Cynthia Pelayo

Cynthia Pelayo is a Bram Stoker Award and International Latino Book Award-winning author and poet. Her novels include Vanishing Daughters, Forgotten Sisters, Children of Chicago and The Shoemaker’s Magician. In addition to writing genre-blending novels that incorporate elements of fairy tales, mystery, detective, crime, and horror, Pelayo has written numerous short stories, the poetry collection Crime Scene, the story collection Loteria, and is editor of the upcoming Ghosts of Where We Are From, An Anthology of Latinx Horror. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She lives in Chicago with her family. For more information, visit www.cinapelayo.com.

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Awards: Bram Stoker Award, International Latino Book Award

Communities: Hispanic or Latinx

Powerhouse Chingonas Unite

Through tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, these badass women are inspiring change and creating opportunities to bring greater visibility and recognition to Latine culture. Let their journeys and achievements ignite your own passion for cultural pride and advocacy.

Nuestras Raíces Stage (Seats 150)  
Sat, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Nuestras Raices
Signing area: Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces/Craft Tent & Signing Area (following presentation)  

Panelists: Elizabeth Ferrer, Prisca Rodríguez, Cynthia Pelayo, Sandra Velasquez
Moderator: Selina Barajas

Stories del Más Allá

Witness past and present collide in otherworldly stories from three Latine writers with themes of empowerment, second chances at life, and new possibilities.

Nuestras Raíces Stage (Seats 150)  
Sun, Mar 16, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Nuestras Raices
Signing area: Pima County Public Library/Nuestras Raíces/Craft Tent & Signing Area (following presentation)  

Panelists: Luis Jaramillo, Daniel Olivas, Cynthia Pelayo
Moderator: Joanna Gil

Books:

Vanishing Daughters

A Thriller
Nuestras Raices
Amazon Publishing
March 2025
ISBN 9781662513930
336 pages

Forgotten Sisters

A Novel
Nuestras Raices
Amazon Publishing
March 2024
ISBN 9781662513916
303 pages