Thank you for reading another adventure with Stella. Like the previous book, Stella Díaz Has Something to Say, there is so much of my own personal experiences in the book. I, too, have a Tía Maria in Oaxaca and love Chihuahuas. Like Nick, my older brother worked at a big chain pizzeria. It rhymes with Mominos.
But there are a few bigger differences now. Stella has grown into her own person and has become my voice for conservation—a subject I think many people are concerned with. I’ve also been inspired seeing how mobilized the younger generation has been on some tough topics. This motivated me to write this story and empower Stella.
While the book includes a few tips on reducing plastic, there is so much more you can do. I recommend doing your own brainstorming session with friends, family, and classmates. What are some other ways that you can be more green? And it doesn’t have to be just plastic-related. It can be as simple as turning off the lights when you leave the room or walking or biking when you can, instead of driving. I also encourage you to look for things you can do in your own area. Maybe there is a community cleanup group where you can remove litter just like Stella does in the book. In fact, if you’re in Chicago, you can go to one of the Shedd Aquarium’s Great Lakes Action Days held a few times a year. Or use a tote bag! I never leave home without one!
More than anything, be thoughtful in the way you consume things. Try not to use something once and throw it away. Lastly, a kind reminder, don’t beat yourself up. Being green can be overwhelming, and the news about pollution can be overwhelming. However, if we all cut back some and work together, it will make a big difference.
Finally, I wanted to share why I chose to use italics for the Spanish words in my books about Stella. This was a thoughtful decision for the sake of clarity and to make the story inclusive for all readers, especially ones who are Stella’s age or younger who may not be familiar with Spanish or have trouble speaking it. I know firsthand how challenging it can be when you feel confused between the two languages. My hope is that all readers feel welcome to get to know Stella and join her adventures.