Lorena Gomez-Maese introduced her children's book The Spanish Swan Ballet at the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 on the University of Southern California campus. The event, which has drawn over 150,000 visitors annually since its founding in 1996, provided a platform for the author to share her story of inclusion and perseverance.
Set in Granada, Spain, the book follows Faith, a young girl with a disability who dreams of becoming the 'Spanish Swan.' With guidance from her teacher, La Maestra, Faith learns that true achievement comes from perseverance, confidence, and self-belief. Gomez-Maese said the narrative was inspired by her own upbringing in Spanish traditions and aims to encourage young readers to embrace their unique abilities and recognize that physical limitations do not define potential.
During the festival, Gomez-Maese participated in a book signing and an exclusive author interview at the MainSpring Books booth. The appearance underscored the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories that inspire readers of all ages. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the book's message and how storytelling can foster empathy and acceptance.
The book is available on Amazon. More information about the author and her work can be found on her website, and a YouTube interview is also available.
