LibGuides: Pura Belpré Awards: 2000s

Pura Belpré Awards

2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009

2000

Under the Royal Palms : a Childhood in Cuba by Alma Flor Ada

Under the Royal Palms : a childhood in Cuba by Alma Flor Ada
Call Number: J-813.54 ADA (Juvenile nonfiction)
ISBN: 9780689806315
Publication Date: 1998-11-01
The author recalls her life and impressions growing up in Cuba.

Del Ombligo de la Luna y Otro Poemas de Verano by Francisco X. Alarcón
Laughing Out Loud, I Fly : Poems in English and Spanish by Juan Felipe Herrera

Laughing Out Loud, I Fly : poems in English and Spanish by Karen Barbour (Illustrator); Juan Felipe Herrera
Call Number: J-811 HER (Juvenile nonfiction)
ISBN: 9780060276041
Publication Date: 1998-04-04
A collection of poems in Spanish and English about childhood, place, and identity.

Magic Windows illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza

Magic Windows (Ventanas Magicas) by Carmen Lomas Garza (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy GA (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780892391578
Publication Date: 1999-02-01
In Spanish and English, the author portrays her family's Mexican customs.

Barrio : José's Neighborhood illustrated by George Ancona
The Secret Stars illustrated by Felipe Dávalos
Mama & Papa Have a Store illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling

Barrio : José's Neighborhood by George Ancona (By (photographer))
Call Number: Easy AN (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780152010492
Publication Date: 1998-10-01
Presents life in a barrio in San Francisco, describing the school, recreation, holidays, and family life of an eight-year-old boy who lives there.

2002

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Call Number: J-Fiction RY (Juvenile Fiction)
ISBN: 9780439120418
Publication Date: 2000-10-01
Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth in Mexico to work in the labor camps of California.
Esperanza Rising [E-Book] by Pam Muoz Ryan
Call Number: J-Fiction RY Ebook (OverDrive)
ISBN: 9780545532341
Publication Date: 2012-10-01
Esperanza Rising [CD] by Pam Muñoz Ryan; Trini Alvarado (Read by)
Call Number: J-CD Fiction RY (Juvenile CD Audiobooks)
ISBN: 9780807217696
Publication Date: 2004-06-01
Esperanza Rising [Streaming Audiobook] by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Call Number: J-Fiction RY Audiobk (OverDrive)
ISBN: 9780739330616
Publication Date: 2006

Breaking Through by Francisco Jiménez
Iguanas in the Snow by Francisco X. Alarcón

Breaking Through by Francisco Jiménez
Call Number: J-Fiction JI (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780618011735
Publication Date: 2001-08-27
Having come from Mexico to California ten years ago, fourteen-year-old Francisco is still working in the fields but fighting to improve his life and complete his education.
Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems by Francisco X. Alarcón; Maya Christina Gonzalez (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy AL (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780892391684
Publication Date: 2004-03-01
A bilingual collection of poems in which the Mexican American poet celebrates winter in northern California and the experience of growing up bilingual and bicultural.

Chato and the Party Animals illustrated by Susan Guevara

Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto; Susan Guevara (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy SOT (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780399231599
Publication Date: 2000-08-07
Chato decides to throw a "pachanga" for his friend Novio Boy, who has never had a birthday party.

Juan Bobo Goes to Work illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Juan Bobo Goes to Work by Marisa Montes; Joe Cepeda (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XMO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780688162337
Publication Date: 2000-09-19
Although he tries to do exactly as his mother tells him, foolish Juan Bobo keeps getting things all wrong.
Juan Bobo Busca Trabajo by Marisa Montes; Joe Cepeda (Illustrator)
Call Number: Spanish Easy MO (Spanish language (Amo leer))
ISBN: 9780061136818
Publication Date: 2006-08-29

2004

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez
Call Number: YA F ALV-J (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9780375815447
Publication Date: 2002-08-13
In the early 1960s in the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Anita learns that her family is involved in the underground movement to end the bloody rule of the dictator, General Trujillo.
Before We Were Free [streaming audiobook] by Julia Alvarez
Call Number: YA F ALV-J Audiobk (OverDrive)
ISBN: 9780739344712
Publication Date: 2006

HONOR BOOKS:

Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa
Mi Diario de Aquí Hast Allá by Amada Irma Pérez

Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa
Call Number: Juv F OSA (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780385730211
Publication Date: 2003-06-10
Violet Paz, a Chicago high school student, reluctantly prepares for her upcoming "quince," a Spanish nickname for the celebration of an Hispanic girl's fifteenth birthday.

WINNER: Just a Minute : a Trickster Tale and Counting Book illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Just a Minute! : a trickster tale and counting book by Yuyi Morales
Call Number: Easy MOR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780811837583
Publication Date: 2003-09-01
In this version of a traditional tale, Senor Calavera arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take her to the next life, but after helping her count, in English and Spanish, as she makes her birthday preparations, he changes his mind.

HONOR BOOKS:

First Day in Grapes illustrated by Robert Casilla
The Pot That Juan Built illustrated by David Diaz
Harvesting Hope : the Story of Cesar Chavez illustrated by Yuyi Morales

First Day in Grapes by L. King Pérez; Robert Casilla (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy PER (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781584300458
Publication Date: 2002-10-01
When Chico starts the third grade, he finds that self confidence and math skills help him cope with the first day of school.
The Pot That Juan Built by Nancy Andrews-Goebel; David Diaz (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy AND (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781584300380
Publication Date: 2013-04-01
A cumulative rhyme summarizes the life's work of renowned Mexican potter, Juan Quezada. Additional information describes the process he uses to create his pots after the style of the Casas Grandes people.
Harvesting Hope : the story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull; Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy KRU (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780152014377
Publication Date: 2003-03-01
A biography of Cesar Chavez, the labor leader who led a peaceful protest against California migrant workers' miserable working conditions.

2006

WINNER: The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales

The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
Call Number: Juv F CAN (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780385746748
Publication Date: 2005-08-09
Sofia grows up in a close-knit community of the barrio in McAllen, Texas, then finds that her experiences as a scholarship student at an Episcopal boarding school in Austin only strengthen her ties to family and her "comadres."

HONOR BOOKS:

César : ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Doña Flor : a Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora
Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Cesar : Si, Se Puede! = Yes, We Can! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand; David Diaz (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XBE (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780761451723
Publication Date: 2004-09-01
A collection of poems celebrating the life of labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Dona Flor : a tall tale about a giant woman with a great big heart by Pat Mora; Raul ón (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XMO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780375823374
Publication Date: 2005-10-11
Dona Flor, a giant lady with a big heart, sets off to protect her neighbors from what they think is a dangerous animal, but soon discovers the tiny secret behind the huge noise.

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Call Number: Juv F RYA (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780439269698
Publication Date: 2004-09-01
When Naomi's absent mother resurfaces to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father.
Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Call Number: Juv F YRA Audiobk (OverDrive)
ISBN: 9780739344705
Publication Date: 2006

WINNER: Doña Flor : a Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart illustrated by Raúl Colón

Dona Flor : a tall tale about a giant woman with a great big heart by Pat Mora; Raul ón (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XMO (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780375823374
Publication Date: 2005-10-11
Dona Flor, a giant lady with a big heart, sets off to protect her neighbors from what they think is a dangerous animal, but soon discovers the tiny secret behind the huge noise.

HONOR BOOKS:

Arrorró, Mi Niño : Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games illustrated by Raúl Colón
César : ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! illustrated by David Diaz
Me Llamo Celia : la Vida de Celia Cruz illustrated by Rafael López

Arrorro Mi Nino : Latino lullabies and gentle games by Lulu Delacre (Illustrator, Compiled by)
Call Number: Easy DEL (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781584301592
Publication Date: 2004-03-01
An illustrated collection of Latino nursery rhymes, finger play games, and lullabies.
Cesar : Si, Se Puede! = Yes, We Can! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand; David Diaz (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy XBE (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780761451723
Publication Date: 2004-09-01
A collection of poems celebrating the life of labor leader Cesar Chavez.

2008

WINNER: The Poet Slave of Cuba : a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle

The Poet Slave of Cuba : a biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle; Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
Call Number: Juv 811.54 MAN (Juvenile nonfiction)
ISBN: 9780805077063
Publication Date: 2006-04-04
Juan Francisco Manzano spent his early years entertaining the friends of his owner's wife. His poetry was his outlet. Written in verse.

HONOR BOOKS:

Frida : ¡Viva la Vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach : a Cuban Folktale by Carmen Agra Deedy
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Maria Montes

Frida : Viva la Vida! = Long Live Life! by Carmen Bernier-Grand
Call Number: Easy BER (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780761453369
Publication Date: 2007-11-01
Biographical poems about the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach by Deedy, Carmen Agra ; Michael Austin (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy DEE (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9781561453993
Publication Date: 2007-09-01
In this retelling of a Cuban folktale, a cockroach interviews her suitors in order to decide whom to marry.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes; Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy MON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781250079459
Publication Date: 2016-08-09
Easy to read, rhyming text about Halloween night incorporates Spanish words, from las brujas riding their broomsticks to los monstruos whose monstrous ball is interrupted by a true horror.

WINNER: Los Gatos Black on Halloween illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes; Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy MON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781250079459
Publication Date: 2016-08-09
Easy to read, rhyming text about Halloween night incorporates Spanish words, from las brujas riding their broomsticks to los monstruos whose monstrous ball is interrupted by a true horror.

HONOR BOOKS:

Me Llamo Gabito : la Vide de Gabriel García Márquez illustrated by Raúl Colón
Mis Colores, Mi Mundo illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

2009

WINNER: The Surrender Tree : Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

The Surrender Tree : poems of Cuba's struggle for freedom by Margarita Engle
Call Number: Juv 811.54 ENG (Juvenile nonfiction)
ISBN: 9780805086744
Publication Date: 2008-04-01
Cuba has fought three wars for independence, and still she is not free. This history in verse creates a lyrical portrait of Cuba.

HONOR BOOKS:

Just In Case by Yuyi Morales
Reaching Out by Francisco Jiménez
The Storyteller's Candle by Lucía M. González

Just in Case : a trickster tale and Spanish alphabet book by Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy MOR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781596433298
Publication Date: 2008-10-14
As Senor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle's birthday he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents. Includes Spanish words.

Reaching Out by Francisco Jiménez
Call Number: Juv F JIL (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780618038510
Publication Date: 2008-01-01
Leaving his home in a migrant community, Francisco sets off for college, carrying memories of years of poverty and prejudice.

The Storyteller's Candle by Lucia M. Gonzalez; Lulu Delacre
Call Number: Easy GON
ISBN: 9780892392223
Publication Date: 2008-03-28
Bilingual. New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian welcomes immigrants in El Barrio to the public library and hosts a Three Kings' Day fiesta.

WINNER: Just In Case illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Just in Case : a trickster tale and Spanish alphabet book by Yuyi Morales (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy MOR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781596433298
Publication Date: 2008-10-14
As Senor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle's birthday he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents. Includes Spanish words.

HONOR BOOKS:

Papá and Me illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
The Storyteller's Candle llustrated by Lulu Delacre
What Can You Do With a Rebozo illustrated by Amy Córdova

Papa and Me by Arthur Dorros; Rudy Gutierrez (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy DOR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780060581565
Publication Date: 2008-04-22
A bilingual boy and his father, who only speaks Spanish, spend a day together.

The Storyteller's Candle by Lucia M. Gonzalez; Lulu Delacre
Call Number: Easy GON
ISBN: 9780892392223
Publication Date: 2008-03-28
Bilingual. New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian welcomes immigrants in El Barrio to the public library and hosts a Three Kings' Day fiesta.

What Can You Do with a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla; Amy Córdova (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy TAF (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781582462202
Publication Date: 2008-04-01
A young Mexican American girl explains the many uses of her mother's red rebozo, or long scarf.
What Can You Do with a Rebozo? = ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con un Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla; Amy Cordova (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy TAF (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781582462714
Publication Date: 2009-04-14

Pura Belpré Awards

2000

Under the Royal Palms : a Childhood in Cuba by Alma Flor Ada

Del Ombligo de la Luna y Otro Poemas de Verano by Francisco X. Alarcón

Laughing Out Loud, I Fly : Poems in English and Spanish by Juan Felipe Herrera

Magic Windows illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza

Barrio : José's Neighborhood illustrated by George Ancona

The Secret Stars illustrated by Felipe Dávalos

Mama & Papa Have a Store illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling

2002

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Breaking Through by Francisco Jiménez

Iguanas in the Snow by Francisco X. Alarcón

Chato and the Party Animals illustrated by Susan Guevara

Juan Bobo Goes to Work illustrated by Joe Cepeda

2004

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

HONOR BOOKS:

Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa

Mi Diario de Aquí Hast Allá by Amada Irma Pérez

WINNER: Just a Minute : a Trickster Tale and Counting Book illustrated by Yuyi Morales

HONOR BOOKS:

First Day in Grapes illustrated by Robert Casilla

The Pot That Juan Built illustrated by David Diaz

Harvesting Hope : the Story of Cesar Chavez illustrated by Yuyi Morales

2006

WINNER: The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales

HONOR BOOKS:

César : ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

Doña Flor : a Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora

Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan

WINNER: Doña Flor : a Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart illustrated by Raúl Colón

HONOR BOOKS:

Arrorró, Mi Niño : Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games illustrated by Raúl Colón

César : ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! illustrated by David Diaz

Me Llamo Celia : la Vida de Celia Cruz illustrated by Rafael López

2008

WINNER: The Poet Slave of Cuba : a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle

HONOR BOOKS:

Frida : ¡Viva la Vida! Long Live Life! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach : a Cuban Folktale by Carmen Agra Deedy

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Maria Montes

WINNER: Los Gatos Black on Halloween illustrated by Yuyi Morales

HONOR BOOKS:

Me Llamo Gabito : la Vide de Gabriel García Márquez illustrated by Raúl Colón

Mis Colores, Mi Mundo illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez

2009

WINNER: The Surrender Tree : Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

HONOR BOOKS:

Just In Case by Yuyi Morales

Reaching Out by Francisco Jiménez

The Storyteller's Candle by Lucía M. González

WINNER: Just In Case illustrated by Yuyi Morales

HONOR BOOKS:

Papá and Me illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez

The Storyteller's Candle llustrated by Lulu Delacre

What Can You Do With a Rebozo illustrated by Amy Córdova