Big Winners
Echo
Newbery Honor Book and Odyssey Honor Recording
There is no doubt that Pam Muñoz Ryan is a master storyteller. From the author of "Esperanza Rising" comes this fantastical tale that blends historical events with traditional fairy tales. When young Otto is rescued in a forbidden forest by three sisters, he promises to break the curse that is on them by secreting them away in a magic harmonica. Years later, three children enduring hardships of their own come into contact with the harmonica and must write their own happy endings.
To buy: Amazon, $12
RELATED: 10 Latino Children's Books About Love and Friendship
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Sibert Informational Book Award and Belpré Illustrator Honor Book
Parents and children alike will thoroughly enjoy Duncan Tonatiuh's biography of José Guadalupe Posada, who is best remembered for his drawings of Day of the Dead calaveras, especially La Catrina. From lithography to engraving to etching, Posada's talent and creativity will inspire your children. Tonatiuh's distinct collage technique merges Posada's art into his own illustrations.
To buy: Amazon, $15
Out of Darkness
Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award
Though the author, Ashley Hope Pérez, is not a Latina, the main character is a Mexican-American teen who has fallen in love with an African-American during a time when racial tensions run high. This is a young adult novel set against the historical background of the New London School explosion in Texas in the late 1930s.
To buy: Amazon, $13
Undocumented
Alex Award
"Undocumented" is the autobiography of Dan-el Padilla Peralta, an undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic. From living in a homeless shelter in New York City to graduating as salutatorian of his Princeton class, this book shares the remarkable life of this young man and is a testament to the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
To buy: Amazon, $10
Enchanted Air
Pura Belpré Author Award and YALSA Award Finalist
Margarita Engle's deeply personal memoir recounts her own childhood and the conflict she feels when she must leave behind her Cuban home to come live in the U.S. Written in Engle's free-verse style, "Enchanted Air" will keep you turning the pages with it's vivid imagery and passionate voice.
To buy: Amazon, $18
Drum Dream Girl
Pura Belpré Illustrator Award
Margarita Engle weaves her magic once again as she tells the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban who had an amazing talent and love of drums. But in the 1930s, girls were not allowed to play the drums in Cuba — especially not in public! However, Millo summoned her courage and dared to play, paving the way for future generations of female drummers. The story is made complete by Rafael Lopez's vibrant illustrations.
To buy: Amazon, $13
