Pura Belpré Award

2008

Narrative Award: Engle, Margarita. (2006). The poet slave of Cuba : a biography of Juan Francisco Manzano. (Art by Sean Qualls). New York : Henry Holt. 811.54 E58p 

Juan Francisco Manzano was born in 1797 into the household of wealthy slaveowners in Cuba. He spent his early years at the side of his owner’s wife, entertaining her friends. His poetry was his outlet, reflecting the beauty and cruelty of his world. Written in verse.

2008

Illustration Award: Montes, Marisa. (2006). Los gatos black on Halloween. (Illustrated by Yuyi Morales). New York : Henry Holt and Company. PRIM-FIC M779ga 

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.

2006

Narrative Award: Canales, Viola. (2007). The tequila worm. New York : Wendy Lamb Books. INTR-FIC C212te 

Sofia grows up in the 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."

Illustration Award: Mora, Pat. (2005). Doña Flor : a tall tale about a giant woman with a great big heart. (Illustrated by Raul Colón). New York : Knopf. PRIM-FIC M827do 

Doña 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.

Narrative Award: Alvarez, Julia. (2002). Before we were free. New York : A. Knopf. INTR-FIC A473be 

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.

Illustration Award: Morales, Yuyi. (2003). Just a minute : a trickster tale and counting book. San Francisco : Chronicle Books. PRIM-FIC M828ju 

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.

Narrative Award: Ryan, Pam Muñoz. (2000). Esperanza rising. New York : Scholastic Press. INTR-FIC R9893es 

Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression.

Illustration Award: Soto, Gary. (2000). Chato and the party animals. (Illustrated by Susan Guevara). New York : Putnam. PRIM-FIC S7184ch 

Chato decides to throw a "pachanga" for his friend Novio Boy, who has never had a birthday party, but when it is time to party, Novio Boy cannot be found.

Narrative Award: Ada, Alma Flor. (1998). Under the royal palms : a childhood in Cuba. New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers. 921 A191a 

The author recalls her life and impressions growing up in Cuba.

Illustration Award: Garza, Carmen Lomas. (1999). Magic windows. San Francisco, Calif. : Children’s Book Press. 306.85 L839m 

In Spanish and English, Carmen Lomas Garza portrays her family’s Mexican customs through cut-paper work.

Narrative Award: Martinez, Victor. (1996). Parrot in the oven : mi vida : a novel. New York : HarperCollins Publishers. INTR-FIC M3858pa 

Manny relates his coming of age experiences as a member of a poor Mexican American family in which the alcoholic father only adds to everyone’s struggle.

Illustration Award: Soto, Gary. (1997). Snapshots from the wedding. (Illustrated by Stephanie Garcia). New York : G.P. Putnam’s. PRIM-FIC S7184sn 

Maya, the flower girl, describes a Mexican American wedding through snapshots of the day’s events, beginning with the procession to the altar and ending with her sleeping after the dance.

Narrative Award: Ortiz Cofer, Judith. (1996). An island like you : stories of the barrio. New York : Puffin Books. INTR-FIC C674is & 861 O77i

Twelve stories about young people caught between their Puerto Rican heritage and their American surroundings. Day in the barrio -- Bad influence -- Arturo’s flight -- Beauty lessons -- Catch the moon -- An hour with Abuelo -- The one who watches -- Matoa’s mirror -- Don Jose of La Mancha -- Abuela invents the zero -- A job for Valentin -- Home to El Building -- White balloons.

Illustration Award: Soto, Gary. (1995). Chato's kitchen. (Illustrated by Susan Guevara). New York : Putnam’s. PRIM-FIC S7184ki 

To get the "ratoncitos," little mice, who have moved into the barrio to come to his house, Chato the cat prepares all kinds of good food: fajitas, frijoles, salsa, enchiladas, and more.