My intention was to write a well crafted book. I wanted to write honestly about a tough topic. It has been quite a journey!
www.claudiaguadalupemartinez.com
About THE SMELL OF OLD LADY PERFUME (SOLP): Chela Gonzalez is a nerd and a soccer player who can barely contain her excitement about starting the sixth grade. But nothing happens as she imagines when her father is rushed to the hospital and her best friend turns on her.
Advanced praise for The Smell of Old Lady Perfume (SOLP)
"Goooooolaso! Claudia Martinez scores! The Smell of Old Lady Perfume will linger on you for days. Anyone whose had to confront a cafeteria caste system, battle Mean Girls en espanol, or wistfully desire a father and daughter relationship reminiscent of To Kill a Mockingbird will love this book."
--Michele Serros, author of Honey Blonde Chica and Chicana Falsa
FAQs about SOLP
In your own words, what is your book about?
It’s a story about love and loss. Chela, an eleven year old growing up in a bordertown, worries about typical things like popularity and grades. Then her father gets sick, and that changes her life.
Can you explain the title?
In the story, the smell of old lady perfume is the smell of bad things. When something bad happens, Chela's relatives show up, followed by a cloud of perfume! Something pretty bad does happen.
Is this your real life story?
No. It’s true that my father passed away when I was eleven, and I wanted to engage in a conversation about how loss changes a young person’s life and perspective.
Are the pictures in your book pictures of your real life?
No. The book designer did a really great job though.
Tell us about writing and getting published.
I’ll tell you what my parents always told me. Even when things seem tough, if you work hard and don’t give up, anything is possible.
Do you visit schools?
Yes!I’ve had the opportunity to talk at several schools ranging from elementary kids to college students. It’s one the best parts of being a writer.
The smell of old lady perfume [WorldCat.org]
http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/181368664
get it at your neighborhood library
