Matt de la Peña is a San Diego native, SDSU Alum and Newbery Medal-winning author. He wrote our YA favorites Mexican Whiteboy and Ball Don’t Lie. He also writes picture books, including Love.

Picture books aren’t just for children, though! You’ll see why in the author’s meaningful commentary and writing challenge for teens below. But first, listen to Matt de la Peña read his book Love in a special storytime recorded live for Words Alive. This story is a heartfelt celebration of love that depicts the many ways we experience this universal bond.

And now, for the author’s special message and writing challenge just for Words Alive QuaranTEENS.

Writing Challenge:

Notice the details from an illustration in the book, Love. A family huddles around the TV, looking worried. A little girl is shown separate from the family. Out of love, the grandmother is telling the child to stay away. The image on the TV screen is not visible and left up to interpretation.

Who is right and who is wrong here? Is the family correct to keep the little girl out of it, away from the news? Do you think they should bring her in and let her see it? How do you see this picture?
For you, what is on the screen? What are they watching?

We’d love to read your responses! Share your writing with us:

[email protected] We’ll publish your writing in our online gallery and pass your thoughts on to the author, too!