The Pecan Sheller: An Interview with Author Lupe Ruiz-Flores
Set in 1930s San Antonio, The Pecan Sheller follows thirteen-year-old Petra whose aspirations are put on hold after her father’s death leaves her caring for younger siblings and supporting her struggling stepmother. Forced to leave school, Petra endures grueling conditions as she works in a pecan-shelling factory. When tragedy strikes due to the unhealthy environment and slashed wages, Petra and her coworkers go on strike—risking everything for the hope of a better future.
Today author Lupe Ruiz-Flores joins us to share what inspired this book, her personal connection to this history, and insights into her writing process and personal interests. Read on to download the free discussion guide!
What was the inspiration for this book?
Intrigued by a local newspaper article about the pecan shellers’ strike of 1938 in San Antonio, Texas, and my own mother’s history as a pecan sheller, I decided to write this story. I did the research and interviewed my mother, who was able to provide me with valuable information about the pecan shelling industry of those days. I knew that this was an important part of American history and that the story needed to be told. I hope readers will take away the same realization Petra, the main character, has—that there is power in numbers.
What surprised you about the research?
That my own mother had attended one of the workers’ rallies before the pecan shellers’ strike took place!
Have you always been a writer?
No! I was an aerospace engineering technician for the Department of Defense before I started writing.
What is your writing schedule like?
I usually like to write in the morning when I’m very alert. I don’t write every day but when I do, it might be for hours.
What are you working on now?
Another middle grade historical fiction manuscript about the life of the performers in Mexican circus tent shows called carpas. These Mexican American circuses traveled throughout Southwest Texas during the 1940s.
What kind of books do you like to read?
Anything having to do with history. I love historical fiction. One of my favorite middle grade historical novels is Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan. A contemporary middle grade novel I love is Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall.
What is something many readers do not know about you?
That I can sew my own clothes and learned how to pattern draft—create a plan for a piece of clothing—from a Japanese tailor in Okinawa, Japan.
Praise for The Pecan Sheller
★”A powerful, moving story explores the little-known but important story of the six-week pecan shellers’ strike.”—starred, Booklist
★”The story deftly explores the nuances of both Petra’s and Amá’s relationship and traumas, as well as the strength and hope to be found in family and community. A poignantly, beautifully written tale.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”Using short chapters with quick pacing, Ruiz-Flores (Piece by Piece) unveils intimate and well-researched depictions of the Pecan Shellers Strike of 1938 and its impact on Mexican descendants and beyond.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
Free Educator Resources
Download the discussion guide to accompany reading and encourage critical thinking in the classroom. This guide can also be found on the Lerner website here.
Connect with the Author
Lupe Ruiz-Flores is the author of short stories, poems, and bilingual picture books. Lupe has won the SCBWI Work-In-Progress Grant, the SCBWI/Amazon Work-in-Progress Grant, and the SCBWI Martha Weston Award. She is a member of the Writers League of Texas, Texas Library Association, Las Musas, and Kindling Words. She was awarded the Tejas Star Book Award for three consecutive years. A former regional advisor for the Southwest Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writer & Illustrators, she lives in San Antonio, Texas.
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