The South Bronx’s own Luz Maria Mack is an author who is highlighting the beauty of Dominican culture in her own children’s books.

Mack is a mother of three children of African American and Dominican descent. Her journey as a writer began when she discovered her daughter Chloe did not feel represented by the curriculum in private school.

“There weren't any books about Dominican children or any books about African American children,” she said.

That lack of representation inspired Mack to create books celebrating Dominican culture and heritage.

Mack now has several published works. Her book “Secret of the Platano” was inspired by a dream she had about her grandmother in the Dominican Republic.

Mack has also collaborated with the Bronx Children’s Museum, which hosted an event where she read to young children from all over New York City.