Author’s name: Laura De La Cruz
Illustrator’s name: Vanessa Morales
Other book titles: BESOS FOR MAMI with Disney-Hyperion – Spring 2028
What is your upcoming book title? LOWRIDER FOR SALE
Date of release: Sept. 8, 2026
Preorder or Order link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/815461/lowrider-for-sale-by-laura-de-la-cruz/
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Agent: Leah Pierre
Agency: Ladderbird Literary Agency
Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA
Social links:
https://www.instagram.com/laura.delacruz.author
https://www.facebook.com/laura.delacruz.writer
https://bsky.app/profile/vrukaslt.bsky.social
1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?
LOWRIDER FOR SALE (Disney Hyperion 2026) Gabi knows that Papi’s lowrider, Pico Nights, is more than a car. It’s a family scrapbook on wheels—a treasure trove of memories for her, Papi, and Abuelo Chucho. It chauffeured Gabi’s cousin to her quinceañera, rolled through years of Fourth of July parades, and was detailed most Saturday mornings by Gabi, Papi, and Abuelo.
So when Papi places a FOR SALE! sign on Pico Nights, Gabi tries everything she can to save their beloved car.
While Gabi offers her own money, organizes a community fundraiser, and even enters Pico Nights in a car show to try and combat the inevitable, she comes to realize that even though their time with Pico Nights may not last forever, the memories they’ve made in it will.
2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?
- The character, Papi Chucho, was inspired by my own dad. My papi passed away when I was eight years old, and even after all these years, I still miss him deeply. He was funny, talented, generous, and had a good heart. This book is my way of honoring him and a way of keeping his memory alive.
- Lowriders have always been part of my world. They’re more than just cars; they are art, history, culture, and community. I grew up in So. Cal. surrounded by car culture, and I wanted to share the beauty and significance of lowriders with readers who are familiar with it as well as those who are not.
- Even if lowriders are new to you, I hope the heart of the story feels familiar. This book is about memories. It’s about how we attach memories to material things that remind us of the people we love and the moments we shared with them. But it’s also about the fear of losing those connections. Why? Because these items carry our stories, our identities, and our ties to the past.
- Lowriders are part of a community, and this story is no different. Many people helped bring this story to life—critique partners, family, friends, critiques by published authors, my editor, and my agent. Each of them offered guidance, insight, and encouragement, and played a part in shaping this story into what it is today.
- I included more information about lowriders and how they came about in the back matter. I hope readers find it useful.
3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?
Read lots of books! That’s what I’ve always heard from other authors, but it is very true. Before I wrote LOWRIDER FOR SALE, I read lots of books. I worked as a library media technician at an elementary school for eight years. During those eight years, I read to every classroom that visited the library weekly. Reading picture books not only helped me to understand their structure, but also gave me the chance to see firsthand how kids responded to them. The biggest tip I have is to keep going! Don’t give up!
4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?
- I started working at the age of fourteen, and over the years, I’ve worn many hats. I’ve been a library media technician at two elementary schools, a software engineer at a few tech places like Electronic Arts, a Spanish teacher at a preschool, a teacher’s aide, a receptionist, a payroll clerk, a translator, and a consultant, just to name a few.
- I cry easily. I’m kind of a softy. Just watching reels on social media, reading certain books, and watching movies makes me cry. I don’t know how many times I’ve cried watching UP. Even TOY STORY makes me cry.
- I was a library helper in elementary school.
- In high school, I wanted to be a songwriter and wrote lots of depressing song lyrics. I also tried writing poems, but they ended up sounding like song lyrics.
- I’ve always been an adventurous eater, even as a child. I’ve eaten some interesting things throughout my life. Some of the weird things I’ve eaten include lamb cheeks, cow brain tacos, raw oysters, pan-fried rattlesnake (yes, it did taste like chicken), and armadillo meat cooked al mojo de ajo (a garlic sauce).
5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?
Something I’ve learned about myself while on this journey is that I’m way more patient now than I ever was! Patience is a big part of publishing. When you are looking for an agent, you wait. When on submission, you wait. When you finally get a book deal, you wait. Even after scheduling your book’s publication, you still wait! The waiting is never-ending. And even after you get a book deal, you have to start the process all over again for the next book.
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