The 2016 Latino Kid Lit Winners

This month the literary world of children's books was rocked back on its heels when a Latino author won the Newbery Medal for the first time. In fact, Latino authors and illustrators won many awards at the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Here are the books written by or about Latinos that walked away with special recognitions this year so you can add to your kids' collection of cultural books to explore their roots.

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John Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book

Matt de la Peña's beautifully written story about the lessons a young African-American boy learns from his grandmother during a bus ride will capture your heart. Along the way, he wonders why they have to wait in the rain for a bus and why his family doesn't have a car like his friend, Colby. He wishes he had an iPod like the other boys and complains about having to get off the bus in the "dirty" part of town. But for each question and petulant comment, his Nana has a thoughtful response and soon turns his longing into appreciation. The book's message is universal: Life is all about perspective.

To buy: Amazon, $11

Newbery Honor Book and Odyssey Honor Recording

There is no doubt that Pam Muñoz Ryan is a master storyteller. From the author of "Esperanza Rising" comes this fantastical tale that blends historical events with traditional fairy tales. When young Otto is rescued in a forbidden forest by three sisters, he promises to break the curse that is on them by secreting them away in a magic harmonica. Years later, three children enduring hardships of their own come into contact with the harmonica and must write their own happy endings.

To buy: Amazon, $12

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Sibert Informational Book Award and Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

Parents and children alike will thoroughly enjoy Duncan Tonatiuh's biography of José Guadalupe Posada, who is best remembered for his drawings of Day of the Dead calaveras, especially La Catrina. From lithography to engraving to etching, Posada's talent and creativity will inspire your children. Tonatiuh's distinct collage technique merges Posada's art into his own illustrations.

To buy: Amazon, $15

Michael L. Printz Honor Book Award

Though the author, Ashley Hope Pérez, is not a Latina, the main character is a Mexican-American teen who has fallen in love with an African-American during a time when racial tensions run high. This is a young adult novel set against the historical background of the New London School explosion in Texas in the late 1930s.

To buy: Amazon, $13

Alex Award

"Undocumented" is the autobiography of Dan-el Padilla Peralta, an undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic. From living in a homeless shelter in New York City to graduating as salutatorian of his Princeton class, this book shares the remarkable life of this young man and is a testament to the need for comprehensive immigration reform.

To buy: Amazon, $10

Pura Belpré Author Award and YALSA Award Finalist

Margarita Engle's deeply personal memoir recounts her own childhood and the conflict she feels when she must leave behind her Cuban home to come live in the U.S. Written in Engle's free-verse style, "Enchanted Air" will keep you turning the pages with it's vivid imagery and passionate voice.

To buy: Amazon, $18

Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

Margarita Engle weaves her magic once again as she tells the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban who had an amazing talent and love of drums. But in the 1930s, girls were not allowed to play the drums in Cuba — especially not in public! However, Millo summoned her courage and dared to play, paving the way for future generations of female drummers. The story is made complete by Rafael Lopez's vibrant illustrations.

To buy: Amazon, $13

Belpré Illustrator Honor Book

Beautifully illustrated by Antonio Castro L., this story describes the tender relationship between a child and his grandfather, and the closeness the two share as young Aaron learns the healing properties of herbs and other plants from his grandfather, who is essentially a curandero.

To buy: Amazon, $9

Belpré Author Honor Book

When Carol and Johnny Garza's mother suddenly disappears, their grieving father ships them off to relatives in Mexico. The 12-year-old twins know it is up to them to rescue their mother. Like her, they are "naguales" — shapeshifters — and they will use their powers to descend into the Aztec underworld to help their mom.

To buy: Amazon, $13

Belpré Author and Illustrator Honor Book

When Mia's abuela comes to live with Mia and her parents, they soon discover that they cannot understand each other. Mia sets out to learn abuela's language and teach her English, but progress is slow going — until the parrot in the petshop window gives Mia an idea! Meg Medina's beautiful story is about how language is the bridge to a special relationship between a grandparent and grandchild.

To buy: Amazon, $13

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