How a College Friendship Led to a Spanish Translation of The Data Detective at the Carnival
The Californer/10310298

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Californer -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – When Chandra Donelson set out to write The Data Detective at the Carnival, she wanted to make data literacy engaging and accessible for all children. What she didn't expect was that the book would reconnect her with an old friend and lead to a Spanish translation with a meaningful purpose.

The Spanish edition, El Detective de Datos en el Carnaval, was translated by Karla Atencia, Donelson's college roommate and former teammate at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where they ran cross country and track and field together. Today, Atencia is a teacher in California, working in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community. When she learned about Donelson's book, she immediately recognized a critical gap in STEM education for Spanish-speaking students.

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"When Karla found out about the book, she reached out immediately—not just to congratulate me, but to talk about something bigger," Donelson said. "She explained how so many of her students don't have access to books in Spanish that introduce them to subjects like data and technology. It struck me that if we truly want to make data literacy accessible, language shouldn't be a barrier."

Atencia, who has spent years in the classroom, saw an opportunity to fill a gap in STEM education.

"A lot of my students don't see themselves represented in books about technology," Atencia said. "It's so important that they have resources in their native language so they don't feel like these subjects are out of reach."

Understanding the urgency and impact of the need, Donelson and Atencia partnered to bring the book to life in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking children could explore data, problem-solving, and critical thinking in a way that felt familiar and accessible.

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Expanding Access to Data Literacy
Since its original release, The Data Detective at the Carnival has earned over 100 reviews and maintains a 4.9-star rating on Amazon, with parents and educators praising its ability to make data literacy engaging and understandable for young learners.

A teacher who introduced the book in her classroom emphasized the importance of making technical subjects more inclusive:

"This translation is more than just words—it's about ensuring that Spanish-speaking children have the same opportunity to engage with data literacy as their English-speaking peers," the teacher said. "It breaks down barriers and gives all students access to critical thinking skills they can use for the rest of their lives."

Where to Find the Spanish Edition
El Detective de Datos en el Carnaval is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and other major bookstores.