Promoting bilingual literature, illustrators and authors

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Latino Books Month, initiated by Rhode Island Latino Arts and now in its sixth year in Rhode Island, celebrates Latino authors and illustrators, books that highlight Latino culture and Latin American identity and promotes literacy amongst Latinos.
This month-long celebration encourages librarians, teachers, educators and booksellers to promote books written by and for Latinos and it encourages communities to read books in both English and Spanish.
For more information about Rhode Island Latino Books Month and/or to participate, contact Latino Books Month Coordinator, Maria Cotto at mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org You can also use the "Contact Us" tab at the top of this page.
ATTENTION students, teacher, and librarians: Here is your chance to contribute to Latino Books Month. Nominate your favorite book written and/or illustrated by a Latino author and published in the past two years, for us to consider for the 2020 Rhode Island Latino Books Month Award. Click here to vote. If your book is selected, we will feature your picture in this website and our Facebook page, along with the name of your school. Students must sign a waiver and also have the support of a teacher or your school librarian to be featured in promotional material. More details to come …
+ Announcing: The 2019 Book List | Click on each book cover
Grades K-2 — Click on each book cover
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Dreamers
by Yuyi Morales
(September 4, 2018)

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Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
by Anika Aldamuy Denise
(January 15, 2019)

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La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya (September 2017)

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Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor (September 4, 2018)

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Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera (October 2, 2018)

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Yo soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to his Daughter by Mark Gonzales (Aug 2017)

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Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community by Susan Verde (September 4, 2018)

Grades 3-5
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Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez (January 16, 2018)

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Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes (Mar 27, 2018)
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Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado (March 13, 2018)
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Flor and Miranda Steal the Show by Jennifer Torres (June 12, 2018)
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Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
by Hilda E. Burgos (October 2, 2018)

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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina (September 11, 2018)

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Martí’s Song for Freedom
Martí y Sus Versos por La Libertad
by/por Emma Otheguy (July 2017)

Grades 6-8
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Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko (May 8, 2018)

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Dead Weight: Murder of Camp Bloom by Terri Blas (April 24, 2018)
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Us In Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos by Lulu Delacre (August 2017)

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Jazz Owls: A Novel of the Zoot Suit Riots by Margarita Engle (May 8, 2018)

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Tight by Torrey Maldonado (September 4, 2018)

Teens (High School)
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The Disturbed Girl’s Dictionary
by Nonieqa Ramos (February 1, 2018)

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Anger is a Gift
by Mark Oshiro (May 22, 2018)

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Pitch Dark
by Courtney Alameda (February 20, 2018)

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The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo (March 6, 2018)

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An Uninterrupted View of the Sky by Melanie Crowder (June 2017)

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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
by Erika L. Sanchez (October 2017)

DEADLINE to submit your online vote is May 31, 2019

+★ Click here to learn how you can participate …
Adults: Visit this webpage for a list of recommended titles written by Latino authors and take the 2019 Reading Challenge!

Young Readers: Below are some titles which we would like to recommend for Latino Books Month • RI. Most of the books can be found in Spanish and English at all the libraries in and around the State of Rhode Island. If your library does not have the book on its shelves, ask your librarian to order a copy from one of the other libraries in Rhode Island. By providing books in English and Spanish on this list, our goal is to encourage parents to read to their children in their native language, so be sure to ask your mamá or papá to read with you every day!

If you have any advice for other readers, you may post comments at the bottom of the list after you've read the book.

RI LATINO BOOKS MONTH/RI AWARD • Young Readers

Read at least three (3) books from the titles you see below, then vote for your favorite. Voting will take place at participating schools and libraries and the winning title will be announced on June 1, 2019 on this website. We will also post the winners in the Children's Room at The Pawtucket Public Library, 13 Summer St. Pawtucket, RI 02860.

Vote Online: We have added an option to submit your ballots and vote for your favorite book online. We also encourage students to visit their local libraries, talk to their children’s librarian and drop off paper ballots.

Before you vote online, we recommend that you download a hard copy of the ballot (see button above) to have on-hand while you read each book. Remember, deadline to vote online is Friday, May 31, 2019. We will announce the winner the next day. Teachers: Please submit any paper ballots to Maria Cotto no later than May 30th.

Happy Reading!
Teachers and Librarians: Here is a sample book display for your library, classroom or bookstore.

Libraries and Schools: Participating libraries and schools may request a poster (size: 11x17) that shows all the book titles for you to display — or download your own copy. You can also download flyers, ballots, spine labels, round stickers and bookmarks to distribute to young readers.

If your local library or school is not participating, contact Maria Cotto, Latino Books Month Coordinator and Children’s Librarian at the Pawtucket Public Library: (401) 725-3714 x 209 or mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org
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María Cotto, Latino Books Month Coordinator
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Maria Cotto, Children’s Librarian at the Pawtucket Public Library, is the Latino Books Month Coordinator. Maria has been a tireless volunteer and supporter of RILA's Latino Books Month initiative since it was founded, and we are so grateful for her commitment!

Because Maria’s post is as a volunteer, she will be looking to establish a committee to assist her in planning and organizing future activities — please contact her at mcotto@pawtucketlibrary.org if you are interested. We have some very exciting activities on the burner for next year, focusing on Latino books, authors and illustrators, and we promise you will not be disappointed!
+2018 Winners
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Grades K-2
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! | ¡El gallo que no se callaba! by Carmen Agra Deedy
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Grades 3-5
Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics
by Margarita Engle
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Grades 6-8
Lucky Broken Girl
by Ruth Behar
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Teens/High School
llegal
by Bettina Restrepo
+2018 Book List
Grades K-2
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Mama the Alien | Mama la Extraterrestre by René Laínez Colato
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The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! | ¡El gallo que no se callaba! by Carmen Agra Deedy
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Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza
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All The Way to Havana by Margarita Engle
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Olinguito, From A to Z! Unveiling the Cloud Forest | ¡Olinguito, de La A a la Z! Descubriendo el Bosque Nublado by Lulu Delacre
Grades 3-5
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Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle
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Nothing Up My Sleeve by Diana López
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Ugly Cat & Pablo by Isabel Quintero
Grades 6-8
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Pickle: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School by Kimberly Baker
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The Epic Fall of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya
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The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
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Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar
Teens (High School)
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History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
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Shame the Stars by Guadalupe Garcia McCal
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llegal by Bettina Restrepo
Download Spine Labels

DEADLINE to submit your online vote is May 31, 2018

+2017 Winners
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Grades K-2
The Princess and The Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh
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Grades 6-8
How Tía Lola Came to Stay by Julia Alvarez
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Grades 3-5
The Only Road by Alexandra Díaz
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Teens: Tie
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
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Teens: Tie
The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork
Participating Public Libraries:
◆ Knight Memorial Library (Providence Community Library)
◆ Pawtucket Public Library
Participating School Libraries
◆ West Kingston Elementary School (South Kingston, RI)
+2017 Book List
Grades K-2
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Maybe Something Beautiful by Isabel F. Campoy
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How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo se Dice?
by Angela Domínguez
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Juana and Lucas
by Juana Medina
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Rudas: Niños Horrendous Hermanitas
by Yuyi Morales
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The Princess and The Warrior by Duncan Tonatiuh
Grades 3-5
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Lola Levine Is Not Mean by Monica Brown
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The Only Road by Alexandra Díaz
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Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres
Grades 6-8
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How Tía Lola Came to Stay by Julia Alvarez
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Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes by Juan F. Herrera
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Under The Mesquite by Guadalupe G. McCall
Teens (High School)
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Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
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Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina
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The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin A. Sáenz
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The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

DEADLINE to submit your vote is May 25, 2017!

+2016 Winners
Participating Public
Libraries:
◆ Newport Public Library
◆ Woonsocket Harris Public Library
◆ East Smithfield Public Library
◆ Warwick Public Library
◆ Mount Pleasant Library (Providence Community Library)
◆ Smith Hill Library (Providence Community Library)
◆ Knight Memorial Library (Providence Community Library)
◆ Rochambeau Library (Providence Community Library)
◆ Cranston Public Library (Central Library)
◆ Pawtucket Public Library

Organizations:
◆ Federal Hill House
Participating School Libraries & Organizations:
◆ West Kingston Elementary School (South Kingston)
◆ Curvin McCabe Elementary School (Pawtucket)
◆ Agnes Little Elementary School (Pawtucket)
◆ Peacedale Elementary School (Peacedale)
◆ Wakefield Elementary School (Wakefield)
◆ Sophia Academy Middle School (Providence)
◆ French-American School of Rhode Island (Providence)
◆ International Charter School (Pawtucket)
◆ Kent Heights Elementary School (East Providence)

THANK YOU to the Rhode Island Teen Book Award (RITBA) Committee for donating $40 for the cake and drinks for the closing reception. And to the Episcopal Charities Foundation, Coastway Community Bank and Navigant Credit Union for providing funds so we can give free books to local school children.
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Grades K-2
Dalia’s Wondrous Hair by Lara Lacámara
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Grades 3-5
Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares
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Grades 6-8
I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin
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Teens
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
+2016 Book List
Grades K-2
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Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
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Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
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Dalia’s Wonderous Hair by Laura Lacamara
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Mango, Abuela & Me by Meg Medina
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The Old Man & His Door by Gary Soto
Grades 3-5
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Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh
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Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Davila
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Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares
Grades 6-8
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Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
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I Lived on Butterfly Hill by Marjorie Agosin
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The Smell of Old Lady Perfume by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez
Teens (High School)
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Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
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Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
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The Hunted by Matt de la Peña
Download a Flyer
Download a Ballot Here

DEADLINE to vote online is May 31, 2016!

+2015 Winners
Participating Public
Libraries:

Catherine Gould, Head of Children's Services
Newport Public Library

Chris Wallace Goldstein , Children's Librarian
Woonsocket Harris Public Library


Carol Decosier
East Smithfield Public Library

Ellen E. O'Brien, Coordinator of Children's Services
Warwick Public Library

Emily Mehrer, Youth Services Librarian
Mount Pleasant Community Library



Jennifer Romans
Smith Hill Community Library

Allison Riendeau, Youth Services Librarian
Knight Memorial Community Library

Judanne Hamidzada
Rochambeau Community Library

Sarah Gluck, MSLIS, Library Manager
Olneyville Community Library

Tien Tran, Library Manager
South Providence Community Library

Stefanie Blankenship
Cranston Public Library
Oaklawn Branch


Diana Ferguson
Central Falls Public Library
Adams Memorial Library


Participating School/Agency Libraries:

Sandra Blackman
Federal Hill House

Deanna Brooks, MLIS, Teacher Librarian
Kent Heights Elementary School

Theresa Quigley, School Librarian
Sophia Academy

Julia Johnston, School Librarian
French-American School of Rhode Island

The International Charter School
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Grades K-2
The Bossy Gallito by Lucía M. González
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Grades 3-5 (Tie)
My Diary From Here to There by Amada Irma Pérez
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Grades 3-5 (Tie)
Love Amalia
by Alma Flor Ada
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Grades 6-9
Confetti Girl by Diana López
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Teens
I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña
+2015 Book List
Grades K-2
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Maria Had a Little Llama by Angela Domínguez
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Book Fiesta! by Pat Mora
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Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales
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Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale by Duncan Tonatiuh
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Tito Puente: Mambo King by Monica Brown
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The Bossy Gallito by Lucía M. González
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The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos
Grades 3-5
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My Diary From Here to There by Amada Irma Pérez
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Love Amalia by Alma Flor Ada
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A Crazy Mixed-Up Spanglish Day by Marisa Montes
Grades 6-8
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Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
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City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende
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Confetti Girl by Diana López
Teens (High School)
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Efrain's Secret by Sofia Quintero
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I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña
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The Lightning Dreamer by Margarita Engle
+2014 Winners
Participating Public Libraries:

Central Falls (Adams Memorial)
Newport Public Library
Pawtucket Public Library
Warwick Public Library
Woonsocket Public Library

Participating School Library:

The Sophia Academy, Providence
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GRADE 3 • TIE

René has two last names • René Tiene Dos Apellidos by Rene Colato Lainez
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GRADE 3 • TIE

Mediopollito/ Half-Chicken : A New Version of a Traditional Story by Alma Flor Ada
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GRADES 6-8

Gaby, Lost and Found by Angela Cervantes
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La Casa en Mango Street escrito por Sandra Cisneros
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HIGH SCHOOL

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
+Rhode Island Latino Reads • 2013
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As a community organization long recognized for developing projects of cultural and educational importance to the local Latin American community, RILA launched a “RI Latinos Read” community reading program in 2013, and selected Bless Me, Última by Pulizer Prize winner Rudolfo Anaya.

Bless Me, Última is Anaya's best known work and was awarded the prestigious Premio Quinto Sol in 1976. In 2008, it was one of 12 classic American novels selected for The Big Read, a community-reading program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, and in 2009, it was in the list of the United States Academic Decathlon.

The book also became the focus of our Summer Reading Challenge, where the Providence Community Libraries and the Club de Lectura, coordinated by Carolina Briones, participated.

*

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