Q&A: María Dolores Águila, Author of ‘A Sea of Lemon Trees’

We chat with author María Dolores Águila about A Sea of Lemon Trees, which is a vivid and uplifting middle grade debut novel in verse about one young child’s courage to stand up for what is right, and the determination of the Mexican community, based on the true story of Roberto Alvarez and the Lemon Grove Incident.

Hi, María! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’d love to! My name is María Dolores Águila, and I’m a San Diego based, self-taught Chicana writer who believes stories can change the world. I’m happiest with a matcha in hand, an episode of Fullmetal Alchemist playing, and my cats. Above all, I love stories, especially those that you have to dig a little deeper to find.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

Honestly, I think was born obsessed with them. One of my earliest memories is begging my mom to reread my favorite books before I could read them on my own. She wasn’t always thrilled to be rereading the same books, but she obliged. When I finally learned to read, it felt like the whole world opened up, and I have been hooked on stories ever since.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: The Twelve Dancing Princesses by Ruth Sanderson.
• The one that made you want to become an author: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I reread it every year.

Your debut novel, A Sea of Lemon Trees, is out September 16^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

The tagline says it best, and it five words: Where injustice grows, resistance blooms.

What can readers expect?

A rollercoaster of emotions, from the joy of simple pleasures to gut wrenching heartbreak, with resistance at its heart.

Where did the inspiration for A Sea of Lemon Trees come from?

The inspiration for A Sea of Lemon Trees grew out of a mix of family history and San Diego’s Mexican American History. When I was kid, I remember my maternal grandmother taking her citizenship test. Years later, while researching our family story, I learned she was the only one her siblings born in México. The others were born in Texas, including my great grandmother. The discovery sent me down a rabbit hole. My grandmother had already passed, so I couldn’t ask her directly, but I suspect the Mexican Repatriation played a role. Learning about that period was a revelation and led me to explore what life was like in San Diego at the time. This led me to Roberto’s story, and it was so inspiring, I had to write about it.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I loved writing Anastácio. He’s a minor character, but imagining him traveling across the country and sharing news through corridos left me wanting to write more!

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Every time I start a new book, it feels like I am teaching myself how to write all over again. You might think by now I would just wake up, stretch, and start typing, but that never happens. I still have to wrestle with the same fears and doubts every time. The key is reminding myself to keep going, even when starting feels impossible.

What can your readers take away from A Sea of Lemon Trees?

My deepest hope is that readers finish the book feeling inspired and empowered to confront injustices in their own communities.

What’s next for you?

My next picture book, You Don’t Have to Say, will be announced soon, so keep an eye on my social media (IG: @maria.d.aguila). I’m also working on another historical fiction novel in verse. I love uncovering hidden histories within the Mexican American community.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

So far, I’ve really enjoyed The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova, Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice by Anna Lapera, and Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine. I can’t wait to read Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s newest, The Bewitching.

Will you be picking up A Sea of Lemon Trees? Tell us in the comments below!