Author Marie Miranda Cruz will discuss and sign her new middle-grade novel “A Boy Called Hero” at 3 p.m. today at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., in conversation with Los Angeles book interviewer Dahlia De La Vega.
The afternoon conversation and signing comes two weeks after the novel’s Sept. 1 release from Carolrhoda Books. Vroman’s has billed it as both a book signing and a children’s event, and asks attendees to RSVP in advance and to note any accommodation they need.
The book sends 12-year-old Hero Del Rosario, left with his grandfather in the Philippines while the rest of his family travels to the United States, more than a century into the past, according to the publisher. In 1892, under Spanish colonial rule, he meets his great-great-grandfather, Teo, and Teo’s twin sister, Olivia, who are secretly distributing a banned book in support of Philippine independence.
Kirkus Reviews called it “an exciting adventure that explores what it means to be a hero.”
Cruz was born in Cavite City, Philippines, and now lives in Los Angeles, where she works as a clinical laboratory specialist. Her debut, “Everlasting Nora,” drew starred reviews from Kirkus and School Library Journal, and in 2019 the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California gave her its award for excellence in a work of juvenile fiction.
De La Vega, who moderated a Vroman’s event in May, runs the ofpagesandprint account and a monthly book club.
Need to know: Marie Miranda Cruz discusses and signs “A Boy Called Hero,” in conversation with Dahlia De La Vega, on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m. at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. RSVP in advance. The store is open until 7 p.m. For more, call (626) 449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.
