American Libraries

Diana Washington Valdez: I have the highest regard for librarians. I think these are professionals that we take for granted all over the country. We don't realize the kind of resources and services they provide, often at no cost to the public. My next book, also nonfiction, is about the drug cartel and the current drug violence that has engulfed Mexico. And we get to see it very first-hand here on the border. And I hope that through this book that people will come to understand the dynamics of this kind violence and why it's so destructive.

Carol Brey-Casiano: I hope they have a better understanding of the border and how we live here because it's a very unique, wonderful place. We have one foot in Mexico and one foot in the U.S. all the time. Somos familia—we're a family here.