Reyna Grande, born on September 7, 1975, in Iguala, Guerrero, Mexico, is a renowned Mexican-American author. Growing up in poverty in Mexico, Grande's journey to the U.S. as an undocumented child immigrant greatly influenced her literary works. She became the first in her family to earn a college degree, graduating with a B.A. in literature/creative writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later obtaining an M.F.A. in creative writing from Antioch University. Grande's notable accolades include the American Book Award, El Premio Aztlan Literary Award, and the Barnes and Noble Writers for Writers Award from Poets & Writers. Her works, such as "Across a Hundred Mountains," "Dancing with Butterflies," and her memoir "The Distance Between Us," have garnered critical acclaim and have been selected for numerous common read programs across various institutions. Grande's writing delves into her personal experiences as an immigrant, shedding light on the complexities and hardships of immigration. She is also a dedicated educator, having taught creative writing at prestigious institutions like UCLA Extension's Writer's Program and VONA (Voices of Our Nation's Arts). Reyna Grande's literary contributions have made a profound impact, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds and shedding light on the immigrant experience in America.