Cristina OxtraCristina Oxtra is a Filipino-American author. She writes fiction and nonfiction, from picture books to chapter books and middle grade novels and graphic novels. She earned a BA in journalism at San Diego State University and an MFA in creative writing for children and young adults at Hamline University. She is a 2019-2020 recipient of the Mirrors & Windows Fellowship at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. A military veteran and former journalist and public relations professional, Cristina has been serving as an educator in a growing school district since 2013. She is the director of a college readiness program that supports underrepresented middle school and high school students. She is also the founder of a scholarship that helps students of color in need pay for college. Besides writing, Cristina enjoys Tae Kwon Do, comic cons, cooking and baking, learning about cultures and languages, and exploring the paranormal and supernatural. Website = www.fairytalehollow.com
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BOOKS
Tae Kwon Do Test (January 1, 2020, Capstone)
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Amanda Erb Mina has all the skills it takes to pass her upcoming yellow belt test in Tae Kwon Do. But a fellow student's struggle shakes her confidence and tempts her to quit. This chapter book includes a yummy recipe. Amazon Capstone |
Tara and the Towering Wave: An Indian Ocean Tsunami Survival Story (August 1, 2020, Capstone)
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Francesco Ficorilli When her mother announces a holiday vacation to Thailand, Tara isn't thrilled. She'd rather stay home with her friends, but Mom is determined they use the girls' trip to explore their Thai heritage. Tara is reluctant to travel so far from home, especially to a country she doesn't feel connected to. But then disaster strikes. The day after Christmas, a massive tsunami sweeps through Phuket, Thailand. Tara's resort vacation suddenly becomes a fight to survive and find her mother in the wreckage. This historical fiction includes additional background information on the tsunami and discussion questions. Amazon Capstone |
Red Riding Hood (September 1, 2020, Capstone)
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Miguel Diaz Rivas Revisit the tale of Red Riding Hood in this Manga-inspired graphic novel. A girl's visit to her grandmother turns dangerous when she encounters a wolf. Will she make it to her gradnmother's safely, or fall victim to the wolf's devious plan? The book includes discussion questions and a fun activity. Amazon Capstone |
Keep Dancing (January 1, 2021, Capstone)
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Seb Burnett Lito is afraid to perform the tinikling, a Filipino folk dance, at his school's spring festival. He fears the other boys will make fun of him. Will he find the courage to be true to himself and show everyone his dancing skills? This chapter book includes instructions on how to play a fun Filipino game. |