The Pura Belpré Award

The Pura Belpré Award is a honor given annually by the American Library Association to Latino/Latina writers and illustrators whose children’s books best portray Latino culture and experiences. Established in 1996, it celebrates storytelling that reflects Latino communities, encouraging diverse voices in children's literature. The award recognizes outstanding work that promotes cultural understanding and representation, helping young readers connect with different backgrounds and stories with authenticity and richness.