'Cruce Escolar' is the first Spanish language book of the MariVi: Master Navigator Series.

LOS ANGELES - Dec. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- MariVi & Company, LLC proudly announces the release of its first book in Spanish, Cruce Escolar, on Amazon. Cruce Escolar is the Spanish edition of School Crossing, the first book of the MariVi: the Master Navigator Series.

"MariVi: The Master Navigator" is a longitudinal book and video series that follows U.S.-born, MariVi, a bilingual, bicultural primary school girl, and her first-generation immigrant family, through life in the United States. MariVi's stories address the distinct experiences of bicultural children, including the role of Sherpa that they often play for their foreign-born relatives, and their need to find balance and belonging in a world with a different language and culture than that of their parents."

The first book of the series, entitled "Cruce Escolar," depicts MariVi's first-grade experience, a culture clash for many bicultural youth – from having her name changed by her teacher to misunderstanding her teacher's assignment.

Created by Maria (Lopez) Twena, a second-generation Latina, and award-winning advertising and marketing executive, MariVi: The Master Navigator was created out of necessity. Twena never saw herself depicted on television nor in literature in her youth, making her feel left out and insignificant. "U.S. born Hispanics comprise 67% of the market today, and yet their authentic life experiences aren't reflected in children's programming. With MariVi, children of immigrants will find a character that genuinely mirrors their childhoods and their responsibilities, and honorably echoes their cultural and linguistic duality," said Twena.

Cruce Escolar is the first book in the series to be translated to Spanish. Twena added: "It was important to have the book available in-language for the Spanish-dominant Hispanic community. Along with the bilingual/bicultural community, they have embraced MariVi's character and family, and together with the English version of the book, School Crossing, multigenerational families have an opportunity to authentically share their experiences in an organic and productive manner. Serving as a bridge across generations, languages and cultures is core to the mission of the MariVi series."

"How refreshing and welcome is the arrival of MariVi. Indeed, she will help many like her navigate their way into kinship, connection, and a fuller, more expansive sense of community. Bravo!," said Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries and Author of the NY Times Bestsellers, Tattoos on the Heart and Barking to the Choir.

Cruce Escolar was illustrated by Amy Ubelhor and translated by Maria Villagomez. Cruce Escolar complements the first video episode of the series, School Crossing, now available for free on Nuestra.TV.

The School Crossing episode was executive produced by MariVi & Company, LLC and animated by Catapult Productions (BrandStar). The title track for the series was produced by Grammy Award-Winning Dan Pinnella and sung by FRANKIE BIRD.

For the latest information about MariVi, follow @wearemarivi on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.

About MariVi & Company
Minority-owned and certified, MariVi & Company, LLC is a bilingual, media entertainment platform created to better serve Hispanic children of immigrants and immigrant children, by mirroring their authentic childhood experiences in a constructive and validating manner. The company was founded in 2020 by its CEO, Maria (Lopez) Twena, and its U.S. headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA. More information at www.wearemarivi.com