1920 x 640_Newsletter

STBF Presents:
Family Poetry Workshop

 

 

In Partnership With


Logo for Women's RGV Poet Society


Date


Saturday, April 18
10:00AM-12:00PM




Location


Fountain 3Main Library
4001 N. 23rd St., McAllen
(p) 956-681-3000




Downloads


About


This event launches the first South Texas Book Festival (STBF) Presents program of 2026. STBF Presents: Family Poetry Workshop is an all ages, family friendly celebration of poetry that brings voices together across generations. The day features live readings from local and guest poets, along with creative, hands on workshops for children, teens, and adults, plus interactive activity stations throughout.

Featured poets include Amanda Puryear El, Paola Carrasco, Veronica Isabel Gutierrez, and Emmy Perez. Teens can explore rap as poetry and find their voice with Amanda Puryear El, while children can learn the art of poetry recitation with Veronica Isabel Gutierrez. Everyone is invited to take part in a collaborative community poem led by Emmy Perez.

Book signings and refreshments will be available.


Author Biographies


Photo of Amanda Puryear ElAmanda Puryear El was born and raised in Pharr, Texas. Rooted in a strong work ethic, she has built a career across many different avenues through persistence, adaptability, and vision. Growing up, Amanda expected little for herself, yet she ways wanted and relentlessly strived for more. By shifting her outlook and expanding her access, she beat the odds and discovered a passion for marketing, working with organizations such as Telemundo, Advertir, Puro Tejano TV, Cennarium, and Wall Street.

Amanda currently resides in Pharr, Texas and is the author of 11 published books. On October 29, she brought poetry to the TEDx stage, marking a significant milestone in her literary journey. She was nominated for the 2025 State of Texas Poet Laureate appointment by the Texas Commission on the Arts. 

On April 6, 2025 Amanda released her poetry album "Daily Dosage," featuring Orlando native Elsha and Tejano legend and Rio Grande Valley native Bobby Pulido. "Daily Dosage" was considered for a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album. On October 6, 2025, Amanda made history as the first Poet Laureate of her hometown, Pharr, Texas. 

In January 2026, she released her second spoken word album, "Nightly Dosage," which features 11 local poets and authors from the Rio Grande Valley, alongside Grammy-nominated artist Slum City Cash, Elsha, and Louie Skaggs.


Photo of Emmy PerezEmmy Pérez, 2020 Texas Poet Laureate, has dedicated her career to education, advocating against border walls, and celebrating the exploration of our local and natural sociopolitical landscapes. She has followed the Rio Bravo across the country, poignantly bringing it to the life in a multiple year writing trajectory.








Photo of Paola CarrascoPaola Carrasco, originally from Ecuador, lives in the Rio Grande Valley by the U.S-Mexico border. She works as a pediatrician and has a passion for global health. She founded the RGV Women Poet Society, a group of poets supporting each other’s writing as well as embarking in community endeavors. She has published her poetry in Amanda Johnston’s anthology "Praisesong For the People," in "Scribbled," and in "Letras en la Frontera."







Photo of Veronica Isabel Gutierrez

From the Rio Grande Valley, Veronica Isabel Gutierrez is the author of Miss "Pajarita," a children’s poetry book. Veronica is an early childhood bilingual educator whose career has focused on teaching a love for reading and writing.

She is a promoter of biliteracy and biculturalism in the educational community. She is also a children’s poetry coach, a member of Códice Colectivo Literario, a member of Club de Letras y Arte, and a member of the South Texas Native Plant Society.

Follow Us