My favorite color is blue (as you can see from my name above. The logo was designed by my talented friend, Veronica Pisano). I LOVE mangoes! Our family is Indian and Colombian, and we love to enjoy and explore the many shared characteristics of our cultures. Hiking with my family, running, writing, and reading are how I relax. Relaxing is very important.

I’m a board member at Baldwin for the Arts, where artists of color can create their work in a safe, beautiful, nurturing place, founded by my friend and mentor, Jacqueline Woodson.

I wrote Téo's Tutu because I loved dance as a young person. But here’s the secret…I did NOT like tutus! I wanted to dance, and even at a young age felt like we should all feel comfortable doing the things we love. I also wanted to write about the courage of young people. Here are some reviews of my book:

“This lyrical book bursts with sincerity without ever feeling preachy or forced…A gender-affirming picture book with a lovable, indomitable star.” – Kirkus, starred review

“Written with poise and grace, Macias’s gentle story is filled with warmth from the joys of self-expression and calm assurance found in loving support.” – School Library Journal

”Macias's gentle story features a winning gender-nonconforming, biracial protagonist and his supportive adults (parents, teacher); Marley's lively illustrations acknowledge Téo's nervousness about being judged and celebrate his joy and bravery when he's true to himself.” – The Horn Book

Téo's Tutu was chosen as one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2021 for 3-5 year olds and selected for the 2022 National Council for the Social Studies – Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Trade Books List. It was also named a 2023 Rainbow Book by the American Library Association. Libraries are so, so important!