Basking Ridge Author's Book Tour Returns To Her Hometown

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge-raised author and second-generation Puerto Rican Adriana Erin Rivera is returning to her hometown to showcase her first book, "Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico" at a special event at Bernards Township Library.

The event "Conversation with the Author" - being held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 4:30 p.m. - will discuss how Rivera got started in writing, her writing process, and how she got published.

The event is ideal for tweens and teens (middle school through high school) who are interested in writing. Rivera will also be answering questions from attendees as well.

"Over the past year, I've toured my book "Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico" around New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania speaking at libraries, schools, and community events, including Montclair Public Library, Hunter College's Center for Puerto Rican Studies, Mercy University, the Pennsylvania Library Association Conference, and Philadelphia's Latin American Book Fair among others. I'm really looking forward to sharing insights about my writing journey in my hometown of Basking Ridge," said Rivera.

Rivera has always been a writer. At 5 years old she wrote a book that the Elizabeth Librarian put out in the children's section of the library. She progressed into writing short stories and vignettes. And in high school she was the Arts and Entertainment Editor of Ridge's newspaper. Read More: Basking Ridge Author Pens Children's Book Honoring Her Puerto Rican Heritage

She self-published a book called Swing Sets, a coming-of-age story, which was inspired by her own inner child.

Then she was recommended to the Smithsonian as a good fit for their Nuestras Voces series, which shares inspiring Latino stories.

Rivera's "first big" book, titled "Paloma's Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898", was completed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Latino. The book was released in bookstores on Aug. 1.

The book is written in diary form through a child's point of view to appeal to young readers. The story follows 12-year-old Paloma who lives in Puerto Rico with her Papi, Mama, and little brother, Jorge on a coffee farm. The timeline is set in 1898 when the United States soldiers invade Puerto Rico, which was long controlled by Spain.

"I know a lot about our history but this is a story I never really learned about," said Rivera. "it was interesting for me to research. It was really eye-opening for me."

The diary incorporates so much more than just the history element, said Rivera. It also talks about her family and her culture.

For more information on Rivera and her books visit adrianaerinrivera.com.

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