By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Val Verde County Library will host a special book signing event celebrating the talents of Del Rio’s youngest storytellers on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the library’s large conference room.
The event will spotlight 10 San Felipe Memorial Middle School authors, who have written and published their own books through the Young Authors of Del Rio program.
Attendees will have the chance to meet the writers, hear about their inspirations and purchase signed copies of their works.
“All the proceeds go directly to the young writers,” said Laura Fabela, who helped organize the event and who is the mother of one of the young writers.
The event’s catalyst, the sixth grade art teacher Lillie Gamez, started the program with the help of the San Felipe Del Rio Consolidated Independent School District’s Education Foundation.
The Foundation helps finance activities and projects not typically covered by public funding, like helping students publish books.
This year’s cadre of students turned out 10 books, and Gamez has had students publish 9 books in previous years so if you go to this link, you can see all of the books produced by the aspiring artists and writers.
Last year, she did it with third through fifth graders, but she found that something sets the sixth graders apart.
“They are really motivated about the money,” she joked. However, she said working on a book really brings the young writers out.
“Often, young artists are afraid to show off their art,” Gamez said. “But there’s something about doing the book that brings them past that.”
Here’s a look at each of this year’s featured authors and their debut books:
- Camila Quinones, 6th grade
Ethan & the Alien – A boy with superpowers must protect his Earth family from an alien threat while uncovering the mystery of his past. - Joseluis Fabela, 6th grade
A Basketball Legend — Chris Jackson rises from the neighborhood court to NBA fame–but must overcome injury and heartbreak to become unforgettable. - Delaney Adam, 6th grade
The Lost and Loved Stuffy – When a beloved stuffed animal disappears, a family’s unexpected discovery brings comfort, memories and healing. - Alexavia Vela, 6th grade
Create A Champion – Two young boxers face off in and out of the ring, learning that being a true champion means standing tall after every fall. - Jeorgina Agcaoili, 6th grade
The Crime of the Mysterious Man – Teen detective Hana chases a legendary criminal across London—only to discover the truth is closer than she ever imagined. - Nezy Gamez, 4th grade, a Lamar Student
Pete’s Big Dream – Pete the hummingbird and his best friend Joshua the leopard trek through icy lands, funny animal encounters and starry skies to capture one magical photo of the Northern Lights. - Abrianna Acosta, 6th grade
Sugar & Snow – After a sudden diabetes diagnosis, a determined volleyball player must brave a deadly snowstorm to rescue her father—and prove that nothing can stop her spirit. - Angelica Quiroz, 6th grade
Dragon Quest – Two dragon brothers set off on a quest to find their lost mother—but a dangerous wolf stands in their way. - Isaiah Garcia, 6th grade
Jacob’s Space Journey – A clever ferret named Jacob must fix a broken spaceship and survive wild space adventures to find his way back to Earth. - Joe Saucedo, 6th grade
Mica – A brave dog with elemental powers embarks on a mission to save her forest using courage, strategy and power.
Gamez has plenty of experience in the self-publishing arena, with a six-book series under her belt. “I’ve got to practice what I preach,” she said.
The event is open to the public. The students have two more signings tentatively scheduled at the library, with dates to be released in the near future.
Books are also available at www.lillie.world/outreach.
