Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art with Lucky Diaz

2026 Pulitzer Prize Winner and New York Times Bestselling Author of Whalefall and Angel Down Prepare to launch into the darkest depths of deep space! Join us online as we sit down with master storyteller Daniel Kraus, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel, The Sixth Nik. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable of reacting to every need of its human crew. Sisilla, a nine-year-old cultist with a brain enhanced by arcane tech known as “niks,” has boarded to investigate the enigma of Fém—a plague-riddled planet that has abruptly gone rogue. The mysterious crew includes a faceless assassin, a beautiful engineer jigsawed by plastic surgery, a peyote-addicted medic, and—most lethal of all—a rugged, NonModded captain with a score to settle with Sisilla. Other dangers abound. A hacked robot begins to believe Sisilla is its daughter. The Sickness itself is mutating, possibly even pregnant. And the secret of Fém is more horrific than anyone could have imagined. To survive, Sisilla will need to forsake her predetermined fate and embrace the unknown. Register now to gain exclusive insight from one of the most visionary voices in modern fiction. About the Author: Lucky Diaz is a GRAMMY Award-winning, multi–Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, acclaimed author, and a leading voice in contemporary children’s literature. A six-time Emmy-nominated songwriter and Berklee College of Music alumnus, Diaz made history as the first North American children’s artist to win a Latin GRAMMY. His work bridges music and storytelling, creating a distinct body of bilingual work rooted in the cultural life of Mexican American communities in Los Angeles. As an author, Diaz has earned some of the highest honors in publishing. His books have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, placing him among a rare group of creators recognized across every major literary journal. His breakout title Paletero Man received a Kirkus star and audiobook distinction and was awarded the 2024 Alma Flor Ada Award for its lasting contribution to Latino-centered storytelling. He is also a recipient of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award and a NAPPA Award, further recognizing his impact on family audiences. His latest book, Fix-It Familia, continues to build national recognition, with a Spanish edition arriving this summer, expanding access to bilingual readers and classrooms across the country. Diaz’s work has been featured and praised by NPR, Billboard, The New York Times, and People Magazine, positioning him as a trusted creative voice at the intersection of culture, music, and literature. Through his books, recordings, and performances with Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, Diaz continues to expand the possibilities of American storytelling. He is not only contributing to the field, he is helping define it. This series is made possible through grant funding from the Fred M. Everett and Ora H. Everett Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N. A., Trustee.