Pura Belpré Book Awards
The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate.
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2013
Winner
As the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a former slave, Martin de Porres was born into extreme poverty. Even so, his mother begged the church fathers to allow him into the priesthood. Instead, Martin was accepted as a servant boy. But soon, the young man was performing miracles. Rumors began to fly around the city of a strange mulatto boy with healing hands, who gave first to the people of the barrios . Martin continued to serve in the church, until he was finally received by the Dominican Order, no longer called the worthless son of a slave, but rather a saint and the rose in the desert.
Honor Books
2012
Winner
An introduction to the life, career, and influence of the Mexican painter Diego Rivera.
Honor Books
- Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald No Combina by Monica Brown Illustrated by Sara Palacios
- The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
2011
Winner
The author describes Christmas at his grandmother's apartment in Spanish Harlem the year she introduced him to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Diego Velazquez's portrait of Juan de Pareja, which has had a profound and lasting effect on him.
Honor Books
- Dear Primo : A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
- Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla Illustrated by Amy Cordova
- Me, Frida by Amy Novesky Illustrated by David Diaz
2010
Winner
Children read aloud in various settings to celebrate of El día de los niños, or Children's Day, in this bilingual story. Includes facts about Mexico's annual celebration of children and the book fiestas that are often included.
Honor Books
- Diego : Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand Illustrated by David Diaz
- Gracias. Thanks. by Pat Mora Illustrated by John Parra
- My Abuelita by Tony Johnston Illustrated by Yuyi Morales
2009
Winner
As Señor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle's birthday he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents, but with the help of Zelmiro the Ghost, he finds the best gift of all.
Honor Books
- Papa and Me by Arthur Dorros Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
- The Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos by Lucia M Gonzalez Illustrated by Lulu Delacre
- What Can You Do With a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla Illustrated by Amy Cordova
2008
Winner
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
- My Colors, My World / Mis colores, Mi Mundo by Christina Gonzalez Illustrated by Christina Gonzalez
- My Name is Gabito : The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez / Me Llamo Gabito : La Vida de Gabriel Garcia Marquez by Monica Brown Illustrated by Raul Colon
2006
Winner
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.
Honor Books
- Arrorro, Mi Nino : Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre Illustrated by Lulu Delacre
- Cesar : Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand Illustrated by David Diaz
- My Name is Celia / Me Llamo Celia : The Life of Celia Cruz / La Vida de Celia Cruz by Monica Brown Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
2004
Winner
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 by L. King Perez Illustrated by Robert Casilla
- Harvesting Hope : The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull Illustrated by Yuyi Morales
- The Pot That Juan Built by Nancy Andrews-Goebel Illustrated by David Diaz
2002
Winner
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.
Honor Books
- Juan Bobo Goes to Work by Marisa Montes Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
2000
Winner
In Spanish and English, Carmen Lomas Garza portrays her family's Mexican customs through cut-paper work.
Honor Books
- Barrio : Jose's Neighborhood by George Ancona Illustrated by George Ancona
- Mama and Papa Have a Store by Amelia Lau Carling
- The Secret Stars by Joseph Slate Illustrated by Felipe Davalos
1998
Winner
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.
Honor Books
- Gathering the Sun : An Alphabet in Spanish and English by Alma Flor Ada Illustrated by Simon Silva
- In My Family / En mi familia by Carmen Lomas Garza Illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza
- The Golden Flower : a Taino Myth from Puerto Rico by Nina Jaffe Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
1996
Winner
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.
Honor Books
- Family Pictures / Cuadros de Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza Illustrated by Carmen Lomas Garza
- Pablo Remembers : The Fiesta of the Day of the Dead by George Ancona Illustrated by George Ancona
- The Bossy Gallito / El Gallo de Bodas : A Traditional Cuban Folktale by Lucia M Gonzalez Illustrated by Lulu Delacre
