International Latino Book Award Ganadores 2024

This is the list of children's, chapter and young adult book awards. To find more information about the other categories awards, visit https://www.latinobookawards.org

Felicidades a todos los ganadores. 

A- CHILDREN’S, CHAPTER, & YOUNG ADULT BOOK AWARDS

The Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book Award

GOLD MEDAL Spanish is the Language of My Family, Michael Genhart, illustrated by John Parra; Neal Porter Books/ Holiday House; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico; The author(s) lives in: San Francisco, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This is the one! Excellent story that acknowledge the shame and struggle of speaking Spanish at school.'

SILVER MEDAL Tata and the Mouse Famil / Tata y los ratoncitos, Jerry Tello, illustrated by Ramón Ramírez; Sueños Publications LLC ; Ancestry of the author(s): Usa, Mexico ; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles ; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'As a mom who knows the importance of next generation speaking Spanish I loved this book.'

BRONZE MEDAL Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in the Bottle, Lea Aschkenas; Star Bright Books; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: San Francisco; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Beautiful, endearing story. I love that it is a true story, and that real pictures were included.'

Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book – Bilingual

GOLD MEDAL Abuela’s Wishing Tree: El árbol de los deseos de abuela, Mitzi Spitzer Fernandez; Con Todo Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Cuba; The author(s) lives in: Seattle, WA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'It had memorable stories! Illustrations and design were great!'

SILVER MEDAL How to Stuff a Piñata: Cómo rellenar una piñata, Naibe Reynoso; Con Todo Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexico; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Cute little book very engaging and organized. Well written in rhyme. '

BRONZE MEDAL Chita, the Famous Chicken from Toto/ Chita, La Famosa Gallina de Toto, Wayne J. Pitts, Illustrated by Maria Paiz; Vista Tranquila Publishers; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: Wimston-Salem, NC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Loved how humor was embedded within the storyline. The illustrator did a fabulous job.'

Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book – English

GOLD MEDAL Pepita Meets Bebita, Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar; Alfred A. Knopf; Ancestry of the author(s): Cuba, USA; The author(s) lives in: Ann Arbor, MI & New York, NY; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'What a fantastic book. Told from the point of view of the dog.'

SILVER MEDAL Empanadas for Everyone, Jackie Azua Kramer, Illustrated by Lenny Wen; Simon and Schuster; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: New York, NY; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'It is a beautiful account of how a community can come together for a common purpose.'

BRONZE MEDAL Dad, Margarita del Mazo, Illustrated by Silvia Álvarez, Translated by Jon Brokenbow; Cuento de Luz; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; The author(s) lives in: Toledo; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'A touching account of a loving father and child. This was a beautiful book.'

Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book – Spanish

GOLD MEDAL La Pluma Del Condor, Nana Cóndor, Illustrated by Laura Muñoz; Paquicornio Libros; Ancestry of the author(s): Venezuela; The author(s) lives in: Cincinnati, OH; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Beautiful ancestral stories and teachings, so good to see that this medicine is being shared to children.'

SILVER MEDAL El ave rara, Elena Busse; Cuentos con Valores; Ancestry of the author(s): Letonia; The author(s) lives in: Cádiz, Spain; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The cover and illustrations were beautiful.'

BRONZE MEDAL La Gran Carrera del Cerdito Pinky, Carla Martilotti; José Luis Altet Editor y Escritor; Ancestry of the author(s): Uruguay, Spanish & Italian ; The author(s) lives in: Miami, FL.; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Cute story with a great lesson to teach children.'

Best Children’s Nonfiction Picture Book

GOLD MEDAL Piece by Piece: Ernestine’s Gift for President Roosevelt, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, Illustrated by Anna Lopez Real; Millbrook Press and imprint of Lerner; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexico; The author(s) lives in: San Antonio, TX; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Detailed Artwork. Great history information in the back of the book.'

SILVER MEDAL Fernando Llort: Pintando La Palma/ Painting La Palma, Kimberly Mathis Pitts, Illustrated by Maria José Llort; Vista Tranquila Publishers; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: Winston-Salem, NC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Very colorful artwork. Wonderful that the illustrator is the daughter of Llort.'

SILVER MEDAL La expedición de la vacuna, F. Isabel Campoy; Velazquez Press; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; The author(s) lives in: Sarasota, FL; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Full of useful information.'

BRONZE MEDAL Martín Dihigo The Greatest Baseball Player You’ve Never Heard of, Darren López, Illustrated by Eric Kittelberger; ; Ancestry of the author(s): Puerto Rico and Colombia; The author(s) lives in: Washington DC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Great story. Easy to follow. Well told. Imagery is unique.'

Best Educational Children’s Picture Book

GOLD MEDAL Super Peanut and the Big Bully The Power of Kindness/Súper Cacahuate y EL Gran Bully El Poder de La Bondad, Bronx Baeza, Illustrated by Juan Calle; Cielito Lindo Books; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico, Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: Sacramento, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'From life experiences I had with my eight year old I really appreciated this book.'

SILVER MEDAL El Chu Chu de Emociones: Un libro para entender y hablar de emociones, MJ Flockhart; ; Ancestry of the author(s): Colombia; The author(s) lives in: San Diego, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I love this book. It explains all the emotions kids would feel...'

BRONZE MEDAL Brave Lolis’s Box Of Hope/ La Valiente Lolis y Su Caja De Esperanza, Armida Espinoza; ; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This a inspirational book for kids to be more kind and help others.'

BRONZE MEDAL Mi guardiana, Azahara Castillo, Illustrated by Maite García; Cuento de Luz; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I love this book. Something I would read to my daughter every night.'

Most Inspirational Children’s Picture Book – Bilingual

GOLD MEDAL ¡Todos a Bailar! Let’s get up and dance!, Adriana Devers, Illustrated by Vanessa Balleza; Cuentos de Triadas INC.; Ancestry of the author(s): Dominican Republic; The author(s) lives in: New York City; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I felt like I learned new things about dancing in this book. It is cute...'

SILVER MEDAL Escuela de Panteras, Américo Ramírez, illustrated by Alynor Díaz; Snow Fountain Press; Ancestry of the author(s): Venezuela.; The author(s) lives in: West Palm Beach. Fl; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book teaches kids about friendship. The book is cute.'

BRONZE MEDAL Antigua’s Amazing Sawdust Carpets, Kimberly Mathis Pitts; Vista Tranquila Publishers; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: Winston-Salem, NC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Beau%ful story and great content. Wonderful Guatemalan illustrator.'

BRONZE MEDAL Do I Belong Here? ¿Es este mi lugar?, René Colato Laínez, Ilustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck; Arte Publico Press-Piñata Books; Ancestry of the author(s): El Salvador; The author(s) lives in: Arleta, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Many children can relate to this story. Definitely enjoy the full circle ending.'

Most Inspirational Children’s Picture Book – English

GOLD MEDAL What the Bread Says, Vanessa García, Illustrations by Tim Palin; Cardinal Rule Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA/ Cuban ancestry; The author(s) lives in: Miami; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The guided questions in the book help keep the conversation going between child and caregiver.'

SILVER MEDAL La Mariachi, Isabel Estrada; Sleeping Bear Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexico; The author(s) lives in: Kalamazoo, MI; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The story illustrates a challenging situation.'

BRONZE MEDAL I’ll Be The Moon: A Migrant Child’s Story, Phillip D. Cortez, illustrated by Mafs Rodriguez Alpide; The Collective Book Studio ; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: El Paso, TX; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Beautiful book! Would highly recommend this book for a read-aloud.'

Inspirational Children’s Picture Book – Spanish

GOLD MEDAL Patricio el patito y su patita chueca, Camila Parada; Trayecto Editorial; Ancestry of the author(s): Chile; The author(s) lives in: Santiago de Chile; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I really enjoyed this book! I love that it highlighted helping a character with disabilities.'

SILVER MEDAL The Coquíes Still Sing/ Los coquies aún cantan, Karina Nicole Gonzalez; Roaring Brook Press- Macmillan; Ancestry of the author(s): Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: New York City; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The reader really feels the tone and the mood of this story.'

BRONZE MEDAL Durante La Tormenta, Maria Ignacia Henríquez; Trayecto Editorial; Ancestry of the author(s): Chile; The author(s) lives in: Santiago de Chile; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Well written and developed story appropriate for read aloud with young children, encouraging.'

BRONZE MEDAL Picnic de sorpresas, F. Isabel Campoy; Velazquez Press; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; The author(s) lives in: Sarasota, FL; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book was very cute. It had a theme going on what children usually experience in their home.'

Best Board Book

GOLD MEDAL The Life of/ La Vida de Llort, Cynthia Gonzalez; Lil’ Libros; Ancestry of the author(s): El Salvador; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book is so educational for little kids.'

SILVER MEDAL Contando te quieros, Vanessa Pérez-Sauquillo, illustrated by Elisa Bernat; Editorial RUBIO; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; The author(s) lives in: Madrid; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book is beautiful, I love how they teach little kids that they are loved, which is an important thing for a growing child.'

BRONZE MEDAL Celebrate the Day of the Dead!, Diane de Anda, Illustrated by Gloria Féliz; Crown Books for Young readers; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexican; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book is so colorful it will draw the attention of children.'

Best Latino Focused Chapter Book

GOLD MEDAL Warrior Girl, Carmen Tafolla; Nancy Paulsen Books (An Imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC); Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexican; The author(s) lives in: San Antonio, TX; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This a wonderful empowerment book for immigrant youth and really all girls.'

SILVER MEDAL Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice, Anna Lapera; Levine Querido; Ancestry of the author(s): Guatemala, Filipina; The author(s) lives in: Washington, D.C.; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Fabulous book. I feel in love with the character Mani. It was a great girl empowerment book.'

SILVER MEDAL Sincerely Sicily, Tamika Burgess; Harper Collins; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Panama; The author(s) lives in: San Diego, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I loved Sicily's story. Girls need to speak up.'

Best Chapter Fiction Book

GOLD MEDAL La tienda de salva, Almendra Vila; Babidi-Bú; Ancestry of the author(s): Spain; The author(s) lives in: Tortosa; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I loved this book from beginning to end!!!'

SILVER MEDAL Something Like Home, Andrea Beatriz Arango; Random House Books for Young Readers; Ancestry of the author(s): Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: Charlottesville, VA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Everyone in this country will relate to the main character, her aunt, and parents.'

BRONZE MEDAL Mariana, Alma Flor Ada & Gabriel Zubizarreta Ada; Velazquez Press; Ancestry of the author(s): Cuba, USA; The author(s) lives in: Sarasota, San Francisco; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I love the story.'

Best Educational Chapter Book

GOLD MEDAL Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico: A Diary from 1898, Adriana Erin Rivera, Illustrated by Eugenia Nobati; Capstone; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: New York City; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This is a story that needs to be told and heard. Excellent! I loved the fact that it had questions for discussion at the end and other notes. '

SILVER MEDAL Mara Turing#1 (serie 4Kids): Hackers en Nueva York, Javier Padilla; Samarcanda (LANTIA); Ancestry of the author(s): España; The author(s) lives in: Madrid ; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Kids will enjoy stories about technology! A mystery keeps the reader involved at all times. Great book! '

BRONZE MEDAL Bienvenida a Washington Fina Mendoza, Kitty Felde, translator Jorge Flores González; Chesapeake Press; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The author did an excellent jov in introducing the reader to Washington DC in a fun way.'

BRONZE MEDAL Mammals Unlocked/ Mamiferos Descubiertos, Dia L. Michels; Science, Naturally!; Ancestry of the author(s): u.s.a; The author(s) lives in: Washington,DC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Wonderful creatvie book about mammals. Great idea to start with a question about each mammal described.'

Best Young Adult Latino Focused Book

GOLD MEDAL The Garden of Second Chances, Mona Alvarado Frazier; She Writes Press/ Spark Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: Oxnard, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Good flow in the writing. Could not put book down.'

SILVER MEDAL Los Tejanos de Bexar, Irma Olivares; ; Ancestry of the author(s): US, Mexico, Spain, Native American; The author(s) lives in: San Antonio, TX; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Enjoyed reading it. The telling from the individual characters kept me hooked.'

Best Young Adult Fiction Book – English

GOLD MEDAL Wings in the Wild, Margarita Engle; Simon and Schuster; Ancestry of the author(s): USA/Cuba; The author(s) lives in: Fresno, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Incredible story of 2 totally different people coming together for love, for their convictions, their passions.'

SILVER MEDAL What the River Knows, Isabel Ibañez; Wednesday Books; Ancestry of the author(s): Bolivia, USA; The author(s) lives in: Asheville, NC; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This was a very exciting story that reminded me of 100 Years of Solitude. '

BRONZE MEDAL Ander & Santi Were Here, Jonny Garza Villa; Wednesday Books; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico,USA; The author(s) lives in: San Antonio, TX; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The story is excellent; beautiful, passionate, and heartbreaking. The characters are fully dimensional and empathetic.'

BRONZE MEDAL Borderless, Jennifer De Leon; Simon and Schuster; Ancestry of the author(s): Guatemalan-American; The author(s) lives in: Boston, MA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Mey was a very relatable character! Her family and friends were likeable and realistic.'

BRONZE MEDAL Breathe and Count Back From Ten, Natalia Sylvester; HarperCollins Español; Ancestry of the author(s): Peruvian American; The author(s) lives in: Miami, FL; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This was my favorite of the books I was able to read. The cast of this book was wonderfully written.'

BRONZE MEDAL Broke Hearts, Matt Mendez; Simon and Schuster; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: Tucson, AZ; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This was one of the best books I have read this year. It made me openly cry in a coffee shop.'

BRONZE MEDAL Infested, Angel Luis Colon; Simon and Schuster; Ancestry of the author(s): Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: New York, NY; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This would make for a great film. I thought this was fun.'

Best Young Adult Fiction Book – Spanish

GOLD MEDAL Confesiones Desde el Abismo, Jorge Ancizar Mejia; PanHouse- Casa editorial; Ancestry of the author(s): Colombia; The author(s) lives in: Miami, Fl; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The plot captures your atenttion immediately.'

SILVER MEDAL Al encuentro del Fuego, Helena Sampedro; PLANETA ; Ancestry of the author(s): España/USA / Puerto Rico ; The author(s) lives in: San Juan, PR/Madrid-España; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The narrative captures the attention and imagination of the reader. It is hard to leave...'

Best Young Adult Nonfiction Book

GOLD MEDAL Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War, Talia Aikens-Nuñez; Lerner Publishing Group; Ancestry of the author(s): USA; The author(s) lives in: New Haven, CT; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Interesting story! What valiant men whose story should be in our history books for high schools and colleges.'

SILVER MEDAL La inocencia en la mentira, Anita Corro; Ediciones Loaeza; Ancestry of the author(s): México; The author(s) lives in: Tustin, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Loved this journey of Ita’s and how she overcame obstacles and with hard work and determination.'

BRONZE MEDAL Our Voices: Little Stories Through A Latina Lens, Lizette Epps; Breadth of Hope, LLC; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: Philadelphia; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Nice collection of stories across the USA. Glad you incorporated the photos of the authors of each piece.'

Best Young Adult Fantasy & Adventure

GOLD MEDAL Reclaim the Stars, Zoraida Córdova; Wednesday Books; Ancestry of the author(s): Ecuador, USA; The author(s) lives in: New York City, NY; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Excellent! This one is going on my library shelf.'

SILVER MEDAL En la posada de Sofía, Cristina Molina; Áurea Ediciones; Ancestry of the author(s): Chile; The author(s) lives in: Santiago de Chile; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Well written! It reminds me of Poe or The Canterbury Tales.'

BRONZE MEDAL Lucha of the Night Forest, Tehlor Kay Mejia; Make Me A World; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexican, USA; The author(s) lives in: Portland, OR; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I liked the creation of a vibrant fantasy world rooted in Latin American culture...'

Best Young Adult Romance Book

GOLD MEDAL El secreto de tu magia, Cassandra Santiago; Portadas PR; Ancestry of the author(s): Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: Comerío, PR; Insights from the ILBA judges, ' It was a beautiful story from the beginning. Very well written.'

SILVER MEDAL Caught in a Bad Fauxmance, Elle Gonzalez Rose; Joy Revolution; Ancestry of the author(s): U.S. Puerto Rico; The author(s) lives in: Brooklyn, NY; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I enjoyed this book very much! Well done! Made me LOL a number of times.'

Most Inspirational Young Adult Book

GOLD MEDAL Across So Many Seas, Ruth Behar; Alfred A. Knopf; Ancestry of the author(s): Cuba; The author(s) lives in: Ann Arbor, MI; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'I hope to see this text in a movie one day. Her way of describing and even enlightening the audience with so many historical facts is riveting.'

SILVER MEDAL Al encuentro del Fuego, Helena Sampedro; PLANETA ; Ancestry of the author(s): España/USA / Puerto Rico ; The author(s) lives in: San Juan, PR/Madrid-España; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Helena Sampedro did a marvelous job bridging fiction with social justice and a cause that our society is not ready to face misogyny.'

SILVER MEDAL The Garden of Second Chances, Mona Alvarado Frazier; She Writes Press/ Spark Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: Oxnard, CA.; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This book, even if it is fiction, could very well be the story of any young undocumented woman.'

BRONZE MEDAL Wings in the Wild, Margarita Engle; Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Ancestry of the author(s): USA/Cuba; The author(s) lives in: Fresno, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'This is the book I want to have on my night stand and read to come to a place of calmness and understanding.'

The Charlie Ericksen Best Book Written by a Youth

GOLD MEDAL Super Peanut and the Big Bully The Power of Kindness/Súper Cacahuate y EL Gran Bully El Poder de La Bondad, Bronx Baeza, Illustrated by Juan Calle; Cielito Lindo Books; Ancestry of the author(s): Mexico, Mexican American; The author(s) lives in: Sacramento, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'The illustrations are superb! I can envision a tv show for children. GREAT BOOK!!!'

SILVER MEDAL Dr.Pren y el Guardián del Vórtice, Máximo César Castellanos; Editorial Ramy; Ancestry of the author(s): USA/México; The author(s) lives in: Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Fantastic cover. Make us care about the characters. Needs an editor.'

SILVER MEDAL Dried Lavender & Sage: Poems As I Grow, Julia Rae Rodriguez; Skillful and Soulful Press; Ancestry of the author(s): USA, Mexican; The author(s) lives in: Los Angeles, CA; Insights from the ILBA judges, 'Thank you for sharing your raw thoughts and feelings. Great read.'