Want to kick off this holiday season by supporting the Richmond community in a unique way? Richmond children’s book author Kris Coronado has a very merry idea for local book lovers. She is hosting a book drive for her debut nonfiction picture book with HarperCollins, Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines, to donate copies to a wide array of local and national nonprofits. Her aim is to give the book to kids who would not be able to buy it, as well as those fighting their own brave battles.
Lighthouse Ladies features four unsung heroines who accomplished amazing things against insurmountable odds. The book has received honors like starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, and illustrator Islenia Mil’s art was selected for the 2025 Society of Illustrators Original Art exhibition.
“The support this book has received from the local community has been astounding,” says Coronado, who got her start writing for the Richmond Times-Dispatch as a teen. “Now, I’d like to return the love.”
Coronado is aiming to connect with area companies and individual donors to have her debut book purchased and donated to organizations like Ronald McDonald House Richmond to the Children Museum of Richmond’s Book Bank. “I’ve already had local companies like ENV Virginia, Center Creek Homes, The Mayor, and Mae&Britt Interiors purchase copies for amazing places like SCAN and Richmond Public Schools,” says Coronado. “I’m bursting with gratitude over this city’s generous spirit.”
Purchase details and donation opportunities can be found on Coronado’s website.
An added bonus? Coronado will transform into a festive character herself when she delivers her books to Richmond area nonprofits.
“Just something to make folks smile,” she says. “It will probably be the first time they meet a ‘lighthouse lady elf.’”
*** For those who would like to purchase and donate in person to the author herself, Coronado will also be a special bookseller at bbgb in Carytown on Saturday, December 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. “Come by to donate,” she says, “And have your holiday gifts horribly wrapped by me.”
