Our Mission
Xolo Books amplifies intersectional and anti-colonialist literature written by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color through the selling, promotion, and celebration of books from around the world.
About The Founder
My name is Oriana Peñaranda, and I am a Venezuelan-American immigrant. I grew up in Miami and currently live outside Washington, D.C.
I love books.
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I have always loved books and their power to transport us to different worlds, teach us new things, and connect us with others. My family used to call me a “come libros” because I was always trying to satiate an endless appetite for literature. However, I seldom saw my experiences as a Latina immigrant represented in these stories. In general, most of the books I enjoyed centered on white experiences. And we continue to see this trend in today's bookselling.
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I founded Xolo Books to help people decolonize their reading habits, support BIPOC stories, and demand authentic representation. Books have the power to change lives, and I am proud to be a part of that transformative process. I want to challenge myself and the Xolo Books community to use our power to uplift BIPOC voices. Whether you're looking for a new novel, a cookbook, or a memoir, I am here to help you find the perfect book for your needs.
Jefa & Founder
Ode to the Xolo
Meet Kirra Paez. She is a mixed Xoloitzcuintli and the Xolo Books namesake.
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Also called the Mexican Hairless dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is a dog breed with a history that goes back 3,500 years before Christopher Columbus colonized the Americas.
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Aztecs and Mayans believe the gods created the Xolo to guard the living and guide the dead's souls through the Mictlán (the underworld). Spanish colonizers sought to eradicate the Xolo breed because it represented a non-Christian myth. But despite colonizers' best efforts, the Xolo continues to thrive today.
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Xolo Books honors the enduring spirit of the Xolo breed. Kirra and the Xolo represent survival in a world that forces white supremacy. By promoting diverse stories and people, Xolo Books will guide readers away from colonialist narratives in books and storytelling.
A very famous Xolo you might know is Dante from Pixar's Coco! Video
Mascot & Inspiration