2010 Pura Belpré Award Winners

The Pura Belpré Award honors “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.” (Pura Belpré Award Site)

The 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

Rafael López, the illustrator of Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros, is the winner of the 2010 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award. The picture book was written by Pat Mora.

“In Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El día de los niños/El día de los libros, Rafael López utilizes vibrant colors and applies magical realism to show that the love of reading is universal. Through a series of fanciful images, the author depicts Latino children inviting children of other cultures into their book fiesta, leading the reader on a visual journey that shows that reading sparks the imagination across all cultures and has the power to unite us. This informational children’s book will also serve as a valuable resource to those planning El día de los niños/El día de los libros in their communities.” (January 18, 2010 ALA announcement) For more about the book, see my review of Book Fiesta!
(Rayo, An Imprint of HarperCollins, 2009. ISBN: 9780061288777) Compare prices.

The 2010 Pura Belpré Honor Books for illustration

Note: All of the quotations about the Pura Belpré Honor Books in this article come from the January 18, 2010 ALA announcement.

• Diego: Bigger Than Life, illustrated by David Diaz and written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand “In Diego: Bigger Than Life, David Diaz captures the essence of the great Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, through his use of bold colors and stylized “bigger than life” figures. Diaz’s jewel-toned scenes of Diego’s life enliven the poetic prose of Bernier-Grand. The illustrator’s art gives youth an aesthetic experience that inspires and connects them with their Latino cultural heritage.”
  (Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009. ISBN: 978-0761453833) Compare prices.

• My Abuelita, illustrated by Yuyi Morales and written by Tony Johnston “In My Abuelita, Yuyi Morales fashions a world with polymer clay, wire, wood, metals and Mexican crafts. This innovative artist juxtaposes rich colors to marry the real and the imaginary, captured in digitally manipulated photos that are worlds unto their own.”
  (Harcourt Children’s Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. ISBN: 9780152163303) Compare prices.

• Gracias Thanks, illustrated by John Parra and written by Pat Mora “In Gracias Thanks, John Parra captures the small pleasures of Latino family life in his nostalgic folk art illustrations. Each page exudes warmth and love expressed through ordinary Latino experiences and evokes a deep sense of gratitude for Latino culture.”
  (Lee & Low Books Inc., 2009. ISBN: 9781600602580) Compare prices.

The 2010 Pura Belpré Author Award

Julia Alvarez, the author of Return to Sender, is the winner of the 2010 Pura Belpré Author Award.

“Julia Alvarez explores the thin line that separates American citizens and undocumented persons in her brilliantly told novel, Return to Sender. After Tyler’s father is unable to maintain the family farm, he hires undocumented workers, resulting in an interdependent relationship that mirrors current social and political conditions in the United States. Alvarez humanizes a situation by giving a voice to millions of immigrants experiencing similar hardships. This outstanding novel about the solidarity between two children of different cultures will resonate in the hearts of readers of any age.

“’This is a remarkable and unforgettable story that transcends differences and borders,” said González.” (January 18, 2010 ALA media announcement) (Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. ISBN: 9780375858383) Compare prices.

2010 Pura Belpré Honor Books for Narration

• Federico García Lorca, written by Georgina Lázaro and illustrated by Enrique S. Moreiro “Written in Spanish, Georgina Lázaro’s lyrical poetry evokes the spirit and style of the beloved 20th century poet and playwright, Federico García Lorca. Lázaro gives children a close personal experience with classic Spanish literature in a picture book biography.”
  (Lectorum Publications Inc., 2009. ISBN: 9781933032399) Compare prices.

• Diego: Bigger Than Life, written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand and illustrated by David Diaz “Carmen T. Bernier-Grand weaves through the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera in Diego: Bigger Than Life. A series of chronological poems delve into his controversial life. The poetry resonates with the passion that Rivera had for his art.”
  (Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009. ISBN: 9780761453833) Compare prices.

The annual Belpré Award winners and Belpré Honor Books are a great resource for parents, teachers, librarians and kids looking for books affirming the Latino cultural experience.