“Lucky Diaz is the most fun you will have at an author’s show ever! Not only did he read his book, involving everyone, but he also made up songs on the fly using audience suggestions and then played his own songs to a rousing crowd! He encouraged dancing and audience participation and put on a show that kids and families alike will remember fondly for a long time!” — Saugus Union School District, 2024
“Lucky was a joy to work with! He was immediately personable and friendly and arrived incredibly well-prepared for our event. Lucky was amazing at interacting with young kids and even brought cards to give out for free to ensure that no one left his booksigning empty-handed. He did a wonderful job reading the mood of the crowd and adapting the presentation based on their needs. I also wanted to note how well he presented bilingually – this can be a real challenge but he switched back and forth between English and Spanish so fluidly that all participants felt included throughout the duration of the event. This was an outstanding author visit and we would love to have Lucky back in the future.” — Fairfax County Public Library, 2024
“Lucky Diaz was a huge hit at our elementary school. The students (preschool – 5th grade) loved him! They listened, cheered, and sand with him. For many, if not most, it was likely their first time meeting a Hispanic author. It is so important to plant those seeds in our students and inspire them with authors and artists of all kinds. One 4th grade parent that her son wouldn’t stop talking about him the next day and made her look up on his songs on youtube. Another parent who came to watch the presentation said he was “the Mary Poppins of authors.” Teacher feedback was fantastic too. Our preschool assistant teacher said she was inspired to write a book after. Principal, staff, and teachers all want PTA to bring him back next year…which we absolutely plan on doing.” — San Juan Elementary School, 2024
“Lucky Diaz’s assembly blended music, dance, songwriting, storytelling, and culture. He created an engaging and educational experience for everyone. Not only did he teach valuable writing skills, he shared his inspiring life journey with genuine humility. His attentiveness to both adults and children made the event truly special, fostering an inclusive atmosphere. The cultural relevance, including the incorporation of Spanish, added an extra layer of richness to an unforgettable assembly. Gracias por todo Lucky!” — Rio Vista Elementary School, 2024
“The unifying lure of paleta love underscores the joys all people—regardless of differences—have in common.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Filled with life and joy, this story is an upbeat, multi-sensory experience that honors the breadth and harmony of multiculturalism in Diaz’s LA hometown.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A wonderfully executed treat of a book with a sweet community focus.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Depicts wonderful examples of kindness, community, and delicious paletas.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Diaz’s story in verse, with its chantable refrain and kid-sized dollop of tension, is a paean to Eighth Street Los Angeles food culture. Whether it’s sourced from a street cart, a taqueria freezer, or the library’s back room refrigerator, we all know what the storytime treat will be.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Lucky Diaz is a wonderful musician and children’s author. He represents and is proud of his Mexican heritage and is able to connect with his audience through his book, music and personable engagement with the audience. San Francisco Public Library is so happy to partner with Lucky Diaz and share his shine with the community.” — San Francisco Public Library
