Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15. This month is specifically designated to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The unusual date range (as opposed to September 1-30) was chosen to include September 15, which is the independence day of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; as well as October 12, the day designated as Colombus Day or Dia de la Raza.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are this year's Pura Belpre Award medal and honor books. 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.
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In 1960s New York, fifth-grader Ruthie, a Cuban-Jewish immigrant, must rely on books, art, her family, and friends in her multicultural neighborhood when an accident puts her in a body cast. |
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A rhyming twist on a classic fairy tale in which a queen places a pea under a young lady's mattress to see if she is truly a princess. |
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A relaxing summer under the banyan trees in Miami is turned upside-down by Arturo's cute new neighbor, who helps him in his quest to use the power of poetry, protest and family stories to stop the plans of a land developer who wants to demolish his Abuela's restaurant and surrounding community. |
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When her first day at a new school is overshadowed by a clash with a queen bee and her dress code violating punk-rock clothes, 12-year-old Malú listens to her faraway dad's advice and resolves to be herself by pursuing the interests she loves and standing up to an anti-punk administration. |
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Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature. |
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A picture book tribute to the iconic Mexican artist reveals how the animals in her life and her personal struggles inspired many of her works of art and how her achievements raised awareness about her indigenous culture and the female form. |