Pura Belpré Awards honor outstanding books celebrating the Latine cultural experience.

Pura Belpré Illustrator Award 

Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lopez. illus. by Abraham Matias. Charlesbridge. ISBN 9781623544577.
PreS-Gr 2–Nana loves her family and her beloved dog, Popo. In the evenings, Popo keeps Nana warm as she settles down to watch her favorite telenovelas. This evening, Nana is tired and falls asleep. She wakes and finds herself crossing a river, Popo leading the way. Nana is tired and it is difficult as she and Popo continue their journey, passing through mountains, stone paths, snow, and more, but with each step Nana begins to feel stronger. Popo barks encouragement, tugging at Nana’s skirt. When Nana and Popo arrive home, she no longer feels pain, and Nana feels the love of her family, and the love they have for Popo. This lovely picture book shares a family's love for their beloved nana, and her journey as she passes away, traveling through the levels of Mictlān with her important guide, a xoloitzcuintle dog. Text and illustrations show the obstacles Nana faces, with vibrant, luminous colors bringing to life this otherworldly place, and paper cut-out art making the characters seems so much closer to readers. The text in both the English and Spanish versions shows character dialogue in speech bubbles, with page text describing Nana’s activities, her love for her family, and the levels of Mictlān. A touching depiction of this important belief in the afterlife, as well as a reminder of the good it does to keep loved ones alive through memory. VERDICT This picture book focusing on the passing of a loved one and their journey through Mictlān is an excellent addition to children’s picture book collections, and a solid choice to discuss loss and to share on Day of the Dead.-Selenia Paz

Pura Belpré Illustrator Honors

 A-Ztec: A Bilingual Alphabet Book by Emmanuel Valtierra. illus. by Emmanuel Valtierra. Levine Querido. ISBN 9781646145676.
K-Gr 3–In a style that closely mirrors old codices and echoes the work of Duncan Tonatiuh, Valtierra brings to life the beauty and vibrancy of Mexico and the Aztec peoples. This bilingual picture book is dedicated to the alphabet. From A to Z, the information covers games played, special animals that are still alive today, gods and the roles they hold, traditions, delicious foods, and important historical figures. Each spread includes the word for the letter of the alphabet, a poem in English and its Spanish text dedicated to that word, a pronunciation guide, and a breathtaking illustration. Each page holds not only a visual representation of the word, but exquisite details that will immerse readers in Aztec culture and make them wish to know more. From the color of the backgrounds to the styles of the text used for each word and to the way each poem is placed on the pages, this book radiates with a lyrical representation of culture. An author’s note accompanies the text, along with a pronunciation, etymology guide, and a QR code that leads to more about the words and art in the book. VERDICT From the informative bilingual poems to the incredible artwork, this title is a great choice to learn more about these important peoples. A must-have for children’s book collections.-Selenia Paz

The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo. illus. by John Picacio. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316295703.
Gr 2-5–A heartfelt journey through grief, memory, and celebration. Centered on young Cala, the story unfolds during the Day of the Dead as she grapples with the recent loss of her grandfather. What begins as a somber walk through her family’s offerings and traditions transforms into a magical and emotional voyage, guided by four symbolic horsemen. Each encounter offers Cala a profound moral lesson—not just about death, but about what it means to live, to feel, and to remember. Bardugo weaves family ritual, food, and decor into a narrative that highlights the essential role of community and tradition in the healing process. The use of motifs such as skeletons lends authenticity and beauty to Cala’s inner and outer worlds, reinforcing the message that celebration and sorrow are often entwined. Illustrations elevate the story further. With richly saturated colors (so much so in some scenes that text readability may be a challenge for newer readers) and expressive detail, the artwork captures the complexity of Cala’s emotions, from loneliness to connection. Shadows and bursts of color visually echo her transformation, emphasizing that while grief can feel isolating, love and memory tether us to the living and the departed alike. VERDICT A touching and visually stunning picture book that honors the depth of loss while celebrating the enduring power of family, tradition, and remembrance.-Jessica Calaway

Pura Belpré Children's (Author) Award

The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores. Lerner/Carolrhoda. ISBN 9798765610527.

Pura Belpré Children's (Author) Honors

A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780451479754.
Gr 6 Up–In this exploration of grief, generational impact, and healing, readers will find a book they can’t put down. Gonzalo Alberto Sánchez García is spending summer vacation with his estranged grandfather, author of a popular juvenile fantasy series. The next book in the series is launching, and the pair are supposed to fly cross-country for a book tour. Grandfather Alberto has other plans and friends to see, so they road-trip instead. Along the way, the two bond as Alberto shares snippets of his life and the dangers of his childhood in Cuba. Alberto softens towards Gonzalo and helps his grandson explore his grief. Gonzalo is struggling with the death of his scientist father; he is also distressed because he isn’t scientifically inclined and feels like he’s carrying the weight of saving the world by lowering carbon emissions. Alberto still grieves his parents and wife. Gonzalo’s mom Veronica joins them, and like a geyser, the pressure builds until the three travelers erupt and must deal with the unacknowledged grief, pain, and anger among them. Conversations frequently include Spanish, and context clues assist those who don't read the Spanish. While there are loose ends, the book ends on hopeful notes. VERDICT Purchase where more books on processing grief are needed.-Sarah Sieg 

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro. Sourcebooks. ISBN 9781728230559.

A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250342607.
Gr 4-6–A poignant novel in verse centering the true story of a community who rallied together to protect the right of Mexican children to attend school. Roberto Alvarez is a 12-year-old Mexican American boy, the youngest in his family, and he loves to read and learn. His neighborhood, or colonia, is a loving place that takes care of one another in good times and bad. When Roberto and the other Mexican kids from the colonia are told they are no longer allowed to attend the local school, the adults gather to fight against the segregationist powers to protect the future of their children. Roberto finds himself the face of the movement and hopes that he has what it takes to be a leader for his people and spread change. This well-written story of underexplored history makes a large impact as it follows Roberto’s highs and lows in realizing that the cause that he is fighting so hard for deeply impacts not just the people around him, but others struggling minorities around the country as well. The poetic format eloquently describes the emotions that flow through Roberto while still effectively relaying the facts of the Lemon Tree Incident reported in the back matter. Spanish language and phrases are used heavily throughout the novel; there is no glossary. VERDICT A highly recommended purchase for all libraries looking to expand their historical fiction collections with a novel sure to entrance readers.-Lindsey Morrison

Pura Belpré YA (Author) Award

On the Wings of la Noche by Vanessa L Torres. Knopf. ISBN 9780593426173.
Gr 9 Up–A haunting and beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of grief, love, and magical transformation through the life of Estrella “Noche” Villanueva. It’s a story about secrets, trying to understand one’s background and identity, as well as the pain that comes with growth and what it means to face grief. Estrella is devastated by the death of her girlfriend, Dante. While Estrella is a quiet teen who’s passionate about science by day, at night she comes alive as a Lechuza, a mythical owl-like creature that roams, full of strength and supernatural powers. As a Lechuza, Estrella is confident, but her sadness leads her to nightly visits to the lake where Dante drowned, desperate to keep her memory and soul alive. Yet if Dante’s soul lingers, her spirit still being around could lead to Estrella’s own demise. Readers will strongly feel Estrella’s emotions thanks to the author’s intense prose, and the book’s storytelling takes a beautiful spin when a new student enters her school. Jax, also a science enthusiast, deeply connects with Estrella. As they spend more time together, it brings up feelings within Estrella that she thought had been buried. She struggles with understanding herself and is torn between moving on, holding on to her grief, and with her complicated feelings towards Jax. VERDICT A haunting tale that mixes in supernatural and paranormal themes with what it means to love once more after losing a special someone.-Aurora Dominguez

Pura Belpré YA (Author) Honors 

Rosa by Any Other Name by Hailey Alcaraz. Viking. ISBN 9780593525579.
Gr 9 Up–Alcaraz’s striking story follows Rosa Capistrano, a Mexican American teenager coming of age in 1955 Phoenix, AZ. Determined to chase a future beyond the citrus fields where her family works, Rosa passes as white to attend a segregated, better-funded high school across town. What unfolds is a compelling portrait of a young woman leading a double life, caught between her family’s expectations, the pull of friendship, and high-stakes secrecy in a world marked by racial boundaries. Alcaraz writes with emotional depth, bringing Rosa’s voice to the page in a way that feels both intimate and unflinchingly honest. The novel explores identity, assimilation, and structural injustice by shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American segregation and the lived experiences of Mexican American youth in the Southwest. Interwoven references to Romeo and Juliet, including a tragic death, and moments grounded in Mexican American culture add layers to the narrative. This is historical fiction that feels timely and necessary, with strong appeal for readers who appreciate authors like Elizabeth Acevedo, Erika L. Sánchez, Ruta Sepetys, and Ashley Hope Pérez. For educators, it’s a valuable text to pair with units on civil rights, postwar America, and the complexities of cultural identity. VERDICT A powerful coming-of-age story about passing, resistance, and self-discovery. Recommended for YA collections.-Amanda Chacon

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide by Pablo Leon. illus. by Pablo Leon. HarperCollins/HarperAlley. ISBN 9780063223561.
Gr 8 Up–The horrific atrocity of the Guatemalan genocide is recounted as a historical fiction graphic novel based on the truths experienced and researched by author and illustrator, Leon. Painting a full picture of the past meeting the present, brothers Jose and Charlie know their mother Clara was from Guatemala, though they were both American born. Without much help from a father who left when they were young, Clara quietly worked hard and raised the boys without hinting at the past. Yet a chance encounter and a trial provide Jose with clues about the genocide and a goal to learn more. The plot uses intergenerational conflict as a necessary lens to showcase how trauma endures across generations. Clara’s secret keeping underscores the torment of being separated from family and watching neighbors die, never knowing who to trust and whether there were survivors. Evocative images that don’t shy away from portraying the tactics used by the guerrilla fighters and military are coupled with pervasive propaganda that will engender an emotional response from readers. Coarse language and violence are included, adding to the impact. Close-up images of the characters’ faces and well-paced discoveries make for a gripping and unforgettable read. VERDICT In every way, this title is hard to put down, difficult to forget, and unequivocally needed in all collections as buried stories of marginalized groups are brought to the forefront through the refreshingly accessible graphic novel format.-Alicia Abdul

The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez. Penguin/Dial. ISBN 9780593531877.
Gr 7 Up–This inspiring novel in verse details the story of Yulieta Lopez, a Black Latinx high school girl whose passions are theatre and poetry. Yulieta navigates a world full of microaggressions and casual racism in a small town in Texas, while dealing with a brother whose protest activities land him on the wrong side of bigots and her widowed mom struggling with lupus. She is extremely talented, but is continually passed over by her drama teacher for lead roles in favor of white girls. Her drama teacher relegates the students of color to the understudy cast while encouraging them to straighten or cover up their hair. Meanwhile, Yuli’s favorite teacher, Mr. Gonzalez, becomes the target of the local school board for his “inappropriate” classroom library, which inspires Yuli and her friends to stand up and be heard. Mendez’s poetry flows effortlessly, fully realizing Yuli’s struggles and joy, without sacrificing plot. Not unlike Yuli’s favorite play, Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf, this novel is an exploration of the ways in which Black girls have to navigate spaces in which they are unwelcome or overlooked, while unfairly also avoiding the “angry Black girl” stereotype. VERDICT A must-have for all YA collections.-Amy Shaw