Tag Archives: Día

ALA Youth Media Awards Wins for Lee & Low Books!

Yesterday was the ALA Youth Media Awards, or the “Oscars of Children’s Literature” as they’re sometimes called. It was a big day for diversity. Diverse books and authors were honored across the board and we couldn’t be happier. Continue reading

Book-Hungry Hands: A guest post by Pat Mora

Pat MoraOur recent grant from First Book prompted us to ask our authors to reflect on why diverse books are important. Guest blogger, Guest bloggerauthor/poet Pat Mora, talks about witnessing the special connection Spanish-speaking children make with books that include their culture and language.

“Once upon a time . . .” A magic phrase that can change our breathing. As far as we know, humans are the world’s story-telling creatures. Let’s think about the unique period in the lives of children when they begin to savor that phrase, when in fresh ways little ones are experiencing their surroundings and deciding where they fit.

For many youngsters, media is their main source of information and entertainment. Children lucky enough to become readers discover that they can read those once-upon-a-time words to themselves—and others. They discover the pleasure and power of words. Since words and books are powerful, how can we doubt that the images of children, families, and cultures in their books have a subtle and significant impact on young readers and their families? Who merits having their stories shared and who doesn’t? How does it feel not to see people like you between the covers of beautiful books? Are all our books created and valued equally?I wish you could see the smiles of Spanish-speaking children when, in reading one of my books to them, I say a word in Spanish.

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