Carmen Rubin
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Carmen Rubin is an acclaimed author, historian, playwright and advocate who is dedicated to empowering children through storytelling. For years, she has used her voice to foster literacy, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusion in education. A native of San Francisco, Carmen has spent over 20 years making an impact in the world of children's literature.
Her debut picture book, Ashti Meets Birdman Al, later culminated in a stage play adaptation called Ashti's Journey to Jazz, which premiered at the Children's Performing Arts Center in Minnesota. Carmen sold over 200,000 self-published books before making her mark in traditional publishing.
Other titles include The Gifted Guitar, Honcho Hates Mud, and Ty theTrash Collector, with forthcoming books, A Night for the Rice Carriers, The Great Babka Bake-off (2026 & 2027 Rise x Penguin Random House), Girl!, Bruh! (2027 Simon and Schuster).
In 1999, Carmen, co-founded One Blue Village, a nonprofit organization that supports youth in obtaining higher education, and is on the National Advisory Board for Reading is Fundamental
Carmen loves plucking her guitar, traveling with her family, Jazz, wearing funky hats, and plates filled with tacos!
motto: literacy and justice for all.