“La niña del maletín azul: Camino a la ciencia” transforms a personal story into an educational tool for children.
San Juan- Puerto Rican scientist and manager of CienciaPR's Semillas de Triunfo (Seeds of Triumph) program, **Dr. Liz Hernández Matías** announced the launch of her children's book in Spanish, "La niña del maletín azul: Camino a la ciencia", a work inspired by her personal journey that seeks to motivate girls, boys, and young people to see themselves reflected in the world of science.
The story originates from a significant childhood experience, when a blue briefcase, named "Dr. Hernández" by her mother, sowed in her the possibility of becoming a scientist. This was her first scientific toy and, symbolically, over the years it filled with experiences, relationships, and experiments, but above all with a profound desire and passion to educate and serve.
Today, that story transforms into an accessible and culturally relevant educational resource that promotes perseverance and the development of support networks from an early age. The book also includes a guided activity where its readers can explore and chart their professional goals and dreams.
It is a tool aimed at educators, schools, and families interested in promoting the development of professional aspirations in children, based on the story of a Puerto Rican scientist.
“This book stems from the desire for more boys and girls to see themselves in science, develop their professional goals, and dare to dream big,” said Dr. Hernández.
The author has a distinguished career in molecular biology and STEM education, leading initiatives aimed at broadening access to educational opportunities in science. Through her work, she has impacted more than 261,000 people, including students and educators within and outside of Puerto Rico.
*The Girl with the Blue Briefcase* is part of a broader effort to develop educational resources in Spanish that connect with the experiences and aspirations of Puerto Rican children, particularly in communities with limited access to STEM experiences.
The book is now available to the public on Amazon. To coordinate story readings in schools or educational activities, you can contact hernandezlizm@gmail.com