CIB Legacy Reading Series: Julia Alvarez

The Center for Imagination in the Borderlands and the Center for Hispanic Research are pleased to host esteemed Latina literary writer Julia Alvarez as part of CIB’s Legacy Reading Series on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 

Alvarez is well-known for her critically acclaimed novels How the García Girls Lost Their Accents and In the Time of the Butterflies; Alvarez is also an accomplished poet. Her forthcoming poetry collection, Visitations, is a master writer’s reflection on family, aging, love, the body, having a voice, and the very act of composing poetry itself. 

For this event, we’ll welcome Julia Alvarez in true ASU-community fashion. Several ASU faculty and writers will share brief reflections about the critical role Alvarez plays in their work, communities and fields of study. Alvarez will read from her poetry collection, followed by a conversation with CIB Director Natalie Diaz.  

Alvarez’s books will be on sale and she will sign books after. To celebrate the momentous occasion of having such a ground-breaking and influential writer in our community, we’ll host a public appetizer reception before the event and a dessert reception after.  

 Beyond her novels and poetry, Alvarez has penned many children’s books. She also heads literary and peace organizations in the US and the Caribbean. Alvarez’s awards include the Pura Belpré and Américas Awards for her books for young readers, the Hispanic Heritage Award, and the F. Scott Fitzgerald Award.  In 2013, she received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama. 

We’re honored to welcome our Elder to Tempe’s community.