Alejandra Domenzain grew up in Mexico and the United States. Her parents immigrated from Mexico in very different circumstances than Flor. They studied medicine in Mexico and were able to get a work visa to complete their training in Florida. Alejandra was born in the U.S., but then grew up in Mexico until she was 6, when her family moved back to the U.S. for good. Like Flor, Alejandra had to learn English and adapt to a new home. Growing up, Alejandra and her sister Gabriela spent most summers and winter breaks with their family in Mexico, and are still very close to their many relatives.
Alejandra was always passionate about advocating for social justice, and has worked in the field of immigrant labor rights for over 20 years. This has included doing outreach and education, organizing, policy work, and research with organizations ranging from national civil rights organizations to worker centers. Most of her work has focused on expanding labor rights for immigrant workers and giving them the tools they need to improve their working conditions. This story grew out of the love she feels for the brave immigrants who bring their hard work, ingenuity, faith, strength, and dreams to this country. It also honors the vibrant immigrant-led movements that have come before, and the current ones forging a path towards “justice for all.”
In addition, Alejandra has a California CLEAR teaching credential and taught elementary school for five years, specializing in language arts. She loves reading and writing, and believes books can open minds, fuel movements, and change the world. That is why Alejandra is using her green pen to write books that invite kids to question, dream, and stand up for justice.
Alejandra lives in California with her Brazilian husband and two school-aged children. For All/ Para Todos is her first children’s book, but she hopes to publish many more!
Description:
A young girl named Flor and her father are driven to leave their beloved country for the promise of a land called For All. As Dad works long hours for little pay, Flor struggles to find her place and her voice in a new school. With time, she realizes that despite their best efforts, not having the proper immigration papers means her father has to put up with unfairness, and doors will be closed for her. Flor picks up her green pen and writes from the heart about her journey and hopes, then tells the story of other immigrants who have been excluded from “justice for all.” She inspires others to speak up and take action out of love for those that have built the country with their labor and dreams, and out of hope that their country can live up to its ideals