By Rebecca Ballenger, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Author/illustrator Jose Pimienta, or Jo to those who know them, spends a lot of time on their feet running cross country, taking long walks near home and exploring new places. On a recent visit to Tucson, the Middle School Reading Ambassadors were curious about what goes on in Jo’s mind during these solo activities. “Everything,” they reply. Continuing, “I think about how my day is going. I think about what is currently happening in my life. The most recent song I heard, the book I read a month ago but still have so much to say about, or the comics I believe deserve more recognition, etc. I have fictional conversations with people I want to talk to. I think about my current projects and how to make them better. Or I think about what I’d like to eat next. But, every once in a while, I’m just looking at my surroundings without thought.”
Jo’s busy brain is put to good use as a cartoonist, author and illustrator who has worked with Random House Graphic, Iron Circus Comics, Dark Horse Comics and the Disney Digital Network. Their books include Suncatcher (YA), Luminous Beings (YA), Twin Cities (MG), Halfway to Somewhere (MG), The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur (MG) and Let’s Rumble (picturebook). This body of work provides a range of readers multiple ways to connect. Their work is relatable for those who see their family and friends in the characters or who relate with the thoughts and concerns we have as we grow and learn about ourselves and those around us. Continue reading →
Worlds of Words Middle School Reading Ambassadors invite you to meet Jose Pimienta, author of Halfway to Somewhere!
About Halfway to Somewhere:
Ave thought moving to Kansas would be boring and flat after enjoying the mountains and trails in Mexico, but at least they would have their family with them. Unfortunately, while Ave, their mom and their younger brother are relocating to the U.S., Ave’s father and older sister will be staying in Mexico permanently. Their parents are getting a divorce. This thought-provoking middle graphic novel is about exploring identity, understanding family, making friends with a language barrier, and above all else, learning what truly makes a place a home.
Jose Pimienta was raised in Mexicali, Baja California, and now resides in Los Angeles where they work on comics and storyboards for animation and film. Suncatcher was their debut YA graphic novel and ended on many “Best of” lists. Their second graphic novel, Twin Cities, is middle grade and received four starred reviews. Most recently, they illustrated the YA graphic novel Luminous Beings, with David Arnold. Forthcoming titles include The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur (ages 10-14) and Let’s Rumble!: A Rough-And-Tumble Book of Play (ages 2-5). Pimienta focuses on the importance of Latinx culture and the experience of growing up on the border.
U of A Campus Store will be on site with copies of several titles available for sale and autographing.
This event includes a conversation between Pimienta and the Reading Ambassadors, followed by audience questions and a book signing. This event is free and open to the public.
Event details may change.
Ticketed parking is available in the Second St. Garage and metered parking is available on the street/surface level through the Passport Mobile Parking app. Worlds of Words Center is also located just off of the 2nd St. Modern Streetcar stop.
To request disability-related accommodations that would ensure your full participation in this event, please email wow@arizona.edu or call 520.621.9340.
Event details may change. More information to follow.
