Welcome Ball State’s 2025 Writer-in-Residence

Christina Diaz Gonzalez is the author of several novels including the Edgar Award-winning mystery Concealed, the USA TODAY best-selling graphic novel Invisible, and the critically acclaimed historical fiction novel, The Red Umbrella—all of which will be featured in Ball State’s 2025 Muncie program. Her books have been used in over thirty-two states as part of state-wide reading programs and have been designated as an American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults selection, a Junior Library Guild Gold selection, and as an International Reading Association’s Teachers’ Choice book.

Christina was born and raised in a small town in the Florida panhandle where, having been born to Cuban parents, she was the only Spanish-speaking kid in the area. Her childhood was spent riding bikes with friends or reading books like the Nancy Drew mysteries in her treehouse. Later in life Christina moved to Miami and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Miami and a J.D. from Florida State University College of Law. After working as an attorney for many years, Christina found her true passion in writing novels and retired from the practice of law. She loves connecting with readers and enjoys speaking with them in either English or Spanish. Christina currently lives in Miami with her family and a dog that can open doors.

CONCEALED

Concealed is a page-turning mystery for middle-grade readers that’s "techy, twisty, and smart."

“A gripping, fast-paced story full of twists and suspense.” 
– Booklist

 

THE RED UMBRELLA

The Red Umbrella is a riveting historical novel based on Operation Pedro Pan (1960-1962) when over 14,000 Cuban children were sent to the United States without their parents.

“Gonzalez enters the literary scene with this exceptional historical novel.”
– Kirkus Reviews

 

INVISIBLE

Invisible is a fun, eye-opening graphic novel featuring five Spanish-speaking kids doing community service Breakfast Club style—and trying to survive middle school.

“Illuminating and engaging…this is pitch-perfect!” 
– Booklist *STARRED* Review

Public Events Featuring Christina Diaz Gonzalez

  • Monday, November 3: Christina Diaz Gonzalez “Writing for Young People,” Pittenger Student Center Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. *Doors open for the literary fair at 7 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 5: Pizza Party Meet & Greet with Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Ross Community Center at 5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 6: Featured Reading with Christina Diaz Gonzalez followed by a Conversation with Ashley C. Ford, Pittenger Student Center Ballroom at 1:00 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Ms. Gonzalez will be available to sign books after each event. After 7 p.m., free parking is available in most campus lots and garages.

The Ball State Writer-in-Residence program is thrilled to bring award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez to Muncie for a week to have conversations (in both English and Spanish) with the elementary and middle school students in our community schools and after-school programs who received free copies of Gonzalez’s books. The residency is sponsored by the Creative Writing Program in the Department of English with generous support from the Efroymson Family Fund, the College of Sciences & Humanities, & the Office of the President.

Download the flyer to help spread the word. Additional questions? Please contact Professor Jill Christman.