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.
2017 Author Award Winner
Juana & Lucas,
written and illustrated by Juana Medina and published by Candlewick Press.
Juana & Lucas presents with breezy
humor the day-to-day reflections and experiences universal to childhood—school,
family and friendships—through the eyes of the invincible Juana, growing up in
Bogotá with her beloved dog, Lucas. This charmingly designed book for young
readers portrays the advantages—and challenges—of learning a second
language.
“Juana’s transformation from frustrated learner to enthusiastic
speaker of ‘the English’ is portrayed with authenticity and plenty of appeal,”
said Mitnick.
2017 Illustrator Award Winner
Lowriders to the Center of the Earth,
illustrated by Raúl Gonzalez, written by Cathy Camper and published by
Chronicle Books LLC.
Lowriders to the Center of the Earth
follows Lupe Impala, El Chavo Flapjack and Elirio Malaria, as they lowride into
an epic quest to the realm of Mictlantecuhtli, Aztec god of the Underworld. The
ballpoint pen art creates a fantastical borderlands odyssey, packed with
subversively playful cultural references that affirm a vibrant Chicanx cultura.
“Raúl Gonzalez’s energetic ballpoint pen drawings portray a
complex mash-up of cultures with humor and verve,” said Pura Belpré Award
Committee Chair Eva Mitnick.
2017 Author Honor Book
The Only Road,
written by Alexandra Diaz and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers/A Paula Wiseman Book.
Jaime and his cousin Ángela undertake the arduous journey to the
North after a gang in Guatemala threatens their family. Diaz portrays with
empathy the dangers, decisions and regrets faced by unaccompanied minors as
they migrate in search of refuge.
2017 Illustrator Honor Books
Esquivel!: Space-Age Sound Artist,
illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh, written by Susan Wood and published by
Charlesbridge.
Duncan Tonatiuh creates a sense of sound and movement through
energetic, textured collage illustrations that celebrate the life of innovative
Mexican musician and composer Juan García Esquivel. Incorporating funky fonts
and far-out fashions, Tonatiuh’s unique artistic style harkens back to
indigenous codex art and lends cultural authenticity to this pulsating
picture-book biography.
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two
Volcanoes, illustrated and written by Duncan Tonatiuh
and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.
The legend of Mexico’s mythic volcanoes, Popocatépetl and
Iztaccíhuatl, unfolds in this exquisite version of an ancient love story. The
stylized codex-inspired art renews and reinterprets the tradition of Aztec flor
y canto using a palette of earth tones and celestial blues to illuminate this
artistic retelling.
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