08/13/2026
Lee & Low Books was devastated to hear of the recent passing of Maya Gonzalez, a beloved creator and educator that exuded love and light in their work and in their approach to life.
Maya Gonzalez was an award-winning children’s book artist, author, activist, publisher, and progressive educator. Children’s Book Press — an award-winning press acquired by Lee & Low Books in 2012 — published many of Maya’s works that would go on to become favorites of children and adults alike. Maya co-founded Reflection Press, a POC, q***r and trans owned independent publisher grounded in holistic, nature-based, and anti-oppression frameworks. They were also the creator of The Gender Wheel, an educational tool and approach that uses nature’s cycles, circles, and continuums to help us understand the necessity and value of body, gender, and relationship diversity.
Maya’s art — both their words and their illustrations — were full of color and filled with intention, jumping off the page to meet their reader with stories that not only entertained, but taught lessons of love and acceptance. Their dedication and passion for inspiring peace, love, resilience, and hope to everyone that encountered their work was evident in everything they did.
Maya’s legacy will live on and be a source of love and light for all who encounter their work. Visit our blog to read further remembrances from those who shared memories with them: https://www.leeandlow.com/blog/remembering-maya-gonzalez/
