The Secret to Finding Authentic & Award-Winning Spanish Kids’ Books

Why does the search for Spanish and bilingual books feel So. Darn. Hard? Yes, the market is filled with Spanish books, but you never know which are quality children’s literature and which are not. So, here’s my secret: You can find a long list of authentic (and amazing) Spanish kids’ books by searching for award-winning titles.

You can trust that these titles have been vetted by people who love books, understand what makes a book great, and want to share some aspect of Hispanic/ Latino life. That means all of these books are guaranteed to be eloquently written with stunning illustrations. But beyond that, these award-winning titles are culturally relevant, authentic, and educational.

The best part?

Every. Single. Book. is on an easily accessible list for you to choose from.

The Secret to Finding Authentic & Award-Winning Spanish Kids’ Books

So, what awards are we talking about?

Pura Belpré Awards

The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is named after the New York Public Library’s first Latina librarian. It honors a Latino or Latina author and illustrator who, according to their website, “best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.”

You can find their award-winning Spanish kids’ books here.

Tómas Rivera Book Award

The Tómas Rivera Book Award was established in 1995 and is sponsored by Texas State University. Dr. Tómas Rivera, a renowned author and educator, was the first Mexican American distinguished alumnus of Texas State University. The award honors children’s book authors and illustrators that “depict the Mexican American experience.”

You can find their award-winning Spanish kids’ books here.

Best Spanish Language Picture Book Award

The Best Spanish Language Picture Book Award is a new award -though their 2020 winners and honorees have already been announced.

They also have a list of fantastic Spanish and bilingual books going back to 2008 here.

Américas Award

Founded in 1993, the Américas Award is sponsored by CLASP (the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs). It honors “children’s and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinx in the United States, and to provide teachers with recommendations for classroom use.”

You can find their award-winning Spanish kids’ books here as well as helpful teaching resources.

TeachingBooks

Finally, you should also check out TeachingBooks. It’s a HUGE well of information on and about (you guessed it!) using books in the classroom. They have author interviews, activities, lesson plans, and make it incredibly easily for teachers, parents, and students to find what they need. I highly recommend checking them out (I am not an affiliate, just happily surprised by the plethora of information they have).

With that being said, stop searching aimlessly for good quality Spanish and bilingual kids’ books. Any of these award-winning books -literally, any– are just what you need.

Happy reading!