I am pleased to finally reveal the newest edition to the Quintero CI Novel Collection: El portal; en busca de la verdad, published by Wayside. This project has been in the works since 2019, and as such, has undergone so many thoughtful and meaningful revisions not to mention the countless hours invested to ensure it was compelling, comprehensible, and creative.
I’m beyond proud of this endeavor, even more thrilled that it will finally be ready for your students to take part in this sci fi adventure.
El portal has approximately 200 unique words and is perfect for level 2, intermediate low. The story takes place in different time periods in Venezuela and Colombia; however, it is united by a powerful thread of courageous people who seek the truth, and sometimes at all costs.
El portal explores the world of journalism, censorship, dabbles in historical fiction, and time travel!
I am proud to say that the female identifying characters are strong, brave, and resilient women; one of the prominent male identifying characters is an astrophysicists of African descent.
Fun Fact
The “Afro-physicist’s” character was inspired by an actual astrophysicist I met in Honduras while being part of a medical brigade in the summer of 2015. I was brought on the trip as a translator and then a vitamin dispatcher. I was introduced to a wonderfully diverse staff that included doctors, teachers, and scientists. We supported the medical staff. Although his name escapes me, I do remember him sharing how he was part of the team that sent an exploratory probe to Pluto. He’s pictured on the right. In an interesting way, his influence made it into this story!
What’s this new novel about? Read the synopsis below!
Synopsis
Frequent electrical blackouts, secret police, and the laws of physics are no match for two strong Venezuelan women. The lives of astrophysicist Dr. Alejandra López and journalist Carmen Elena Rodríguez García become interconnected as a prized possession of Alejandra’s father leads both women on a quest for truth and a journey of danger and discovery, a journey that the regime most certainly would not support. As the threat level rises, will the women discover the secrets of the mysterious planetary model? Will their worlds collide? Will they live to tell the story?
I have a lot of people to thank who helped along the way:
Carol Gaab worked hand-in-hand with me for over 3 years through multiple revisions. The book started off as a whole different novel. In fact, it was going to be the continuation of the novella “La obsesión digital.” However, as we were neared the end, Carol thought one aspect of the book did not vibe. I didn’t know how to make it work, so I ended up with this story which is by far the best version! I appreciated her expertise. I had fun on our 4 hour zoom calls finalizing the script and making it more comprehensible.
Hiliaria Rodriguez, who is Venezuelan, and also a reporter, similar to the main character, was an amazing contributor! She listened to my story, offered advice, and was very enthusiastic to work with me (we attend the same church. I had not idea she was a reporter at the time I had started this project). She was very encouraging during the process.
Margarita Garcia Perez who is a proud Venezuelan and CI author, provided invaluable insights during the first couple iterations. I so appreciated her honest feedback.
Cynthia Hitz is an amazing beta reader. If you loved the Las apariencias engañan series, her feedback made Las sombras the compelling novel that it is. That book would not be what it is if not for her feedback.
Kristy Placido, Nelly Andrade, and Carrie Toth have been a big part of the book launch, and I am grateful for their contributions.
I hope you add this new one to your library!
https://www.waysidepublishing.com/authors/alicia-quintero
I am currently a Spanish Teacher in Chicago, IL. I have 16 years of cumulative experience as an International Baccalaureate middle school teacher, high school teacher, and adjunct instructor. I hold a Master’s in Latin American Literature and Cultures coupled with a Master’s in Educational Leadership. These dual degrees have afforded me a vantage point from both ends of the educational spectrum: instruction and evaluation. I have been sharing my unique perspective on pedagogy and language acquisition for over ten years at national, regional and state conferences. I am also an accomplished author! I have authored several compelling comprehensible novels that allow students to solidify their language skills while experiencing a wide range of different cultures. Check out my resources below. Thanks for stopping by!
Novels and Resources by A.C. Quintero
A.C. Quintero Literary Partners!
Brycehedsrom.com
Fluency Matters
https://www.thecibookshop.com/nl/search/quintero/
Teacher’s Discovery
Command Performance Language Institute
Teaching Spanish Made Easy (TPT) Catalog
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Website: https://acquinterobooks.com/Books & Bundles Novels and resources by A.C. Quintero
Novels & Resources by A.C. Quintero 