In its ongoing efforts to promote books by and for Latinos, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) has designated May 2007 as the fourth annual "Latino Books Month." During the month-long celebration, booksellers, librarians, and others in the book industry will encourage people in their communities to read books by and for Latinos, in both English and Spanish.

As part of this excellent initiative, AAP member publishers will hold a special author event at BookExpo America. In celebration of Latina Literature, the most renowned Latina authors will talk about their upcoming English Language works. The event will take place on Friday, June 1 (from 3 pm - 4 pm) in Room 1E06 of the Javits Center at BookExpo America .

The list of speakers is interesting, and includes:

- Ana Castillo, author of "The Guardians" (Random House);
- Michelle Herrera Mulligan, editor of the anthology "Juicy Mangos: The Best Latina Erotica" (Atria);
- Julia Alvarez, author of "Once Upon a Quinceañera: Coming of Age in the USA" (Viking).

New York Times journalist Mirta Ojito will host the program. She is also author of "Finding Mañana: A Memoir of Cuban Exodus" (Vintage Español). A reception will follow (at 4 pm) for Latinos in Publishing, a community of peers in the book industry, to discuss diversity and recruitment efforts in the book industry for Latinos. The programs are open to all BookExpo America registrants.

I'll try to get the AAP's list of recommended books for adults and children, in English and Spanish, to share with you. Stay tunned.