The signing at the Roadium went really well. I was glad to meet alot of people who were really interested in my book.

Jose was a really cool guy that was selling collectible toys. He started reading and couldn't stop. I told him that I started getting into reading with comic books. I ended up buying a Sandman figure from him...for my son, not for me.

No surprise, I met another David. He was a coach who could really relate to my story. He came from the streets too and found a way to not only get out but to give back as well. He said, "I always root for the underdog," and then asked if I had change for a hundred. Baller!

Rhonda came by and was instanly enthralled by the cover. She is a cool chick and I hope she enjoys my book.

I met so many people that I couldn't mention them all so don't feel left out if you didn't get some page time. I appreciated everyone who came over and I'd like to thank everyone that came over and talked to me about their lives, reading, writing, religion, dreams, our kids, and existing on planet earth in general.

Signing at Downey Theatre

Here's a picture I took with the world famous Gary Soto. He's written a lot of popular children's books for little Latinos like Baseball in April, Buried Onions, If the Shoe fits, Chato Goes Cruisin, and tons more that are in our public schools. Of course I was honored to have him pose for a picture with me holding my book. I even autographed a copy for him after he autographed a copy of If the Shoe Fits for my son Quazar. He wished me luck with my novel and got back to his line of fans waiting for him at Downey Theatre.

Signing at the 2008 West Hollywood Book Fair

Juan Farias, author of Miracles/Milagros, became friends as we signed together.   He dedicated a poem to me and I was honored. He was born in Mexico and moved here after he turned 20. Even though our writing is like night and day we were able to have a really fun time. My mom loved him and so did pretty much everyone else that he spoke to. Check out his book Miracles, a poem for every occassion.                                                                                               It was an awesome experience. Imagine a street kid from Queens living his dream of becoming an author, signing at a big event like the West Hollywood Book Fair.  Here are a couple of more pics of the festivities. People coming and going it was a worldwind and I thank everyone who stopped by to talk about everything that makes us human. Life, love, hate, death, caressing, punching, accomplishments, failures, being pulled apart, put back together only to find that you're not who you thought you'd be. What happens to us? It seems like yesterday I was drinking forties on Jamaica Ave. Now I've been a teacher for eight years. I have a wonderful son and a beautiful wife. My books are selling and I'm meeting people from all over the world.

Well. A toast to dreams...without them where would we be?

February 2009 California Association for Bilingual Education

It was my honor to present at the California Association for Bilingual Education 2009 Conference in the Long Beach Convention Center. I met a lot of great teachers from all over California that had real interest in my books and saw the help that they could be in their classrooms. Jon Rezo, owner of Libreria Martinez, and Juan Farias, author Milagros, also presented with me. We had a great time, which is the most important thing.