Born in Buffalo, NY, María Pérez-Gómez moved to Puerto Rico when she was eleven after the tragic loss of her baby brother. While she has lived in Buffalo for most of her adult life, María is “as boricua as a coquí.” She’s as profoundly Puerto Rican as the little frog whose constant song has made it emblematic of the island itself. Her greatest goal as an artist is to craft stories in which other Latino(é) children can see themselves and help children of all backgrounds develop resilience. In addition to being an author, María has a long history as a playwright, performer, and vocalist. She is Managing Director for Raíces Theatre Company, the only Latino(é) theatre company in western New York. She has written several plays and musicals for Raíces, including the ten-minute musical The Magical Closet, from which the book developed. Alongside her husband and children, María has performed the original play of The Magical Closet for dozens of audiences across the country. She also recently co-wrote and directed the play ISLEÑA alongside her sister. A lover of various mediums, María has partnered with local artists Sara Rodríguez, Alejandro Gómez, and renowned Puerto Rican composer, singer, and producer Manolo Ramos, for the music that accompanies this adventure. When Maria isn't creating, writing, or composing, she works as the Assistant Director at Vive, a shelter for asylum seekers. One of María’s greatest joys is being a mother to her three biological and two “bonus” children—and being married to the love of her life.