Américas Award

Created on April 22, 2021, 5:45 pm

Last Updated April 22, 2021, 6:12 pm

The Américas Award is given in recognition of U.S. works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction (from picture books to works for young adults) published in the previous year in English or Spanish that authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean or Latinos in the United States. By combining both and linking the Americas, the award reaches beyond geographic borders, as well as multicultural boundaries, focusing instead upon cultural heritages within the hemisphere. The award is sponsored by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP). The Américas Award winners, honorable mention titles and commended titles are selected for their: 1) Distinctive literary quality 2) Cultural contextualization 3) Exceptional integration of text, illustration and design; and 4) Potential for classroom use. The winning books are honored at a ceremony in September during Hispanic Heritage Month at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Notes
Américas Award Winner 2020. When twelve-year old Manuel finds a young boy bleeding in the family’s fields in Oaxaca Mexico, he knows La Bestia, the train, has killed him. This discovery is Manuel’s call to adventure to join his brother Tono, who left four years before. Little does Manuel know when he too rides atop the Beast that his journey to the United States will take three years. Manuel’s present tense narration brings the brutal hardships of evading police, confronting gangs, and falling prey to thieves up close to readers. Yet alongside the trauma, Manuel’s travails are tempered with the kindness of strangers. When he finally arrives in the U.S, he struggles with acculturation and he wonders if Los Angeles will ever feel like home. “Abue taught me that people are sent to you, ‘guides’ she calls them, to cross your path and to help you through life” (p. 145). An unexpected mentor shares “many wisdoms” with Manuel that will resonate for readers. Tony Johnston and Maria Elena Fontanot De Rhoads embrace the frame of the hero’s journey in this compelling story. Teachers can explore a myriad of issues that confront migrants as well as themes of survival, multicultural and intergenerational connections, and the meaning of home. (Grades 6-10).
Description
Notes
Américas Award Winner 2020. Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border is the heart-warming story of siblings, María and Juan, who are eagerly anticipating a visit with their Abuela at the US-Mexico border to celebrate La Posada Sin Fronteras. It has been five years since their last visit, so each child is creating something special to give to Abuela, though unsure of how they will pass their gifts through the fence at the border. María creates a beautiful scarf for her grandmother to wear home, and Juan colors a picture of Mary and Joseph, images representing the tradition of Las Posadas. As the visit draws to a close, María devises a plan to share the picture with her grandmother and is encouraged when visitors on both sides of the fence cheer her on. This story is filled with beautiful and vibrant illustrations created by Sara Palacios, a past recipient of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award. Perkin’s debut picture book is a timely introduction of families separated by borders and will lead to thoughtful conversations of love, determination, family, and hope! (Grades K-3).
Description
Notes
Américas Award Honorable Mention 2020. Award-winning author and illustrator team Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña bring a story of childhood memories to life in My Papi has a Motorcycle. Daisy Ramona waits for her dad to come home from work to go on a ride around town on the back of his motorcycle. Everything Daisy sees is familiar to her. The route, the locales, and the people all come together to tell the story of a lively immigrant community. As Daisy observes changes in her neighborhood, she takes comfort in knowing some things will never change, such as the quality time spent with her papi and the love they share. Quintero takes inspiration straight from her memories, growing up in Corona, CA and going on motorcycle rides with her dad. Peña’s comics-inspired illustrations and sunset tones bring a magical feel to this golden hour tale. Together, Quintero and Peña create a mesmerizing picture book that wonderfully captures details of a happy childhood and the love between a father and his daughter. (Grades K-3).
Description
Notes
Américas Award Honorable Mention 2020. Quijana is a sixth-grade girl who lives in an in-between world. Her nick name “Qui” is pronounced Key. How can she find the key to unlock the way you are supposed to live as half-American, half-Guatemalan, half-child, half-teenager, and yet navigate a new school and parents who tell her she suddenly has to embrace her Guatemalan heritage? On top of that, she decides on her own to earn money for bus fare to secretly visit her sick grandmother. This coming of age novel is both down to earth and philosophical at the same time. Her father likes music, Spanish literature and philosophy. Her grandmother like sea turtles, manatees and bald eagles. Quijana stumbles through challenges and comes up with philosophy of her own while getting to know herself and her family better. This book is appropriate for Language Arts class and independent reading. (Grades 5-6).
Description