The Southside Book Fair is proud to announce its 2026 author lineup, bringing together a dynamic and diverse group of writers, poets, educators, and thought leaders from San Antonio, across Texas, and beyond.
The 5th Annual Southside Book Fair returns on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will take place at the Texas Sugar Daddies Event Venue on the Por Vida Academy campus at 1135 Mission Road, San Antonio, TX 78210.
This year’s author lineup includes Rosie Salazar, Adelita Madrigal (A.M. Trinidad), Veronica Martinez, Hazell Thomas, Dr. Antonio R. Paiz, Christopher Palmer, Mary Romasanta, Fernando Esteban Flores, Adrianne Hemenway, Ruben Flores, Eileen Ramirez, Todd Bloomer, C.L. “Rooster” Martinez, Leticia Urieta, Gabriela Ibarra Noriega, Maria Valdez Perez, Juan Tejeda/Aztlan Libre Press, Abraham Moreno, Jerah Alvarado, Dr. Luissa Kiprono, Rogelio “Roger” Narvaez Jr., Alex Z. Salinas, Cyra S. Dumitru, Diane Gonzales Bertrand, Christina Bocanegra, PhD, Jonathan Fletcher, Violeta Garza, Mandy Pallock, Amanda Santana Garcia, Lucy Davila Hakemack, Christina Ditchkofsky, Antonia Salinas Murguia, Ruth Mini, Gabriel Carrillo, Michelle DeStefano, Antonina Duridanova, Sean Gray, Dr. Caprica Wells, Crystal Requejo, S. A. Smith (Susan Annette Smith), Sylvia Rosas, John J. O’Reilly, Kallista Sanchez, Arianna Cortez, and April Monterrosa.
Leticia Urieta (she/her) is a Tejana writer from Austin, Texas. She is a teaching artist, freelance writer, and editor, and holds an MFA in Fiction from Texas State University. Her chapbook The Monster (2018) and hybrid collection Las Criaturas (2021) earned her recognition as a finalist for the Texas Institute of Letters’ Sergio Troncoso Award. Her poetry chapbook, Offerings to a Tumbled Temple, was released in 2025, and her dark fiction collection, The Remedy is the Disease, is forthcoming in 2026.
Rosie Salazar is a certified nutrition mentor and founder of Cultura y Salud Nutrition. With over 30 years in the medical field, she empowers women and families—especially within the Hispanic community—through culturally rooted wellness education. She is also a children’s author whose stories promote health, courage, and self-awareness.
Maria Valdez Perez is an award-winning children’s author, retired school counselor, and bilingual educator with over 28 years of experience. Her books foster empathy, character, and emotional resilience, earning recognition from Latino Voices in Children’s Literature and the Goldie Awards.
Juan Tejeda is a writer, musician, arts administrator, and activist from San Antonio. A retired professor of Mexican American Studies and Music at Palo Alto College, he is also co-owner of Aztlan Libre Press. His latest book, Mi Carnal Frank, was published in 2024.
Veronica Martinez is a children’s librarian and author of The Runaway Conchita. Her stories highlight San Antonio’s culture, traditions, and landmarks, inspiring young readers.
Jerah Alvarado is a multi-published author based in Texas who writes bilingual picture books that bridge language gaps and connect diverse readers.
Alex Z. Salinas is a San Antonio-based author of multiple poetry collections, a short story collection, and a novel.
Diane Gonzales Bertrand is a San Antonio author and poet whose work reflects her Woodlawn Lake roots. She has written numerous novels and bilingual children’s books.
Hazell V. Thomas is an award-winning children’s author and retired educator whose work introduces young readers to civil rights history.
Jonathan Fletcher holds an MFA from Columbia University. His award-winning work has appeared in literary journals, and his debut chapbook was published in 2025.
Violeta Garza is a bilingual poet and performer whose work celebrates identity, voice, and resilience.
Dr. Luissa Kiprono is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, Air Force veteran, and author of the bestselling memoir Push, Then Breathe.
Rogelio “Roger” Narvaez Jr. is a licensed master social worker and author of memoirs, devotionals, and children’s books.
Amanda Santana Garcia is a San Antonio native, educator, and author passionate about youth development and storytelling.
Antonina Duridanova is an author whose work focuses on resilience, faith, and longevity.
Christina Ditchkofsky is a trauma-informed author and nurse whose memoir explores healing and identity after trauma.
Ruben Flores is a San Antonio poet inspired by nature and classic literary influences.
Michelle DeStefano is an executive coach and author helping leaders build confidence and clarity.
Ruth Mini is a San Antonio author writing stories for young readers centered on friendship and local history.
Gabriel Carrillo is an educational technology specialist and author focused on innovative learning experiences.
Todd Bloomer is a former educator and author of The Blueprint, continuing to mentor leaders in education.
April Monterrosa is an award-winning entrepreneur, publisher, author, and media personality. She is the founder of Live From The Southside Magazine and creator of the Southside Book Fair.
Founded by April Monterrosa, the Southside Book Fair was created to provide a platform for local authors and to connect the community through literacy, storytelling, and opportunity. What began as a Southside initiative has grown into a movement that continues to expand its reach while staying grounded in its mission.
The Southside Book Fair is more than an event—it is a space where stories are honored, voices are elevated, and the next generation is inspired.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or author opportunities, please contact:
Live From The Southside
Email: media@livefromthesouthside.com
Phone: 210-896-4445
