Principal publishes bilingual children’s book celebrating local culture

Beth Rivera, principal of Socorro High School, has published her first children’s book, “The Stars Over Socorro”, a bilingual memoir that reflects life in a small New Mexico town.

The book, also titled “Las Estrellas Sobre Socorro”, is written and illustrated by Rivera. She said the idea began decades ago when she was a student at New Mexico State University.

“I took a children’s literature class and always thought, ‘Someday, maybe,’” Rivera said. “I’ve always been an artist, not really a writer.”

Rivera’s illustrations highlight familiar landmarks such as San Miguel Parish, El Camino Restaurant and the Socorro Plaza. The story draws on her childhood memories of riding bikes, playing in monsoon puddles and earning money by pulling weeds.

“It’s all true. It’s a memoir, really, but I wrote it for kids,” Rivera said. “I wanted it to be culturally and linguistically relevant to their lives.”

Rivera said the idea for the book resurfaced after long conversations with her siblings and childhood friends.

“We were sitting around laughing until our bellies hurt about things we did as kids,” she said.

Those nostalgic conversations brought back vivid memories of summers spent riding bikes, fishing for crawdads and watching fireworks from the roof.

“At the time, you think you’re in big trouble for something small, but looking back, those moments were pure and innocent,” Rivera said.

Those stories became the foundation for her book, which she describes as a modern-day history and a gift to the community.

Rivera said the book promotes literacy and biliteracy in a region where Spanish has been spoken for more than 400 years. She hopes it will inspire pride in heritage and encourage young readers to write their own stories.

The project also honors Rivera’s family history. Her great-grandfather, Severo Rivera, appeared in early 1900s editions of the El Defensor Chieftain for his contributions to the community, including building a local church.

“Now, 120 years later, his great-granddaughter is talking to the paper about a bilingual book,” she said.

The book is available on Amazon for $13.95 in paperback and $2.99 for Kindle. Signed copies can be purchased for $10 by emailing riveraeducates@gmail.com. Rivera is planning a local book signing before Christmas.