The Journey So Far

Edward has been reading, visiting, and sharing — everywhere he can

From a first classroom visit to a live reading in Puerto Rico and a Hispanic Heritage Week roundtable on Long Island. Watch the little car make its way down the road as you scroll.

June · First Visit

Third Grade Author Visit

Edward’s home school district, New York

The very first school presentation — and the one that started it all. Edward read as a published author for the first time, fielded big questions from curious third graders, and by the end of the visit, every copy he brought was sold.

📷 Event photos to be added

Sat, July 25 · 1:00 PM

Casa Norberto Bookstore

Plaza Las Américas, San Juan, Puerto Rico

On a holiday Saturday afternoon, Edward presented and sold his book live from Casa Norberto inside Plaza Las Américas — streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram all at once.

Edward Rodriguez holding up the Las Piedras illustration from the book while speaking into a microphone

Edward Rodriguez with family and friends in a group selfie at Casa Norberto bookstore

Edward Rodriguez presenting the book seated, with a second copy displayed on the table beside him

Edward Rodriguez standing and presenting while guests take photos

Large group photo of family and friends who attended the presentation

A guest reading through the book together with a friend after the presentation

Fri, September 25 · Hispanic Heritage

Northern Parkway Elementary School

Long Island, New York

Working with the school librarian, Edward opened the book on the Promethean board for a full class of second graders. What started as a story about grandparents became a conversation every child could connect to — wherever their family was from.

Edward Rodriguez pointing to a farmhouse illustration from the book on the classroom screen

Edward Rodriguez reading aloud from the book as the matching illustration displays on the classroom screen

Edward Rodriguez presenting to second graders seated on the library floor

Second graders listening during the author visit at Northern Parkway Elementary School

Thu, October 8 · 6:00 PM

The Latino Writers Roundtable

Roosevelt Public Library · 27 W. Fulton Ave., Roosevelt, NY

Part of ¡Cultura en la Biblioteca!, a celebration of art, stories, and sound. Edward shared the stage with fellow authors Natalia de Cuba Romero (English & Latin American Studies instructor, Nassau Community College) and Ines Ayala (Latinx Storytellers Conference) to talk about writing for bilingual households — and why young readers are the ones who bring their parents back into the library. Watch the library’s livestream →

Empty stage set for the Latino Writers Roundtable with the panelists' photos projected on screen

Auditorium signage announcing the Latino Writers Roundtable

Edward Rodriguez on stage with fellow authors Natalia de Cuba Romero and Ines Ayala

Edward Rodriguez seated on stage during the roundtable discussion

Edward Rodriguez beside the lobby screen announcing the event

Edward Rodriguez in the library atrium before the event

October 13

Davidson Avenue Intermediate School

New York

Invited back by a former colleague now leading the school, Edward returned to the grade he once taught for a full-gym assembly with grades 3 through 5 — and sold out of books once again.

Full gymnasium of students seated for the author presentation

Students raising their hands to answer questions during the assembly

Edward Rodriguez speaking to the assembly with a microphone

Edward Rodriguez and a school staff member beside the screen showing a book illustration

Edward Rodriguez sharing another illustration from the book with students seated on the gym floor

Writing Celebration

Uniondale High School

Uniondale, New York · Home of the Knights

A celebration of student authors across every grade — where Edward shared the signing table with Malia, a young author who had published her own bilingual books in Haitian Creole and the Taíno language of Arawak. Her book, Taikaraya Conuco, impressed Edward so much he asked for a photo with her.

Edward Rodriguez holding his book at the Uniondale High School writing celebration

Edward Rodriguez signing books for attendees at the signing table

Edward Rodriguez speaking with a group of students and families

Edward Rodriguez with young author Malia holding her book Taikaraya Conuco

Edward Rodriguez in front of the Uniondale Knights backdrop

Watch

See the live reading

Casa Norberto, Puerto Rico — Live

Edward’s full presentation streamed live for about an hour from Plaza Las Américas on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram at once. Watch the full replay below.

Watch on YouTube