Ann Dávila Cardinal, a Vermont author with deep Puerto Rican roots, is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the release of two new books. Her works reflect her heritage and bring a touch of Puerto Rican culture to her life in Vermont. Cardinal’s latest projects include the middle-grade biography “Hispanic Star: Bad Bunny,” and the adult novel “We Need No Wings.”

“Hispanic Star: Bad Bunny,” co-written with civil rights activist Claudia Romo Edelman, delves into the life of Bad Bunny, the world’s most streamed artist in 2021 and 2022. The book is aimed at middle-grade readers, chronicling the artist’s rise from a supermarket employee to an international music icon. Despite some of Bad Bunny’s songs containing mature themes, the book focuses on his inspirational journey and cultural impact. “I am a big fan,” said Cardinal, who is excited to share this story with young readers, especially given her personal connection to Puerto Rico.

Cardinal’s second release, “We Need No Wings,” ventures into magical realism. The novel follows a 60-year-old woman teaching at the University of Vermont, struggling to move on after the death of her husband. The character’s life takes an unexpected turn when she begins levitating in her Vermont garden, prompting her to seek answers in Avila, Spain. The book addresses themes of grief, personal growth, and the unique experiences of women from the 1960s. Cardinal explained her desire to represent older women authentically, saying, “People my age aren’t really represented in the way I see real children of the sixties. We’re a lot cooler than they present us.”

Cardinal’s Puerto Rican heritage and her life in Vermont significantly influence her writing. Raised between Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and Vermont, Cardinal finds solace in her quiet surroundings, which she likens to her mother’s memories of Puerto Rico in the 1950s. “As a writer in Vermont, I want to bring Puerto Rico to me,” she shared, emphasizing how her heritage shapes her storytelling and keeps her connected to her roots.

Cardinal has several events planned across Vermont to promote her new books, including signings at Bear Pond Books in Stowe and Phenix Books. “We Need No Wings” will launch in Montpelier on September 10th, with additional appearances scheduled throughout the state.

For more information on Ann Dávila Cardinal’s works and upcoming events, visit her website at AnnDavilaCardinal.com.