discover my books

I’m a bilingual speech-language pathologist (M.S., CCC-SLP, B.E.), award-winning children’s book author, and play therapy enthusiast. 

I find inspiration in the sounds of nature, the stories of children, and in my own inner child.
read my story 
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Interviews

✦ WNYC · The Coquies Still Sing Interview

✦ WNYC · Churro Stand Interview

✦ People en español · The Coquies Still Sing Interview

✦ New York Times · The Coquies Still Sing Review

✦ Kirkus Review · Kirkus Star Review

✦ Teaching Books · Teaching Books Interview and Resources

✦ LA Times · Op-Ed

✦ Entre Mamás El Podcast · Author Interview

Read my story · Meet Karina

My insatiable curiosity of the lives of others and my experiences growing up as an only child to Puerto Rican parents has shaped the person I am today and the stories I feel called to write.

For much of my childhood, my summers were spent with my abuela in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico — la ciudad de melao melao. The breathtaking vistas, unforgettable aromas, and wondrous sounds of Puerto Rico engulfed my spirit and ignited a lasting love for my family, culture, and Mother Earth.

When my magical summers with my abuela inevitably drew to a close, I returned to New Jersey. At age 7, my parents became owners of a boarding house resided by veterans, many of whom suffered from the aftershocks of war manifested through mental illness and PTSD. My interactions with the residents over the span of my childhood years sparked an even deeper love for humanity. This love serves as my North Star, guiding me along my path today.

In my early twenties, I embarked on what felt like an interminable search for a career that aligned with my essence and eventually discovered speech-language pathology — a perfect union of my interests: language, play, and teaching.

After earning my Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College, I began working at a Title 1 public school in Bushwick, Brooklyn where I developed a love for storytelling while nurturing my students’ narrative skills. Their boundless imaginations inspired this dream to write picture books for them and for us all — stories that spark that same deep love for humanity and nature that was instilled in me as a child. Picture books create learning and healing opportunities not just for children, but also for the adults who read with them.

This is the magic that I relish .

My first picture book, The Coquíes Still Sing, received the prestigious American Library Association’s Pura Belpré Honor Award for both text and illustration in 2023 and has since sold over 40,000 copies.

It is also featured in McGraw Hill’s newest textbook series, Emerge!, which will be distributed to millions of students across the United States. My second picture book, Churro Stand, was named one of the New York Public Library’s Best Children’s Books of 2024 and received the Américas Honor Award distinction in 2025.

Writing children’s books has transformed nearly every aspect of my life, in both tangible and intangible ways. The artistic genius behind the illustrations of both books is Krystal Quiles.

When I was searching for an illustrator for The Coquíes Still Sing, I stumbled upon a book that she had illustrated in a Brooklyn bookstore. As I quietly read her name to myself, it felt instantly familiar — a palpable spiritual connection rooted in serendipity or even destiny. I emailed her and asked to meet. We were both shocked to discover that our families were from neighboring towns in Puerto Rico, that we were born in the same hospital in the Bronx just five months apart, and that we were living only a few blocks from each other in Brooklyn. Although we no longer live in the same city, our monthly phone conversations keep us close. One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been our 6+ year friendship.

Currently, I work as a tele-therapist at an Adult Transition Program in Fresno, California with Presence Learning, where I provide direct speech-language therapy services to adults with Autism and Down Syndrome.

I divide my time between Orlando, Florida and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. If I’m not at my desk savoring multiple cups of coffee while working on my next manuscript, you can find me soaking up rays on a morning jog or lovingly admiring the sunset at Punta Borinquen Beach in Aguadilla.

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School Visits

Now booking for the 2026-2027 school year!

how it works

As a school-based speech language pathologist, I incorporate my expertise in language development, social skills, and student engagement into each school visit.

My presentations incorporate auditory, visual, and kinesthetic components to enhance learning and inspire curiosity. Whether it’s a large assembly or smaller group, my purpose is for each student to connect with the story and with each other. I offer tailored virtual and in-person sessions across the United States and Puerto Rico from grades pre K-7th grade. For schools outside Orlando, FL and Puerto Rico, travel expenses (transportation and lodging) will be added to my rate.

I look forward to collaborating with educators, media specialists, and librarians to create a meaningful and memorable visit.

Check out my upcoming events and school visits!

  • ✦ JANUARY 22ND — International School of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY

    ✦ JANUARY 26TH — Moss Park Elementary School, Orlando, FL

    ✦ JANUARY 27TH — Thornebrooke Elementary School, Orlando, FL

    ✦ JANUARY 28TH — Andover Elementary School, Orlando, FL

    ✦ JANUARY 28TH — Laureate Park Elementary School, Orlando, FL

    ✦ JANUARY 29TH — Bonneville Elementary School, Orlando, FL

    ✦ JANUARY 30TH — Westbrooke Elementary School, Orlando, FL

  • ✦ February 6TH - Urban Scholars Community School, Bronx, NY

Author Visit Testimonials

Testimonials

“ Karina’s visits with our Pre-K4 and Kindergarten classes were pure magic! As an experienced educator, she knows how to speak with young children in a playful, engaging way—interactive, fun, and educational all at once. Not only did she lead sessions in both Spanish and English, but she also guided a collaborative art project that the students loved. She was incredibly professional, attentive, and communicative both before, during, and after the visit. We highly recommend her! ”

— Maria Falgoust and Jon French, Librarians at International School of Brooklyn

“ We were honored to welcome Karina González, celebrated author of The Coquíes Still Sing and Churro Stand, to our school for a truly inspiring visit. Her warmth, authenticity, and passion for storytelling captivated students and staff alike. Karina shared her journey as a writer and the cultural roots that shape her work, encouraging students to embrace their own voices and heritage. Her interactive presentation brought literature to life, sparking curiosity and creativity in every classroom she visited. Students were especially moved by her bilingual storytelling and the way she highlighted the power of resilience and community.The visit was more than just a literary event—it was a celebration of identity, imagination, and the joy of reading. We are deeply grateful to Karina for making such a meaningful impact on our school community.

Thank you, Karina González, for reminding us that stories can heal, connect, and empower. We hope to welcome you back again soon! “

— Katherine Keene, Media Specialist, West Creek Elementary

“ The KidsRead event at Center For Fiction was especially meaningful because the author made a genuine effort to connect with the students in a culturally responsive way. She spoke to them in both Spanish and English, making all students feel seen and included. One of the most impactful aspects was how she asked the children questions about their own lives—where they were from, what foods they liked, and what their families were like. This created a warm, interactive space where students felt valued and excited to participate. A particularly fun moment was when several students eagerly raised their hands to share personal stories, clearly energized by seeing themselves reflected in the author’s words and experiences.”

— Teacher from P.S. 24, Brooklyn, New York

collaboration

Book a Public Reading or Custom Presentation

In addition to school visits, I also offer presentations at public libraries, high schools, colleges, and other academic/continued learning programs, institutions, and book festivals.

I have previously presented at libraries within the NYPL system, Lehman College students studying special education, and educators attending the Natural Start Alliance, which is a project of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).

If you’re interested in arranging a visit, please fill out the form.

Press kit

Read here