Caribbean-American Titles Recognized at the ALA Youth Media Awards

Caribbean-American authors and illustrators received recognition at the 2020 Youth Media Awards in Philadelphia on January 27, 2020. Click on the book covers to view the books on Amazon.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez (Disney-Hyperion) won the Pura Belpré Author Award for outstanding children's literature by a Latino/Latina author.

Across the Bay illustrated and written by Carlos Aponte (Penguin Workshop) was named a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor Book.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar (HarperCollins Children’s Books) was named a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book.

Double Bass Blues illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez and written by Andrea J. Loney (Alfred A. Knopf) was named a Randolph Caldecott Medal Honor Book for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya (Kokila Penguin Young Readers Group) was named a Schneider Family Book Award (for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience) in the middle grades category.

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by Rafael López (Philomel Books) was named a Schneider Family Book Award (for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience) in the young children (ages 0 to 10) category.

The Stars and the Blackness Between Them by Junauda Petrus (Dutton Books) was named a Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor Book for outstanding books for children and young adults by an African-American author.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta and illustrated by Anshika Khullar (Hodder Children’s Books) won the Stonewall Book Award for English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.

Dominicana by Angie Cruz (Flatiron Books) was selected as an Alex Award Winner for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences.

Read the complete list of nominees and winners here.

Congratulations to the authors, illustrators and publishers!

About Anansesem

Anansesem is an online magazine of Caribbean children's and young adult literature by adults and children. We strive to bring you the best in news, reviews and creative content from the world of Caribbean children's publishing.