political theater rooted in her cultural identity. Her first novel 'Estrella's Quinceañera,' is a vibrant coming-of-age tale published by Simon & Schuster. Have you ever wondered what ensues when quinceañera plans go hilariously awry? Look no further; Malín's got it covered.

 

Then she embarked on a delightful adventure with 'Sofi Mendoza's Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico,' a tale that combines laughter and experience of undocumented youth in the US. Get ready to dive into an unforgettable journey with Sofi, where getting lost is a gateway to finding yourself!

 

While performing in a peach quinceañera dress at schools across the US, inspiring young people to believe in themselves and find strength in their cultural roots, Malín ventured into the world of chapter books with her award-winning Border Town series, published by Scholastic. These stories explore teenage life along the border, where humor and culture dance together in delightful chaos.

 

Beyond her writing, Malín captivates audiences with her engaging performances, workshops, and writing coach. Her live sessions blend storytelling, humor, and cultural celebration. Her mission is clear: to inspire and empower writers from all walks of life to breathe life into their stories. With a deep understanding of the power of storytelling within the Latino community, she offers a supportive and authentic coaching experience.

 

In Malín's world, every individual has a unique story that deserves to be heard, regardless of their challenges. Cultural experiences are seen as strengths, shaping the authenticity of narratives. Malín is on a mission to flood the mainstream market with Latino stories, fostering a rich tapestry of voices. Her approach is more than just writing; it's about empowering writers to make their mark and celebrate their cultural heritage through the written word.

 

Beyond books and coaching, Malín's creative work extends to film collaborations like 'Collisions' with Richard Levine, released in 2018. She's also ventured into the world of Disney/Pixar, contributing to the COCO Big Golden Book, retelling the enchanting story of the Disney/Pixar movie.

 

Malín's short stories have graced prestigious anthologies like 'Once Upon a Cuento' and '15 Candles: 15 Tales of Taffeta, Hairspray, Drunk Uncles, and Other Quinceañera Stories.'

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Her impact on literature and culture is evident, with recognitions like being a 'New Author to Watch & Read' by Latinostories.com and a feature on National Public Radio's '2 Languages Many Voices: Latinos in the US.'

 

This Chicana storytelling and social activism powerhouse resides with her loving family in San Francisco, California. For more insights into her world, visit her at malinalegria.com or join her journey on Instagram @malinalegria.