Word Up welcomes activist and author Iris Morales and translator Angel Antonio Ruiz-Laboy to share their book A Flag’s Journey, now available in Spanish! Based on true events, A Flag’s Journey is a powerful story about identity and standing up to injustice—told through the eyes of a young Puerto Rican boy in 1990s New York City.

This event is a $5 suggested donation ticket with 30 max attendees. Please register in advance.

Word Up Community Bookshop is located at 2113 Amsterdam Ave. (& 165th St.) in Washington Heights, NYC. You can take the 1 train to 168th St and the A/C train to 163rd or 168th  St.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Based on true events, A Flag’s Journey is a powerful story about identity and standing up to injustice—told through the eyes of a young Puerto Rican boy in 1990s New York City.

Ten-year-old Andrés Rivera loves baseball and spending time with his best friend. After a championship win with his Little League team, he goes with his family and best friend to the Puerto Rican Day Parade. What begins as a joyful day of cultural pride and celebration takes a sudden turn when Andrés becomes the target of a racist incident involving the Puerto Rican flag—an act that makes newspaper headlines.

As he questions what happened, Andrés has eye-opening conversations with family, teachers, and classmates about Puerto Rican history, the impact of racism, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Through these experiences, he gains a deeper appreciation for community, the strength of friendship, and—most of all—the power of young people to create change.

A Flag’s Journey is a meaningful and uplifting chapter book featuring relatable characters and vibrant illustrations. With a historical timeline and glossary included, it’s a valuable resource for classrooms, libraries, and family reading time—perfect for readers ages 9–12.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Iris Morales is an educator, activist, and author. A Flag’s Journey, her first chapter book (2025) was translated into Spanish this year. She is also the co-author of Vicki: A Summer of Change, a children’s picture book, and has written and edited many books, anthologies, and poetry collections for adults. Her work is dedicated to exploring social justice themes and sharing the rich history and culture of Puerto Rican and other communities of color.

ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Angel Antonio Ruiz-Laboy is a multidisciplinary cultural leader, curator, writer, and educator with almost two decades of experience working across government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit arts organizations in Puerto Rico and New York. Trained in comparative literature, creative writing, fine arts, and cultural administration, his practice is rooted in an interdisciplinary approach that bridges scholarship, artistic production, and public engagement.