On Thursday, May 15th, Tandem gathered with educators, colleagues, donors, and supporters for our annual Building on Books Celebration. The Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center was filled with interactive exhibits that educated participants on the current state of nationwide book bans and challenges, special guest authors, and community celebration of inclusion and representation in children’s picture books.

But this year also marked the launch of a new tradition for our organization: Tandem’s Mirrors and Windows Award inspired by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s thoughtful leadership in helping children to both see themselves reflected and build empathy for others in the books they read. It was our honor to award the incredible author, poet, and arts activist Aida Salazar as our first recipient. 

Ms. Salazar’s expansive writing and storytelling have touched the lives of children, with ages ranging from infancy to middle school. Her middle-grade novels-in-verse have reached such a level of high regard in children’s literature that it led one Kirkus Review critic to craft an essay asking the question: “Is This Kidlit Author Our New Judy Blume?” This is an acknowledgement not given without intense evaluation.

Her debut picture book, Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter, with breathtaking illustrations by artist Molly Mendoza, tells the extraordinary true story of a young girl’s journey to become a proud revolutionary fighter. It is a story of perseverance, determination, and defiance. And if you are familiar with Ms. Salazar’s work in social justice, it should be no surprise that the spirited young girl in the story is Aida’s very own tía abuela, or great-aunt. 

Ms. Salazar has fiercely championed diversity, inclusivity, and equity not only for the Latinx community, but for all marginalized communities. And this admiration is felt deeply within the children’s literature community itself. Here are a few words from others in the literary community about her influence and impact:

“Her award-winning works, such as The Land of the Cranes, invite young readers to confront complex realities with empathy and courage, while her poetic board book series, My Living World, draws from Mexican Indigenous wisdom to foster a heartfelt connection with nature from the earliest ages. By co-editing collections like Calling the Moon, Aida has also created space for BIPOC authors to share narratives that have long been overlooked, making the field more inclusive and vibrant. Her writing is not just storytelling—it’s an act of intentional and impactful advocacy, reshaping what children’s literature can accomplish and who it can represent.” – J. K. Fowler, Executive Director, Bay Area Book Festival

And then from Bay Area children’s author, Michael Genhart:

“Aida is a force—with a pen. A true activist, with her writing Aida tackles a range of difficult subjects with boldness, grace and pure poetry. She empowers her (underrepresented) intrepid protagonists with determination and a strong voice. She is Jovita, Lula, Betita, Celi, and Elio. Aida is leading the way for fellow writers, such as myself, to be fierce. We should all be listening to what she has to say. I sure am.”

And finally, from the illustrator of Jovita Wore Pants, Molly Mendoza herself:

“Aida’s books are a reflection of the fighting spirit in her heart, and now her voice as an activist has reached so many through her work. I hadn’t even met Aida in person yet, but found myself in front of someone truly inspiring and special the moment I read her manuscript for Jovita; through the page she’d managed to reach me too. That presence, and the presence of her ancestors, the presence of Jovita, had me driven to meet Aida with my own voice as well. But it’s not just me, I see the many voices of so many children who read Aida’s books meeting with hers too; rising up to hopefully tell stories of their own. What a beautiful and important thing Aida has done and I hope she never stops, but I also know she is a force of nature and nothing could really ever stop her even if it tried!”

Please join us in celebrating Tandem’s first-ever Mirrors and Windows Award recipient, Aida Salazar. You can learn more about Aida and her inspiring work by visiting her website: AidaSalazar.com.