LibGuides: Pura Belpré Awards: 2020s

Pura Belpré Awards

2020-2029

2020

WINNER: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (a Sal and Gabi Novel, Book 1) by Carlos Hernandez
Call Number: YA F HER-CAP (Young Adult Fiction)
ISBN: 9781368022828
Publication Date: 2019-03-05
In order to heal after his mother's death, thirteen-year-old Sal learns to reach into time and space to retrieve things--and people--from other universes.

HONOR BOOKS:

Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes
The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel
Planting Stories : the Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Soldier for Equality : JosΘ de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh

Lety Out Loud by Cervantes, Angela
Call Number: Juv F CER (Juvenile Fiction)
ISBN: 9781338159349
Publication Date: 2019-02-26
Can Lety find her voice before it's too late? Lety Muñoz's first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don't care if she can't always find the right word. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles--so now they have to work as a team. Hunter's not much of a team player, though. He devises a secret competition to decide who will be the official shelter scribe. Whoever helps get their animals adopted the fastest wins. The loser scoops dog food. Lety reluctantly agrees, but she's worried that if the shelter finds out about the contest, they'll kick her out of the volunteer program. Then she'll never be able to adopt Spike, her favorite dog at the shelter!
The Other Half of Happy by Balcárcel, Rebecca
Call Number: Juv B BAL (Juvenile Fiction)
ISBN: 9781452169989
Publication Date: 2019-08-20
Twelve-year-old Quijana is a biracial girl, desperately trying to understand the changes that are going on in her life; her mother rarely gets home before bedtime, her father suddenly seems to be trying to get in touch with his Guatemalan roots (even though he never bothered to teach Quijana Spanish), she is about to start seventh grade in the Texas town where they live and she is worried about fitting in--and Quijana suspects that her parents are keeping secrets, because she is sure there is something wrong with her little brother, Memito, who is becoming increasingly hard to reach
Planting Stories: the Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise; Paola Escobar (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy B BEL (Easy Biography)
ISBN: 9780062748683
Publication Date: 2019-01-15
Nonfiction picture book about the life and legacy of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.
Soldier for Equality : Josae de la Luz Saaenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh
Call Number: Easy B SAA (Easy Biography)
ISBN: 9781419736827
Publication Date: 2019-09-03
Josae de la Luz Saaenz (1888-1953)--or Luz--believed in fighting for what was right. Although he was born in the United States, he and his family experienced prejudice because of their Mexican heritage. When World War I broke out, Luz volunteered to join the fight. Because of his ability to quickly learn languages, he became part of the Intelligence Office in Europe. However, despite his hard work and intellect, Luz often didn't receive credit for his contributions. Upon his return to the US, he joined other Mexican-Americans whom he had met in the army to fight for equality. His contribution, along with others, ultimately led to the creation of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), which is the oldest Latino civil rights organization.

WINNER: Dancing Hands : How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln illustrated by Rafael López

Dancing Hands: how Teresa Carreño played the piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle; Rafael López (Illustrator); Rafael López (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy B CAR (Easy Biography)
ISBN: 9781481487405
Publication Date: 2019-08-27
Looks at the life and accomplishments of Teresa Carreño, one of the world's most famous pianists who, by age nine, performed for President Abraham Lincoln at the White House.

HONOR BOOKS:

Across the Bay illustrated by Carlos Aponte
My Papi Has a Motorcycle illustrated by Zeke Peña
¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market illustrated by Raúul Gonzalez

Across the Bay by Aponte, Carlos (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy APO (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9781524786625
Publication Date: 2019-09-17
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Quintero, Isabel ; Zeke Peña (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy QUI (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9780525553410
Publication Date: 2019-05-14
When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she's always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.
¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market by Raúl
Call Number: Easy RAU (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9781328557261
Publication Date: 2019-04-02
Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabe, his dog, deliver supplies to vendors at the Mercado, a busy border town market. Spanish words and phrases are used throughout English text.

2021

WINNER: Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

Efrén Divided by Cisneros, Ernesto
Call Number: Juv F CIS (Juvenile Fiction)
ISBN: 9780062881687
Publication Date: 2020-03-31
While his father works two jobs, seventh-grader Efrén Nava must take care of his twin siblings, kindergartners Max and Mia, after their mother is deported to Mexico. Includes glossary of Spanish words.

HONOR BOOKS:

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cueveas
Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas
Call Number: Juv F CUE (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780374313609
Publication Date: 2020-07-21
A Cuban-American boy must use his ability to communicate with animals to save the inhabitants of his town when they are threatened by a witch that transforms into animals.
Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
Call Number: Juv F HIG (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9781646140039
Publication Date: 2020-09-08
Lupe Wong is going to be the first female pitcher in the Major Leagues. She's also championed causes her whole young life. Some worthy ... like expanding the options for race on school tests beyond just a few bubbles. And some not so much...like complaining to the BBC about the length between Doctor Who seasons. Lupe needs an A in all her classes in order to meet her favorite pitcher, Fu Li Hernandez, who's Chinacan/Mexinese just like her. So when the horror that is square dancing rears its head in gym? Obviously she's not gonna let that slide.

WINNER: ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez

¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat by Raul Gonzalez (Illustrator); Elaine Bay
Call Number: Easy RAU (Easy Fiction)
ISBN: 9781328557049
Publication Date: 2020-03-24
Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabé, his dog, gather tacos, frutas picadas, cuernos, and more and deliver them to los luchadores preparing for Lucha Libre 5000. Spanish words and phrases are used throughout English text.

HONOR BOOK: Sharuko : El Arquólogo Peruano = Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Sharuko : el arquólogo Peruano Julion C. Tello = Sharuko : Peruvian archaeologist Julo C. Tello by Brown, Monica ; Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)
Call Number: Juv B TEL (Juvenile Biography)
ISBN: 9780892394234
Publication Date: 2020-08-18
A picture biography of Julio C. Tello, considered to be the founder of modern Peruvian archaeology, that traces his life from an early interest in Peru's ancient cultures to his rise as the most distinguished Indigenous social scientist of the twentieth century. A map and an afterword with additional information, photograph, and source list are included.

WINNER: Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
Call Number: YA F MEN-YS (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781616209919
Publication Date: 2020-09-15
Rosario, Argentina. At home Camila Hassan lives within her mother's narrow expectations, her soccer-star brother's shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father. On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila dreams of getting an athletic scholarship to a North American university. But her parents wouldn't allow a girl to play fýubol-- and she needs their permission to go any farther. Can she make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her?

HONOR BOOKS:

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera
Call Number: YA F RIV-L (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781547603732
Publication Date: 2020-09-15
A modern retelling of the myth, Orpheus and Eurydice, in which Eury leaves Puerto Rico for the Bronx, haunted by losing all to Hurricane Maria and by evil spirit Ato, and meets a bachata-singing charmer, Pheus. She fully expects the tragedy that befell her and her family in Puerto Rico to catch up with her in New York. Pheus is a golden-voiced, bachata-singing charmer, ready to spend the summer on the beach with his friends. When he meets Eury, all he wants is to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. But some dangers are too powerful for even the strongest love. As the world threatens to tear them apart, Eury and Pheus must fight for each other and their lives.

We Are Not from Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Call Number: YA F SAN-JT (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781984812261
Publication Date: 2020-05-19
Pulga has his dreams. Chico has his grief. Pequeýna has her pride. And these three teens have one another. But, none of them have illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Even with the love of family, threats lurk around every corner. And when those threats become all too real, the trio knows they have no choice but to run: from their country, from their families, from their beloved home. Crossing from Guatemala through Mexico, they follow the route of La Bestia, the perilous train system that might deliver them to a better life -- if they are lucky enough to survive the journey. With nothing but the bags on their backs and desperation drumming through their hearts, Pulga, Chico, and Pequeýna know there is no turning back, despite the unknown that awaits them. And the darkness that seems to follow wherever they go.

2022

WINNER: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

HONOR BOOKS:

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs
Child of the Flower-Song People by Gloria Amescua; illustrated by DuncanTonatiuh
De Aquí Como el Coquí illustrated and written by Nomar Perez, translated by Farah Perez

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda Dobbs
Call Number: Juv F DOB (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9781728234656
Publication Date: 2021-09-14
Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican Revolution.

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Child of the Flower-Song People : Luz Jiménez, daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua; Duncan Tonatiuh (Illustrator)
Call Number: Juv B JIM (Juvenile biography)
ISBN: 9781419740206
Publication Date: 2021-08-17
A fictionalized account of a Nahua woman who grew up in Mexico during the early 1900s, became a model for artists, worked with scholars to preserve Nahuatl language and stories, and was known as the "soul of Mexico.

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De Aquí Como el Coquí by Nomar Perez (Illustrator); Farah Perez (Translator)
Call Number: Easy PER (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780593324073
Publication Date: 2021-03-16
When Miguel and his parents move from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland, Miguel misses their home, his grandparents, and his pet frog, Coquí, but he soon realizes that New York City has more in common with back home than he originally thought.

WINNER: ¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third (Raúl Gonzalez)

¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Raúl the Third
Call Number: Easy RAU (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780358380405
Publication Date: 2021-10-12
Little Lobo and Bernabýe are bringing supplies to the big celebration in the country across the bridge -- but everyone else seems to be going, too! During the long delay, they see all kinds of people on the bridge for different reasons and speaking different languages, but when someone has a grumpy moment, they all come together to make the wait as good as can be.

HONOR BOOKS:

Boogie Boogie, Y'all illustrated and written by C. G. Esperanza
Bright Star illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales
De Aquí Como el Coquí illustrated and written by Nomar Perez; translated by Farah Perez
May Your Life be Deliciosa illustrated by Loris Lora, written by Michael Genhart

Boogie Boogie, Y'all by C. G. Esperanza (Illustrator)
Call Number: Easy ESP (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780062976222
Publication Date: 2021-08-10
Lively and colorful with a read-aloud beat, this picture book celebrates the rich culture of the Boogie Down Bronx, inviting readers to an epic block party!.

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Bright Star by Yuyi Morales
Call Number: Easy MOR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780823443284
Publication Date: 2021-09-07
A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times.
Lucero = Bright star by Yuyi Morales
Call Number: Easy MOR SPA (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780823447848
Publication Date: 2021-09-07
A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times. In Spanish.

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De Aquí Como el Coquí by Nomar Perez (Illustrator); Farah Perez (Translator)
Call Number: Easy PER (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780593324073
Publication Date: 2021-03-16
When Miguel and his parents move from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland, Miguel misses their home, his grandparents, and his pet frog, Coquí, but he soon realizes that New York City has more in common with back home than he originally thought.

WINNER: How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Call Number: YA F GIL-RV (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781534448667
Publication Date: 2021-08-10

HONOR BOOKS:

Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Call Number: YA F KEM-LZ (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9780316460279
Publication Date: 2021-04-06
As an aspiring pastry chef, Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelerýia next to her father's restaurant, Nacho's Tacos. But her traditional Mexican-American mom and dad have different plans. Xander Amaro is a new hire at Nacho's. For him, the job is an opportunity for a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo's, and to find the father who left him behind. When both the restaurant and Xander's immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his new found family and himself.

Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
Call Number: YA F MIC-MA (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781541597976
Publication Date: 2021-09-07

2023

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega; Rose Bousamra (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUV G ORT (Juvenile graphic books)
ISBN: 9781250259622
Publication Date: 2022-10-18
Marlene loves three things: books, Her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable good hair." But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tía Ruby--she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

The Coquíes Still Sing written by Karina Nicole González; illustrated by Krystal Quiles
The Notebook Keeper: a Story of Kindness from the Border written by Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

The Coquíes Still Sing : a story of home, hope, and rebuilding by Karina Nicole González; Krystal Quiles (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY GON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781250787187
Publication Date: 2022-08-23
"Co-quí, co-quí!" The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family's beloved mango tree--their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, "You are home, you are safe." But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.
The Notebook Keeper : a story of kindness from the border by Stephen Briseño; Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY BRI (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780593307052
Publication Date: 2022-06-28
After traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, Noemi and her mother are denied entry at the border and must find the refugee in charge of the notebook, an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the United States. Includes author's note.
Tumble by Celia C. Pérez
Call Number: JUV F PER (Juvenile fiction)
ISBN: 9780593325179
Publication Date: 2022-08-16
Before she decides whether to accept her stepfather's proposal of adoption, twelve-year-old Adela Ramírez reaches out to her estranged biological father--who is in the midst of a career comeback as a luchador--and the eccentric extended family of wrestlers she has never met, bringing Adela closer to understanding the expansive definition of family.

Where Wonder Grows illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia; written by Xelena González

Where Wonder Grows by Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator); Xelena González
Call Number: EASY GON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781947627468
Publication Date: 2022-01-11
Three girls follow their grandmother into her garden, where they examine her collection of rocks, crystals, shells, and meteorites and learn about the marvels they reveal.

The Coquíes Still Sing illustrated by Krystal Quiles; written by Karina Nicole González
A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters illustrated & written by Duncan Tonatiuh
Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land illustrated and written by Mirelle Ortega
Phenomenal AOC: the Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez illustrated by Loris Lora; written by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Srta. Quinces illustrated & written by Kat Fajardo
Still Dreaming / Sequimos Soñando illustrated by Magdalena Mora; written by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez

The Coquíes Still Sing : a story of home, hope, and rebuilding by Karina Nicole González; Krystal Quiles (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY GON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781250787187
Publication Date: 2022-08-23
"Co-quí, co-quí!" The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family's beloved mango tree--their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, "You are home, you are safe." But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.

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A Land of Books : dreams of young Mexihcah word painters by Duncan Tonatiuh
Call Number: EASY TON (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781419749421
Publication Date: 2022-11-15
Illustrations and text describe how the Mixtecs create painted manuscripts, or codices, that reflect their way of life and document their history, science, land tenure, tribute, and sacred rituals.

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Magic : once upon a faraway land by Mirelle Ortega
Call Number: EASY ORT
ISBN: 9781951836573
Publication Date: 2022-09-06
Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a young girl discovers the magic in everyday transformations that take place around her.

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Phenomenal AOC : the roots and rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by Anika Aldamuy Denise; Loris Lora (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY B OCA (Easy biography)
ISBN: 9780063113749
Publication Date: 2022-09-06
Biography of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Pura Belprýe Honor-winning creators Anika Aldamuy Denise and Loris Lora! In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest congresswoman in America.

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Srta. Quinces = Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUV G FAJ SPA (Juvenile graphic books)
ISBN: 9781338535655
Publication Date: 2022-05-03
Spanish version of Miss Quinces by the same author which is also owned by UML.

Sue solo quiere pasar el verano leyendo y haciendo cýomics en el campamento con sus amigos, pero en lugar de eso se embarca con sus padres y sus dos hermanas en un viaje a Honduras a visitar a la familia, que vive en medio del campo, ýasýi que no podrýa mandar mensajes y no tendrýa cable ni internet! Las cosas empeoran cuando la mamýa de Sue anuncia que le harýan una quinceaýnera sorpresa a la chica, aunque esto es lo ýultimo que ella desearýia. ýNo se imagina vistiendo un vestido enorme, abultado y colorido! ýQuýe podrýa hacer? ýCýomo sobrevivirýa todo este tiempo con sus revoltosos familiares?
Miss Quinces: a Graphic Novel by Kat Fajardo (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUV G FAJ (Juvenile graphic books)
ISBN: 9781338535587
Publication Date: 2022-05-03
Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and making comics at sleepaway camp with her friends, but instead she gets stuck going to Honduras to visit relatives with her parents and two sisters. They live way out in the country, which means no texting, no cable, and no Internet! The trip takes a turn for the worse when Sue's mother announces that they'll be having a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is the last thing she wants. She can't imagine wearing a big, floofy, colorful dress! What is Sue going to do? And how will she survive all this "quality" time with her rambunctious family?

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Still Dreaming = Seguimos Soñando (Spanish & English) by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez; Magdalena Mora (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY MAR (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9780892394340
Publication Date: 2022-10-11
A child dreams of a life without borders after he and and his parents are forced to leave their home during the Mexican Repatriation.

Burn Down, Rise Up by Vincent Tirado

Breath and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
Call Number: YA F SYL-N (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9780358536864
Publication Date: 2022-05-10
Verónica has had many surgeries to manage her disability. The best form of rehabilitation is swimming, so she spends hours in the pool, but not just to strengthen her body. Her Florida town is home to Mermaid Cove, a kitschy underwater attraction where professional mermaids perform in giant tanks . . . and Verónica wants to audition. But her conservative Peruvian parents would never go for it. And they definitely would never let her be with Alex, her cute new neighbor. She decides it?s time to seize control of her life, but her plans come crashing down when she learns her parents have been hiding the truth from her-the truth about her own body.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten [E-Book] by Natalia Sylvester
Call Number: YA F SYL-N Ebook (OverDrive)
ISBN: 9780358536789
Publication Date: 2022-05-10

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High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Call Number: YA F GOM-C (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9781646141296
Publication Date: 2022-04-12
High Spirits is a collection of eleven interconnected short stories from the Dominican diaspora, from debut author Camille Gomera-Tavarez. It is a book centered on one extended family - the Belýens - across multiple generations. It is set in the fictional small town of Hidalpa - and Santo Domingo and Paterson and San Juan and Washington Heights too. It is told in a style both utterly real and distinctly magical - and its stories explore machismo, mental health, family, and identity. But most of all, High Spirits represents the first book from Camille Gomera-Tavarez, who takes her place as one of the most extraordinary new voices to emerge in years.

2024

Mexikid: a Graphic Memoir written and illustrated by Pedro Martin

Mexikid by Pedro. Martín (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUV B MAR (Juvenile biography)
ISBN: 9780593462287
Publication Date: 2023-08-01
Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir.

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Aniana del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez
Benita y las Criaturas Nocturnas by Mariana Llanos ; illustrated by Cocoretto
Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesúus Trejo ; illlustrated by Eliza Kinkz
Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Call Number: JUV F HIG
ISBN: 9781646142637
Publication Date: 2023-10-03
For 400 years, Earth has been a barren wasteland. The few humans that survive scrape together an existence in the cruel city of Pocatel - or go it alone in the wilderness beyond, filled with wandering spirits and wyrms. They don't last long. 13 year-old pickpocket Leandro and his sister Gabi do what they can to forge a life in Pocatel. The city does not take kindly to Cascabel like them - the descendants of those who worked the San Joaquin Valley for generations. When Gabi is caught stealing precious fruit from the Pocatelan elite, Leando takes the fall. But his exile proves more than he ever could have imagined -- far from a simple banishment, his consciousness is placed inside an ancient drone and left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie other alebrijes like Leandro who seek for a better world -- as well as mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, a hidden oasis, and the truth.
Aniana Del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez
Call Number: JUV F MEN
ISBN: 9780593531815
Publication Date: 2023-03-14
A novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American girl who must keep her love of swimming a secret from her mother, is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis, and is forced to re-imagine the person she is to become.
Benita y Las Criaturas Nocturnas = Benita and the night creatures by Mariana Llanos; Cocoretto (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY LLA SPA
ISBN: 9798888590416
Publication Date: 2023-09-05
Creatures from Peruvian lore try to scare a child who's so absorbed in her bedtime reading that she comically rebuffs their attempts.
Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo; Eliza Kinkz (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY TRE (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781662651045
Publication Date: 2023-06-06
Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the "family business." He loves Papá's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty --but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all?
Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Call Number: JUV F ARA
ISBN: 9780593566190
Publication Date: 2023-09-12
When a lost dog helps Laura find a way home to her family, they discover family in each other along the way.

Mexikid: a Graphic Memoir illustrated and written by Pedro Martin

Mexikid by Pedro. Martín (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUV B MAR (Juvenile biography)
ISBN: 9780593462287
Publication Date: 2023-08-01
Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir.

Mi Papá es un Agricola = My Father, the Farmworker illustrated by José B. Ramirez ; written by J. Roman Pérez Varela
Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock illustrated by Eliza Kinkz ; written by JesúsTrejo
Remembering illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia ; written by Xelena González

Mi Papá Es un Agrícola = My Father, the Farm Worker by J. Roman Perez Varela; Jose Ramirez (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY PER
ISBN: 9781948066754
Publication Date: 2023-08-22
From dawn to dusk, through sunshine, rainfall, and everything in between, he works his smooth hands until they crack. He harvests plenty of gifts for everyone to enjoy in hope of a brighter future for his own--he is the backbone of our country. Beautifully illustrated with the gifted colors of Mother Earth and told from the perspective of a proud son, this heartfelt tale will take us on a journey through the hardships and tireless days of a field worker.
Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo; Eliza Kinkz (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY TRE (Easy fiction)
ISBN: 9781662651045
Publication Date: 2023-06-06
Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the "family business." He loves Papá's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty --but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all?
Remembering by Xelena González; Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator)
Call Number: EASY GON
ISBN: 9781534499638
Publication Date: 2023-08-29
On Día de los Muertos, a family prepares an ofrenda for their favorite furry family member, remembering all the ways that their beloved pet brought love and comfort to their lives.

Saints of the Household by Ari Tison

Saints of the Household by Ari Tison
Call Number: YA F TIS-A (Young adult fiction)
ISBN: 9780374389499
Publication Date: 2023-03-28
When brothers Max and Jay help a classmate in trouble, they struggle with the consequences of their violent actions and worry they may be more like their abusive father than they thought, so the brothers turn to their Bribri roots to find their way forward.

The Prince and the Coyote by David Bowles ; illustrated by Amanda Mijangos
Worm: a Cuban American Odyssey written and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

The Prince and the Coyote by David Bowles; Amanda Mijangos (Illustrator)
Call Number: YA F BOW-D
ISBN: 9781646141777
Publication Date: 2023-10-10
Fifteen-year old crown prince Acolmiztli wants nothing more than to see his city-state of Tetzcoco thrive. A singer, poet, and burgeoning philosophical mind, he has big plans about infrastructure projects and cultural initiatives that will bring honor to his family and help his people flourish. But the two sides of his family, the kingdoms of Mexico and Acolhuacan, have been at war his entire life - after his father risked the wrath of the Tepanec emperor to win his mother's love. When a power struggle leaves his father dead and his mother and siblings in exile, Acolmiztli must run for his life, seeking refuge in the wilderness. After a coyote helps him find his way in the wild, he takes on a new name - Nezahualcoyotl, or "fasting coyote" ("Neza" for short). Biding his time until he can form new alliances and reconnect with his family, Neza goes undercover, and falls in love with a commoner girl, Sekalli. Can Neza survive his plotting uncles' scheme to wipe out his line for good? Will the empire he dreams of in Tetzcoco ever come to life?
Worm : a Cuban American odyssey by Edel Rodriguez
Call Number: YA B ROD-E
ISBN: 9781250753977
Publication Date: 2023-11-07
Edel Rodriguez is among the most prominent political artists of our age. Now for the first time, he draws his own life, revisiting his childhood in Cuba and his family's passage on the infamous Mariel boat lift. When Edel was nine, Fidel Castro announced his surprising decision to let 125,000 traitors of the revolution, or "worms," leave the country. The faltering economy and Edel's family's vocal discomfort with government surveillance had made their daily lives on a farm outside Havana precarious, and they secretly planned to leave. But before that happened, a dozen soldiers confiscated their home and property and imprisoned them in a detention center near the port of Mariel, where they were held with dissidents and criminals before being marched to a flotilla that miraculously deposited them, overnight, in Florida. Through vivid, stirring art, Worm tells a story of a boyhood in the midst of the Cold War, a family's displacement in exile, and their tenacious longing for those they left behind. It also recounts the coming-of-age of an artist and activist, who, witnessing American's turn from democracy to extremism, struggles to differentiate his adoptive country from the dictatorship he fled. Confronting questions of patriotism and the liminal nature of belonging, Edel Rodriguez ultimately celebrates the immigrants, maligned and overlooked, who guard and invigorate American freedom.

Pura Belpré Awards

2020

WINNER: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

HONOR BOOKS:

Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes

The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel

Planting Stories : the Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Soldier for Equality : JosΘ de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh

WINNER: Dancing Hands : How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln illustrated by Rafael López

HONOR BOOKS:

Across the Bay illustrated by Carlos Aponte

My Papi Has a Motorcycle illustrated by Zeke Peña

¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market illustrated by Raúul Gonzalez

2021

WINNER: Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

HONOR BOOKS:

The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cueveas

Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera

WINNER: ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez

HONOR BOOK: Sharuko : El Arquólogo Peruano = Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

WINNER: Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

HONOR BOOKS:

Never Look Back by Lilliam Rivera

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

2022

WINNER: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

HONOR BOOKS:

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs

Child of the Flower-Song People by Gloria Amescua; illustrated by DuncanTonatiuh

De Aquí Como el Coquí illustrated and written by Nomar Perez, translated by Farah Perez

WINNER: ¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge by Raúl the Third (Raúl Gonzalez)

HONOR BOOKS:

Boogie Boogie, Y'all illustrated and written by C. G. Esperanza

Bright Star illustrated and written by Yuyi Morales

De Aquí Como el Coquí illustrated and written by Nomar Perez; translated by Farah Perez

May Your Life be Deliciosa illustrated by Loris Lora, written by Michael Genhart

WINNER: How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

HONOR BOOKS:

Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

Where I Belong by Marcia Argueta Mickelson

2023

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

The Coquíes Still Sing written by Karina Nicole González; illustrated by Krystal Quiles

The Notebook Keeper: a Story of Kindness from the Border written by Stephen Briseño; illustrated by Magdalena Mora

Tumble by Celia C. Pérez

Where Wonder Grows illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia; written by Xelena González

The Coquíes Still Sing illustrated by Krystal Quiles; written by Karina Nicole González

A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters illustrated & written by Duncan Tonatiuh

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land illustrated and written by Mirelle Ortega

Phenomenal AOC: the Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez illustrated by Loris Lora; written by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Srta. Quinces illustrated & written by Kat Fajardo

Still Dreaming / Sequimos Soñando illustrated by Magdalena Mora; written by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez

Burn Down, Rise Up by Vincent Tirado

Breath and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester

High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarez

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

2024

Mexikid: a Graphic Memoir written and illustrated by Pedro Martin

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera

Aniana del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez

Benita y las Criaturas Nocturnas by Mariana Llanos ; illustrated by Cocoretto

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesúus Trejo ; illlustrated by Eliza Kinkz

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Mexikid: a Graphic Memoir illustrated and written by Pedro Martin

Mi Papá es un Agricola = My Father, the Farmworker illustrated by José B. Ramirez ; written by J. Roman Pérez Varela

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock illustrated by Eliza Kinkz ; written by JesúsTrejo

Remembering illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia ; written by Xelena González

Saints of the Household by Ari Tison

The Prince and the Coyote by David Bowles ; illustrated by Amanda Mijangos

Worm: a Cuban American Odyssey written and illustrated by Edel Rodriguez