Awarded by: The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and also REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate.
Velasquez, Eric (2010). Grandma’s
Gift. New York, New York: Walker
Publishing Company,
Inc.
Genre:
Biographical Picture Book
Eric Velazquez recalls a museum trip with his grandmother
in which he is awestruck by a painting of Juan De Paraja by Diego
Velasquez. This painting opened Eric’s
world view. He saw a hero that looked
like he did. After the trip, his grandma
gave him a sketchbook and colored pencils-his first set! “I believe I am an artist today because of
that painting.” remarks Eric Velazquez.
This book would be a great way to introduce biographies. The illustrations are exceptional and are so
realistic and detailed, that they almost look like photographs.
Also, this book would be an effective way to help
writers understand the concept of “exploding the moment” in their own
writing. Focus on one event and really
tell it! Little ones can see the detail
in these pictures and see the need to add more to their own. Readers will also enjoy learning some Spanish
words as they read this story and perhaps recall special days with their own
grandmothers.
Tonatiuh, Duncan (2010). Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin.
New York, New York: Abrams
Books
for Young Readers.
Genre: Realistic Fiction picture book
Two cousins, Carlito and Charlie, exchange letters
detailing their different lives in the U.S. and Mexico. While they eat different foods, and play
different games, there are also similarities.
At the end, both boys want to visit each other very much. This book would be a wonderful way to discuss
and record similarities and differences.
Additionally, many children will be able to relate to the daily
activities of these boys and interest will be high. The author used ancient Mexican art as his
inspiration and this makes the pictures highly unusual and memorable.
Other Awards:
Brown, Monica (2011). Marisol
McDonald Doesn’t Match. New York,
New York: Childrens’
Book
Press.
Genre:
Fiction Picture Book
Marisol McDonald is a child who stands out from her
peers for many reasons. Her fiery red hair
and nut brown skin don’t match. She
likes to wear mismatched clothes and eat peanut butter and jelly burritos. She is unique and likes it that way. One day, a boy challenges her to
“match”. She spends the day trying to be
like everyone else and she is miserable.
Her teacher gives her a loving note expressing how much she likes
Marisol just the way she is. At home, her
family celebrates her decision to continue to be herself and stand out. The illustrations by Sara Palacios are
vibrant and playful. There is a sense of
collage work as you can see some Spanish newsprint within some of the
illustrations. The illustrations
contribute to the unique character of Marisol.
I think they help to endear her to the readers. This bilingual story is a wonderful
celebration of individuality. The class
could list ways that we are alike and ways that we are different. Children can draw or create images of
themselves and describe them to the class.
(Hair, skin, clothing, favorite foods, games, colors, etc.) The concept that we can be so different yet all
together would be a wonderful message to impart on a daily basis. A child’s sense of self must be nurtured from
an early age. Self-confidence and a
positive mindset will result and will influence their future choices in a
positive way.
Other Awards:
2012 International Latino Book Award
2012 ALSC Notable Book
Junior Library Guild Selection Fall 2011
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