Stephen Briseño

Stephen Briseño is an award-winning children’s author, seasoned educator, and lifelong story lover based in San Antonio, Texas. His debut picture book, The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border, earned a Pura Belpré Author Honor and was recognized as a 2023 Notable Children’s Book by the American Library Association, marking him as a powerful new voice in stories that celebrate compassion and community.

Since 2017, Stephen has been delighting young readers with heartfelt, diverse tales—drawing inspiration from his own experiences, family history, and a deep belief in the transformative power of stories. His recent picture book Tamales for Christmas was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2024, showcasing his gift for blending cultural tradition with universal themes of generosity and belonging.

Outside writing, Stephen brings stories to life in the classroom as a middle school English teacher and supports other writers as a writing consultant. A proud Mexican-American storyteller, he creates work that honors heritage, sparks curiosity, and invites readers of all ages into worlds where kindness matters.

He lives with his wife Kayla and daughter Zinnia, where they read, write, and drink an impressive amount of coffee together.