Read Together,
Build Just Worlds Together
Our little family of three lives on the northwest side of Chicago and spends our days working to right the world. The only thing we love as much as one another are books, books, books. We started 51st Ward Books, Chicago's first dedicated Bilingual/Spanish and social justice bookshop for children, because we know first-hand the power that books have to shift worldviews and support the positive racial identity development of children of color. Through 51st Ward Books’ online and pop-up shops, we work to expand access to quality, first-voice, and bilingual texts for children and youth.
Nina D. Sánchez
Co-Founder
Nina D. Sánchez is a proud second-generation Chicagoan with roots in Pilsen and Central Mexico. As the Co-Director of Enrich Chicago, Nina collaborates with a network of 50 arts and philanthropic organizations whose goal it is to end racism in the arts. She has nearly 20 years of experience working to advance equity in the arts, education, and leadership development spaces across the Chicagoland area. She is a lifelong book lover and fan of Read to Succeed. She currently serves on the board of Pilsen Arts & Community House.
Michael Wren
Co-Founder
Michael is a jack of all trades, and is motivated by big books and big ideas in his journey of personal growth. In addition to spending the last 6 of 12 professional fundraising years at the Field Museum, Michael is a father, husband, and chef, a picture-framing enthusiast, a soccer player, Mr. fix-it (and occasionally Mr. Break-it), an aspiring author, and is always on the lookout for somebody who needs help changing a flat tire. Michael Oversees 51st Ward’s inventory management, bookkeeping, website maintenance, and more.
Vida C. Wren Sánchez
Chief Book Advisor
Vida is a student of the Chicago Public Schools. When she is not at school, she spends her free time reading, tumbling, and playing with her primos.