Here is a nice follow up to the last post that could not wait until my return to the States:
On Monday, the American Library Association (ALA) released its official announcement of their Youth Media Awards for 2009:
The following is a listing of the 2009 Pura Belpré Awards, which honor the work of Latino authors and illustrators "whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children's books." (It is worth mentioning that the previously biannual award will be granted annually from now on.)
The 2009 Belpré Illustrator Award went to Yuyi Morales for “Just in Case," published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership. The book is a follow up to Morales´ 2004 Belpré winner "Just a Minute."
The 2009 Belpré Author Award went to Margarita Engle for “The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom” published by Henry Holt and Company, LLC. This marks Engle´s second consecutive win; she won the award last year for "The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano."
The Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were: “Papá and Me” illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, written by Arthur Dorros, published by Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “The Storyteller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos” illustrated by Lulu Delacre, written by Lucía González, published by Children’s Book Press; and “What Can You Do with a Rebozo?” illustrated by Amy Córdova, written by Carmen Tafolla, published by Tricycle Press, an imprint of Ten Speed Press.
The Belpré Author Honor Books were: “Just in Case” written by Yuyi Morales, published by Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership; “Reaching Out” written by Francisco Jiménez, published by Houghton Mifflin Company; and “The Storyteller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos,” written by Lucía González and published by Children’s Book Press.
And perhaps the biggest surprise of the year: In addition to receiving this year´s Belpré Medal for narrative, Margarita Engle´s “The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom” was also named a Newbery Honor Book! A first for a Latino author!
So let´s congratulate all of this year´s winners, and celebrate this new milestone! This is already shaping up to be another wonderful year for Latino literature! ¡Felicidades!
For a complete listing of ALA´s Youth Media Awards for 2009 go to: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/january2009/ymawrap.cfm
January 26, 2009
An Update and Some Shameless Promotion
I am out of the country until the first week of February, when I will resume posting. In the meantime, I want to let you know that I continue to work on future posts that I hope will be of interest to you, and that I am still open to ideas and suggestions, so keep those coming, and keep visiting and subscribing!
I can´t resist taking advantage of this forum to share some news as well: On January 1st of this year, Rayo published the bilingual Pelé, King of Soccer/ Pelé, El rey del fútbol, by award-winning author, Monica Brown. I am letting you know about it not because I edited the book, as many of you already know, but because I really believe that it is excellent, and worth knowing about. And I am not alone: Pelé has already received many positive reviews, two of them starred. Since this blog is about promoting and supporting the work of excellent Latino authors and illustrators, I wanted to share the excellent work that Monica Brown and Rudy Gutiérrez did on this book and encourage you to check it out. You can find a link to both the author and illustrator´s websites on this page. Monica´s page has links to the reviews and to an interview I did with her for Críticas magazine. Personally, I think that this book represents the first opportunity to help make this the year that we celebrate Latino children´s literature! Buy It Here
I can´t resist taking advantage of this forum to share some news as well: On January 1st of this year, Rayo published the bilingual Pelé, King of Soccer/ Pelé, El rey del fútbol, by award-winning author, Monica Brown. I am letting you know about it not because I edited the book, as many of you already know, but because I really believe that it is excellent, and worth knowing about. And I am not alone: Pelé has already received many positive reviews, two of them starred. Since this blog is about promoting and supporting the work of excellent Latino authors and illustrators, I wanted to share the excellent work that Monica Brown and Rudy Gutiérrez did on this book and encourage you to check it out. You can find a link to both the author and illustrator´s websites on this page. Monica´s page has links to the reviews and to an interview I did with her for Críticas magazine. Personally, I think that this book represents the first opportunity to help make this the year that we celebrate Latino children´s literature! Buy It HereJanuary 7, 2009
A Nerd, a Radio, and a Poem: 2008 in Review
Those who know me are well acquainted with my incurable optimism and can-do attitude. They count on me to see the good side of things and find solutions to problems—and I often do both. Looking back over this past year however, it seemed that I might have my work cut out for me. Because, Obama’s historic win aside, not much “good” seems to have taken place in 2008. When looking back, most will (rightly) recall a year riddled with layoffs, corporate bailouts, bonus and hiring freezes, and a general feeling of hopelessness, even among those who were “lucky” enough to remain employed.
But those of us who care about Latino literature can look back on this past year with a sense of pride, even renewed hope. We can and should remember that something truly great happened in 2008: some of our best and brightest (and in some cases, youngest) Latino authors received an unprecedented and well deserved amount of recognition; the kind hereto reserved only for Hollywood celebrities. It all started with Junot Díaz’s The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In 2008 it seemed as though Junot was everywhere: On bestsellers lists—in both English and Spanish—, and on English and Spanish language media (Who can forget his appearance on the Colbert Report? And, ask a Univison viewer about him and they will say: “Junot has not forgotten where he came from,” or “I was surprised by how good his Spanish is!”). Yes, Junot became a bona fide literary celebrity over the past year. But he was not the only one who would receive that much-deserved praise.
Next, came the PEN USA awards. I had to read the announcement twice to make sure that I had not misread the names of not one, but TWO Latinos on the awards list. Yes, it was true! Daniel Alarcón had won the Fiction Award for Lost City Radio, and my dear friend Juan Felipe Herrera had (finally!) won the Poetry Award for his 187 Reasons Why Mexicanos Can’t Cross the Border! That was the moment when I decided that Latino authors were on a roll in 2008. They were unstoppable. Even a deceased Latino author received praise when Roberto Bolaño’s 2666 made The New York Times’ “Best Books of 2008” list! And so, my optimism preserved, I set out to write a post about all of the accomplishments that have made 2008 a great year for Latino writing.
And then came the sobering reminder that there is still much work to be done, in the form of Melita Marie Garza’s piece for Bloomsberg News, published on the second-to-last day of the year (a portion of which was reprinted in The New York Times on that same day). The article refers to a recent study that reveals a steady decline in the representation of Latino and African- American characters in Newbery Award winners. The article quotes authors such as Sherman Alexie and Julia Alvarez, as well as Pat Scales, the president of ALSC (the Association for Library Services to Children that runs the Newbery Award). I think it is worth reading, so I am sharing it here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aCT1f48_Qwzo
You may draw your own conclusions after reading the article, but here is what I propose:
I propose that we use the momentum gained in 2008 to concentrate on providing the same amount of support granted to adult Latino literature to children’s Latino literature. Let’s remember that 1 in 4 children younger than 5 living in the U.S. is now of Latino heritage, and that it is they who will carry our culture and tradition to future generations.
So, a toast to 2008: the year of (adult) Latino literature! And as we share in the joy, let's do everything we can to make 2009 the year of children’s Latino literature. I know we can!
But those of us who care about Latino literature can look back on this past year with a sense of pride, even renewed hope. We can and should remember that something truly great happened in 2008: some of our best and brightest (and in some cases, youngest) Latino authors received an unprecedented and well deserved amount of recognition; the kind hereto reserved only for Hollywood celebrities. It all started with Junot Díaz’s The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In 2008 it seemed as though Junot was everywhere: On bestsellers lists—in both English and Spanish—, and on English and Spanish language media (Who can forget his appearance on the Colbert Report? And, ask a Univison viewer about him and they will say: “Junot has not forgotten where he came from,” or “I was surprised by how good his Spanish is!”). Yes, Junot became a bona fide literary celebrity over the past year. But he was not the only one who would receive that much-deserved praise.
Next, came the PEN USA awards. I had to read the announcement twice to make sure that I had not misread the names of not one, but TWO Latinos on the awards list. Yes, it was true! Daniel Alarcón had won the Fiction Award for Lost City Radio, and my dear friend Juan Felipe Herrera had (finally!) won the Poetry Award for his 187 Reasons Why Mexicanos Can’t Cross the Border! That was the moment when I decided that Latino authors were on a roll in 2008. They were unstoppable. Even a deceased Latino author received praise when Roberto Bolaño’s 2666 made The New York Times’ “Best Books of 2008” list! And so, my optimism preserved, I set out to write a post about all of the accomplishments that have made 2008 a great year for Latino writing.
And then came the sobering reminder that there is still much work to be done, in the form of Melita Marie Garza’s piece for Bloomsberg News, published on the second-to-last day of the year (a portion of which was reprinted in The New York Times on that same day). The article refers to a recent study that reveals a steady decline in the representation of Latino and African- American characters in Newbery Award winners. The article quotes authors such as Sherman Alexie and Julia Alvarez, as well as Pat Scales, the president of ALSC (the Association for Library Services to Children that runs the Newbery Award). I think it is worth reading, so I am sharing it here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aCT1f48_Qwzo
You may draw your own conclusions after reading the article, but here is what I propose:
I propose that we use the momentum gained in 2008 to concentrate on providing the same amount of support granted to adult Latino literature to children’s Latino literature. Let’s remember that 1 in 4 children younger than 5 living in the U.S. is now of Latino heritage, and that it is they who will carry our culture and tradition to future generations.
So, a toast to 2008: the year of (adult) Latino literature! And as we share in the joy, let's do everything we can to make 2009 the year of children’s Latino literature. I know we can!
December 24, 2008
December 21, 2008
New Blog on the Block: Voces
I want to share a wonderfully unexpected post from my friend and fellow blogger Adriana López, from Críticas magazine, who was kind enough to spread the word about this site and the work I am trying to do here. Thank you Adriana!
New Blog on the Block: Voces: "There’s a new voice on the Latino blog block. It’s Críticas’ fomer Children’s Review Editor, Adriana Dominguez, and ..."
New Blog on the Block: Voces: "There’s a new voice on the Latino blog block. It’s Críticas’ fomer Children’s Review Editor, Adriana Dominguez, and ..."
December 20, 2008
MÁS LIBROS PARA REGALAR ESTA NAVIDAD
¡Felicitaciones a los ganadores de los libros recomendados en el programa "Al Despertar" de Univision el 18 de diciembre! Muchos de ustedes me han escrito diciendo que hallaron las recomendaciones muy útiles, por lo que decidí poner algunas más. Gracias por el apoyo y el entusiasmo. Sigan visitando para recibir más recomendaciones, noticias y sorpresas. ¡Felices fiestas!
Por la vida de mi hermana, por Jodi Picoult (Atria, 2008) La autora de esta novela originalmente escrita en inglés ganó un premio por su producción literaria completa en el 2003. Este desgarradora novela presenta una serie de planteamientos éticos y morales importantes a la vez que pregunta: ¿Hasta dónde puede llegar el amor que sentimos por nuestros familiares más cercanos?
LIBROS PARA ADULTOS
Más novelas:
Tres tristes tigres, por Guillermo Cabrera Infante (Rayo, 2008) Cabrera Infante falleció en el 2005, pero esta y otras de sus novelas ya forman parte de los clásicos de la literatura cubana y latinoamericana.
Marley y yo, por John Grogan (Rayo, 2008) La novela original en inglés estuvo en la lista de best sellers del New York Times por más de un año. Esta conmovedora historia es ahora una película, lo cual seguramente hará la novela aún más popular, si esto es posible.
Por la vida de mi hermana, por Jodi Picoult (Atria, 2008) La autora de esta novela originalmente escrita en inglés ganó un premio por su producción literaria completa en el 2003. Este desgarradora novela presenta una serie de planteamientos éticos y morales importantes a la vez que pregunta: ¿Hasta dónde puede llegar el amor que sentimos por nuestros familiares más cercanos?La dama azul, por Javier Sierra (Atria, 2007) Una novela perfecta para los amantes del misterio y la intriga, escrita por el autor español del best seller del New York Times La cena secreta.
Para los interesados en la política:
La audacia de la esperanza, por Barack Obama (Vintage Español, 2007) Barack Obama se registró en la historia estadounidense al convertirse en el primer presidente de color de este país. Este libro nos permite adentrarnos en la mente y los pensamientos de este hombre, que muchos creen es capaz de cambiar el mundo entero.
Para los seguidores de Paulo Coelho:
El mago, por Fernando Morais (Rayo, 2008) Este tomo de 700 páginas relata la trayectoria completa—desde su niñez hasta el presente—de uno de los escritores más populares y fascinantes de nuestro tiempo, revelando así algunos de los aspectos más intimos de su personalidad.
LIBROS PARA NIÑOS (por edades)
(¡Un libro también puede ser un regalo excelente para El día de Reyes!)
De 4 a 8 años:
Let's Eat!/¡A comer!; Sweet Dreams/Dulces sueños; Here, Kitty, Kitty!/¡Ven, gatita ven!, por Pat Mora (Rayo, 2008)
Estos libros son parte de una nueva seria llamada "My Family/Mi familia" por la premiada escritora. Los textos son simples permitiendo que los más pequeños los lean junto con sus padres (en ambos idiomas). La familia hispana de hoy es bilingüe, y estos libros son unos de los muy pocos que la muestran en todo su tierno, cómico y bello esplendor.
Nancy la elegante, por Jane O'Connor (Rayo, 2008) La edición original en inglés es el libro ilustrado más popular de los últimos años. Perfecto para las niñas que se hallan en su etapa rosada y "elegante".
El mejor regalo del mundo/The Best Gift of All, por Julia Álvarez. (Santillana USA, 2008) En este libro bilingüe, una de las escritoras latinas más importantes de Estados Unidos relata la historia de un personaje del folclor de su República Dominicana, a la vez que enseña a los más pequeños lectores el significado de la verdadera generosidad. Un bonito mensaje para las fiestas.
My Name is Gabito/Me llamo Gabito, por Monica Brown (National Book Network, 2007) Las ilustraciones de esta hermosa biografía bilingüe de Gabriel García Márquez—o "Gabo", como le llaman sus amigos—ganaron un premio importante de la literatura infantil norteamericana. La narración de la escritora peruana captura las características del realismo mágico que hizo de su sujeto uno de los escritores más importantes y populares de todos los tiempos.
De 7 años en adelante:
Poems to Dream Together/Poemas para soñar juntos, por Francisco X. Alarcón (Lee & Low, 205) Una colección de poemas bilingües por uno de los poetas chicanos más premiados de Estados Unidos que celebra la familia, la comunidad, y el poder de la imaginación de los niños.
De 14 años en adelante:
Brisingr, por Christopher Paolini (Roca, 2008) Uno de los mega best sellers del momento en inglés, esta es la tercera entrega de la serie Herencia por el popular escritor de Eragón. ¡Perfecto para varones encantados por la fantasía!
Crepúsculo/Luna nueva/Eclipse/Amanecer, por Stephanie Meyer (Santillana USA, 2007, 2008) He aquí la saga completa del fenómeno más grande de la literatura juvenil desde Harry Potter. La película despertará interés por los libros en las jóvenes que aún no los han leído, lo cual representa una oportunidad perfecta para fomentar la lectura, ya que a pesar de su tema (un romance vampiro), los libros son bastante castos.
December 17, 2008
LIBROS PARA REGALAR ESTA NAVIDAD
Libros recomendados en el programa "Al Despertar" de Univision el 18 de diciembre, 2008:
LIBROS PARA ADULTOS
Para los amantes de la buena literatura:
La breve y maravillosa vida de Óscar Wao, por Junot Díaz (Vintage Español, 2008) La primera novela del talentoso escritor dominicano criado en New Jersey, escrita originalmente en inglés, recibió el premio más importante de la literatura estadounidense, el Pulitzer, en el 2008.
Radio Ciudad Perdida, por Daniel Alarcón (Santillana USA, 2007) Este fue el año de la literatura hispana en Estados Unidos: El peruano Daniel Alarcón también recibió un importante premio, llamado PEN, por la mejor novela del año.
Para los que prefieren la
no-ficción, o temas de actualidad:
El Secreto y El Secreto: El libro de la gratitud, por Rhonda Byrne (Atria, 2007, 2008) El fenómeno literario que revela "El secreto" para ayudarte a traer más amor y felicidad a tu vida ahora tiene un diario compañero que incluye pensamientos inspiradores escritors por la autora. Toma en cuenta que cada uno de los libros de vende por separado.
Para los que hallan su inspiración en la religión:
El propósito de celebrar la Navidad, por Rick Warren (Simon & Schuster, 2008) Escrito por el autor del best seller #1 del New York Times, Una vida con propósito, este nos ofrece los tres propósitos de la Navidad que nos ayudarán a resolver nuestras necesidades más grandes.
Para el amor de tu vida:
Intimismos/Intimacies, por Pablo Neruda (Rayo, 2008) Esta hermosa edición bilingüe ilustrada presenta una selección de poemas de amor del popular ganador del Premio Nobel, en su español original y en traducciones al inglés brillantemente realizadas por Alastair Reid.
LIBROS PARA NIÑOS Y JÓVENES (por edades)
De 3 a 6 años:
I'm Just Like My Mom/I'm Just Like My Dad; Me parezco tanto a mi mamá/Me parezco tanto a mi papá, por Jorge Ramos (Rayo, 2008) Este simpático libro bilingüe, escrito por el periodista más conocido de Estados Unidos, celebra los lazos que unen los niños a sus papás.
De 4 a 8 años:
Olivia se prepara para la Navidad, por Ian Falconer (Lectorum, 2008) Parte de la premiada serie de libros protagonizada por la adorable cerdita, la calidad de este libro y su tema navideño hacen de él un regalo perfecto para las fiestas.
De 5 a 10 años:
Merry Navidad! Villancicos en español e inglés, por Alma Flor Ada y F. Isabel Campoy (Rayo, 2007) Como su título lo indica, este libro celebra la Navidad por medio de la música tradicional de nuestros países. Perfecto para compartir nuestra cultura con los más pequeños.
De 9 a 12 años:
Los cuentos de Beedle el Bardo, por J.K. Rowling (Salamandra, 2008) El nuevo libro de J.K. Rowling es el regalo perfecto para los fanáticos de Harry Potter, ¡y sabemos que estos vienen en todas las edades!
De 14 años en adelante:
Crepúsculo, El libro oficial de la película, por Mark Cotta Vaz (Santillana, 2009) El fenómeno de la literatura juvenil se ha convertido en una película, justo a tiempo para las fiestas. Esta atractiva edición, repleta de fotos y anécdotas de la filmación, fascinará a las jóvenes fanáticas de esta serie.
December 16, 2008
Welcome!/¡Bienvenidos!
I've created this blog with one goal in mind: To provide you with a place to read about Latino authors, their books, and news related to the Latino book market (with a special emphasis on the Latino children's market). We write and speak in two languages, often seamlessly switching between the two, hence, this blog will sometimes switch from English to Spanish, depending on the source of the content. Latino authors, publishers, agents, booksellers, journalists, this is your blog too; I encourage you to participate by sending me your news, events, releases, anything you'd like to let others know about. The name of this blog does not only refer to Latino authors, but to our collective effort in using our "voices" to promote the work of Latino authors and books. This is a work in progress, and I look forward to your feedback to help me make this the place where Latino authors and books are the #1 priority. I hope that you will join me on this wonderful new journey. Saludos!
"Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar..."—Antonio Machado
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