I’ll never forget that cold January 27th morning when I woke up to the heart-warming news that my latest novel, Lety Out Loud, was named a 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Book. It’s tradition that an award committee member call the author the night before with the good news, but I missed the call. I had switched off my phone to watch the Grammy Music Awards. Who does that?!
Me!
The next morning, my editor at Scholastic tried to reach me by phone. After a few failed attempts, she sent me an email with the subject line: Big news for Lety!
She also wrote that she’d try another call in a few minutes. I couldn’t wait to know the “big news.” So, I logged onto Twitter for the scoop. That is how I learned that Lety Out Loud was a 2020 Pura Belpré Honor Award book.
2020 Pura Belpré Author Awards
While on Twitter, I was overjoyed to see so many of my favorite books and author friends were also recognized by the Pura Belpré committee. I’m happy to say I’ve read all of these fantastic books and recommend them. Learn more about the Pura Belpré Award here: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal
Who’s ready to celebrate books?
On Sunday, June 28, 2020, The American Library Association (ALA) will premier all of the author speeches–including mine– during the Pura Belpré celebration starting at 3pm (EST). You can find more info about the award celebration at: http://ala.org/news/book-award-celebration
Forever grateful
Again, I want to thank all of the school librarians and booksellers I’ve met through all my book tours and school visits for always treating me like a rockstar and sharing your passion for literacy and love for books. I’m forever grateful to the American Library Association, The Association for Library Services for Children (ALSC), Reforma and the Pura Belpré committee for believing in Lety Out Loud. Big hugs to my Scholastic and Full Circle Literary familia for the support. This honor belongs to all of us.
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