POET | WRITER | ACTIVIST
Stories of Resistance, Identity, and Belonging
Rooted in the Rio Grande Valley, Christopher Carmona’s poetry and fiction explore Chicanx identity, border histories, and the fight for justice.
His work brings overlooked stories into focus, inviting readers to question whose histories are told and whose voices are heard.
As a founding member of Refusing to Forget and an advocate for Mexican American Studies in Texas classrooms, he works to preserve community histories and expand their place in public life and education.
- EXPLORE BOOKS -
The Series
EL RINCHE Vol. 1
With his family murdered and his community terrorized, who will Chonnie become when justice refuses to answer?
EL RINCHE Vol. 2
As revolution shakes the borderlands, can El Rinche and his new allies stop an enemy targeting communities of color?
EL RINCHE Vol. 3
As violence closes in on the Plata family, what will El Rinche risk to defend their future?
ABOUT AUTHOR
Christopher Carmona
Christopher Carmona is a poet, writer, scholar, and activist from the Rio Grande Valley.
Author of the acclaimed El Rinche series and the award-winning The Road to Llorona Park, he brings borderland histories to life through stories of resistance and identity.
As a founding member of Refusing to Forget, he works to bring overlooked histories of racial violence into public view.
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New History, Memory & Justice
Refusing to Forget
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As a founding member of Refusing to Forget, Dr. Christopher Carmona helps bring public attention to the history of state-sanctioned violence against ethnic Mexicans along the Texas–Mexico border.
Through research, education, and storytelling, he supports the nonprofit’s work to honor those affected and connect this history to ongoing struggles for justice and civil rights.
Award-Winning Fiction
Borderlands Fiction
The Road to Llorona Park
As political upheaval transforms life along the Texas–Mexico border, the people of the Rio Grande Valley confront a question: what happens when the place you call home changes around you?
Bring These Stories Into the Conversation
Stats
Awards &
Recognition
Christopher Carmona’s writing and educational leadership have earned recognition for their contributions to literature, history, and Mexican American studies.
NACCS Tejas Best Fiction Award, 2016
The Road to Llorona Park received the fiction award and was also named one of NBC News’ eight great Latino books published in 2016.
Texas Institute of Letters Inductee
Recognized for his contributions to Texas literature.
Excellence in Educational Leadership
As part of the Responsible Ethnic Studies Textbook committee, Carmona shared in the Mexican American School Board Association’s “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” award.
Literary Honors
El Rinche: The Ghost Ranger of the Rio Grande was a finalist for the Texas Institute of Letters’ 2019 Best Young Adult Novel award. Additional recognition includes a 2013 Pushcart Prize nomination and third-finalist honors for “Strange Leaves” in the 2014 Texas Observer Short Story Contest.
Award-
Winning
Poetry & Fiction
Texas Institute of Letters
Inductee
Refusing to
Forget
Founding Member
- APPEARANCES -
Talks, Readings & Interviews
Refusing to Forget: Uncovering the Borderlands’ Hidden Histories
Christopher joins journalist Elaine Ayala to discuss anti-Mexican violence in Texas, the family stories that preserved this history, and how Refusing to Forget brings it into public view.
El Rinche:
A Chicano Superhero Reclaims Texas
History
Christopher joins Tony Diaz to discuss El Rinche: Matanza, the history behind his superhero series, and why Mexican American readers deserve stories of resistance and representation.
El Rinche:
The Power of Telling Histories Through Literature
Christopher joins scholars Sonia Hernández and Desdemona Ríos to explore how historical fiction challenges Texas myths, strengthens cultural representation, and opens conversations about racism and justice.
- OTHER WORK -
Published Stories & Essays
Strange Leaves
Astrix Journal
Finalist for the
Texas Observer
Short Story Contest
What The Story Eats…
Yellow Chair Review
included in the short story collection, The Road To Llorona Park
Check | Point + The Emeperor Has No Clothes
Drunken Boat
Issue No. 18
Teaching the Truth: An Act of Love
4[00] Years
in Hell
In The Shadow of
Statues
OUR WORK
What People Are Saying!
The Road to Llorona Park
“Truly an extraordinary collection of stories from the Rio Grande Valley”
Sarah Rafael García,
Lone Star Literary Life
140 Twitter Poems
"Carmona gives life to a new form of explosive, existential, socially rebellious poetry that pushes the boundaries of modern poetry.”"
Rossy Evelin Lima, Latino Book Review.
El Rinche: The Ghost Ranger of the Rio Grande
“I began reading this novel on an early evening, and I eagerly devoured the entire tale till late night.”
Raul M, Goodreads reader review.
- OUR BLOG POST -
Latest News & Article
Januuary 12, 2024
Mastering the Art of Character Development: Tips for Writing Compelling Protagonists
April 11, 2023
Cover Design 101: Tips for Creating an Eye-Catching...
June 25, 2023
Plotting 101: How to Create a Gripping Story Arc from Start to Finish
Dec 16, 2023
The Power of Dialogue: How to Write Conversations that Drive Your Story Forward
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does Christopher speak about?
Christopher’s speaking topics include Mexican American history, La Matanza, public memory, Chicanx literature, poetry, cultural identity, and ethnic studies education. He also discusses the historical research and creative process behind his El Rinche novels.
Who are these presentations for?
His topics are relevant to universities, schools, libraries, museums, cultural organizations, and community groups. When submitting an inquiry, describe your audience and its interests so the presentation’s fit can be discussed.
Can I request an author reading or panel discussion?
Yes. Include your preferred format in your inquiry, whether you’re planning an author reading, lecture, panel, classroom visit, or moderated conversation.
Does the audience need to read his books beforehand?
Prior reading can give participants more to discuss, especially for an author visit or classroom conversation. If you want to build an event around a particular book, mention it in your inquiry and ask about recommended preparation.
Are virtual speaking engagements available?
Please indicate whether you’re requesting an in-person or virtual event. Availability and format can be discussed as part of the booking process.
Can a presentation connect to our course or event theme?
Include your course subject, event theme, or learning goals when you reach out. This helps Christopher consider how his work connects with your program and what approach would best serve your audience.
What are the speaking fees?
Request a quote for your event. Include the proposed date, location, format, session length, and available budget so speaking fees and any travel arrangements can be discussed.
How do I request a speaking engagement?
Complete the speaking inquiry form with your organization, proposed date, audience, topic, and event details. Submitting an inquiry begins the conversation; a booking is confirmed once availability and arrangements have been agreed upon.
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