Jessica Parra (She/Her)

Nola Fontanez Photography

As a lawyer and daughter of Guatemalan and Cuban bakers, Jessica Parra never objects to an extra slice of cake. She’s a Los Angeles native who loves to write about Latinas with big hair (and chasing even bigger dreams), complicated families, and the healing magic of acceptance. She’s the author of "Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success," "The Quince Project," and many unfinished first drafts about cats living their best lives—all nine of them. When she isn’t drafting books you can find her sipping kombucha, cuddling with her kitties, or co-piloting the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge.

Communities: LGBTQ+, Hispanic or Latinx

Ways to Love

Join writers Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez, Daniel Olivas, Jessica Parra, and Raquel Vasquez Gilliland and hear stories from the heart about all forms of love.

Nuestras Raíces Stage (Seats 150)  
Sat, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Nuestras Raices
Signing area: Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces/Craft Tent & Signing Area (following presentation)  

Panelists: Prisca Rodríguez, Daniel Olivas, Jessica Parra, Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Moderator: Dra. Karla Silva

A New Lens on Remixes and Retellings: YA Workshop

Remixes and retellings will never go out of style, but nailing the balance between inspiration and homage can be tricky. Jessica Parra, author of "Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success" and "The Quince Project," discusses how swapping weddings for quinceañeras and adding Disney and Star Wars themes breathed new life to a well-loved story.

UA Library YA /Room 254 Main Floor (Seats 55, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Teen
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelist: Jessica Parra
Moderator: Ann Parker

Books:

The Quince Project

A Novel
Nuestras Raices
St. Martin's Publishing Group
May 2024
ISBN 9781250888518
336 pages

Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success

A Novel
Teen
St. Martin's Publishing Group
May 2023
ISBN 9781250862525
320 pages