Author of Juliet Takes a Breath visits Albany High School

By Wendy Chen and Isabel Hall

Writer, youth mentor, and activist Gabby Rivera visited Albany High to talk about her new book, Juliet Takes a Breath, as well as her other work and her life. Interested students and classes signed up to attend her talk on September 22 in the Little Theater.

Sophomore Tatiana Lira introduced Rivera with a speech about identity and the importance of Latina and LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

“When I heard that Gabby Rivera was coming and what her book is about my heart, once again, melted. This is what I’ve been looking for, this is the start. I’m really happy to see all of this representation in this beautiful book and in her work,” Lira said.

After Lira’s introduction, Rivera took the stage, speaking about her life and work, reading from her book, and answering questions.

When asked about how she came up with the idea for her book, Rivera responded, “I thought it would be fun to write a book about being joyful--about someone who’s in love with themselves and likes making out with girls and wants to learn and be a fully functioning and compassionate human.”

Librarian Mary Ann Scheuer invited Gabby Rivera and organized the event. Last year she arranged a visit with Elizabeth Acevedo, author of The Poet X and With the Fire on High.

Ms. Scheuer also mentioned a plan for an author visit next year and has already contacted Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, who focuses her stories around Indian mythology, and the author of Frankly in Love, David Yoon. She is very excited to see if these work out in the future.