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Where the Paletero Man Goes with Lucky Diaz

A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art

Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man.

Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man. 

What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!

Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.

Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, this beautiful story invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner.

Register today and discover how we can all bring a little more sweetness and community spirit into our daily lives!

Please note that we will be hosting Lucky Diaz twice on this date, once in Spanish (8pm) and in English (7pm). Be sure that you are registering for your preferred format.

About the Author:

Lucky Diaz is a GRAMMY Award-winning, multi–Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist,
acclaimed author, and a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature. A six-time
Emmy-nominated songwriter and Berklee College of Music alumnus, Diaz made history
as the first North American children’s artist to win a Latin GRAMMY. His work bridges
music and storytelling, creating a distinct body of bilingual work rooted in the cultural life
of Mexican American communities in Los Angeles.

As an author, Diaz has earned some of the highest honors in publishing. His books
have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers
Weekly, and Booklist, placing him among a rare group of creators recognized across
every major literary journal. His breakout title Paletero Man received a Kirkus star and
audiobook distinction and was awarded the 2024 Alma Flor Ada Award for its lasting
contribution to Latino-centered storytelling. He is also a recipient of the Parent’s Choice
Gold Award and a NAPPA Award, further recognizing his impact on family audiences.
His latest book, Fix-It Familia, continues to build national recognition, with a Spanish
edition arriving this summer, expanding access to bilingual readers and classrooms
across the country.

Diaz’s work has been featured and praised by NPR, Billboard, The New York Times,
and People Magazine, positioning him as a trusted creative voice at the intersection of
culture, music, and literature.

Through his books, recordings, and performances with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam
Band, Diaz continues to expand the possibilities of American storytelling. He is not only
contributing to the field, he is helping define it.

This program is sponsored by the Alexandria Library Foundation.

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