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Celebrating Our Differences

In her latest books, author Christina Diaz Gonzalez celebrates Hispanic characters—and what makes each of us unique. 

September 28, 2026
By Ellen Song

Growing up in a small town in Florida, Christina Diaz Gonzalez was the only Spanish-speaking kid in the area. The daughter of Cuban parents, she rarely found characters like herself in the books she read. Later she decided to write stories that reflected the experiences of people like her. 

Her graphic novels Invisible and Offside tell the stories of Hispanic middle school kids who come from very different backgrounds and speak varying levels of Spanish. They each have unique personalities and different ways of dealing with school and family drama. Diaz Gonzalez recently spoke to Scholastic News about her books and the importance of seeing everyone as an individual. 

Scholastic News: What is the main message you wanted to share in Invisible? 

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: The outside world in Invisible sees these kids who either speak Spanish or have a Spanish last name and just lumps them all together. But the fact that you speak the same language doesn’t mean you have the same upbringing or culture. It’s always important to look past labels. You can be more than just what someone else tells you that you are. 

SN: Why did you decide to include dialogue in both English and Spanish in your graphic novels? 

CDG: Many kids either speak both languages or are learning English, and they’re really not showcased in books. I wanted to be authentic to the experiences of kids who are learning English. But I was also mindful that some readers might not understand Spanish, so I wanted to include an English translation. In the end, whether you speak English or Spanish, you’re reading the same book.

SN: What do you hope kids get out of your books? 

CDG: First and foremost, I hope they get an enjoyment of reading. I also hope they take with them the idea that we can be more than just one thing. In Offside, Palmer considers himself an athlete. When he gets injured, he has to go out of his comfort zone and try something else. The idea is don’t limit yourself and be open to all the possibilities. 


Note: The interview has been edited and condensed.

Scholastic, Inc.

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