Pura Belpre Award

Andrew, Nancy. (2002). The pot that Juan built. (D. Diaz, Illus.). New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.

Summary:
Through beautiful illustrations and a cumulative rhyme, Nancy Andrew and David Diaz tell the story of Juan Quezada – a potter from Mexico. The cumulative rhyme is based on the rhyme The House That Jack Built. In additional to the rhyme, the book is full of additional information on the life and career of Juan Quezada. The book also includes an afterword that includes additional information about Juan and the steps he goes through to create his world famous pots.

Genre: Informational
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2004 Pura Belpre Award Honor Book – Illustrations
2004-2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

Canales, Viola. (2005). The tequila worm. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

Summary:
Viola Canales shares the story of Sofia, a young Hispanic girl that grew up in a barrio in McAllen, Texas. The Tequila Worm follows Sofia through her life as she and her family celebrates traditional Hispanic holidays and traditions. When Sofia decides to get back at a girl for calling her ‘taco head’ by getting better grades and doing better in soccer, Sofia is rewarded with a scholarship to an elite boarding school in Austin. The book continues with Sofia’s life at boarding school where she tries to incorporate her traditions with the activities of upper class. By keeping her ties to her family and traditions, Sofia grows up and ends up helping the community that she grew up in.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): Young Adult
Awards:
2006 ALA Notable/Best Book
2006 Pura Belpre Award Winner – Narrative

Deedy, Carmen Agra. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach: a Cuban folktale. (M. Austin, Illus.). Atlanta: Peachtree.

Summary:
In this retelling of a Cuban folktale, Carmen Deedy and Michael Austin introduce readers to Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha through beautiful illustrations and a great story. Martina has come of age (21 days old) and must find a husband. Her grandmother tells her there is only one way to find the perfect husband – the coffee test. Martina is skeptical, but tries it on her first suitor and it works. After meeting several suitors and having all of them fail the test, Martina is downhearted and depressed. But her grandmother encourages her to meet one more suitor – Perez the mouse. When Martina is about to perform the coffee test on Perez, he spills his coffee first. Surprised, but excited Martina decides to make Perez her husband.

Genre: Folktale
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2008 Pura Belpre Award Honor Book – Narrative
2008-2009 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
2008 ALA Notable/Best Book

Soto, Gary. (2000). Chato and the party animals. (S. Guevara, Illus.). New York: G.P Putnam’s Sons.

Summary:
With the use of English, Spanish, and slang Gary Soto shares the story of Chato, a cat living in the barrio. Novio Boy is sad and Chato wants to cheer him up. During a friend’s birthday party, Novio Boy becomes depressed because he has never had a birthday since he grew up in a pound and never knew his mami. Chato, being the cool vato that he is, plans a huge, surprise birthday bash for him. With everything set and all the friends gathered, nobody can find the guest of honor – Chato has forgotten to invite him! A search party is put together, everyone is searching, but no one can find Novio Boy. Chato thinks the worse and everyone begins to remember the great times they had with Novio Boy. Of course, he shows up at the end and everyone parties the night away.

Genre: Animal Fantasy
Format: Picture Book
Suggested Grade Level(s): K – 3rd
Awards:
2001 ALA Notable/Best Book
2002 Pura Belpre Award Winner - Illustrations