Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the last two book covers all black and all white?

A: The Fight for a Free Fifth Grade cover is white text on an all black background because I wanted a feeling of it being a "banned" book where the images were censored out. I don't know if that feeling came across, but I now like the simplicity. The Escape from California is black text on an all white background because it is the continuation of the rest of the story and I wanted it to be a match to The Fight for a Free Fifth Grade. I was also inspired by the Beatles "White Album."

Q: Is it true that the 4th Book is the last book of the series?

A: It might be, but the truth is that I don't know. I have an idea of what lies ahead for the Kids, but it doesn't necessarily mean that there will be books about it. After writing the first book, I didn't really think about writing the second. There wasn't supposed to be a third one either. What might happen is that the series may end, but the characters will live on in another series meant for older readers. You never know.

Q: Didn't you run for Congress?

A: Yes, I did. This web address was the same one I used in my congressional race. If you found this site because you were looking for my congressional site here's what is left of it. I ran, not because I wanted to win, but because I wanted to teach the voters about the problems with the No Child Left Behind Act. The campaign ended with 2,208 votes. Even though I didn't win I still have the greatest job on earth where I teach children every day and I write stories for them.

Q: Where did you get the idea for The Latchkey Kids?

A: I was a "latchkey kid" where I went home everyday to an empty house. Even though my parents loved me, they had to work and we couldn't afford a regular baby sitter. I see a lot of that where I teach. There's good and bad to it and so I wanted characters who reflected how I grew up and how many of my students are growing up. I got the idea for the actual story as a teacher in a portable classroom just like the kids in the story.

Q: What does your name mean?

A: Salvatierra is Spanish for "Save the Earth" or "Save the Land." My family is from the Philippines however. Contrary to some initial assumptions, my first name, Dante is not after the Italian poet. I am named after the alias of a Filipino political activist.

Q: Can we ask more questions?

A: Yes! Please send them to ecotopia@spamcop.net