Pura Belpré Award

The Pura Belpré Award recognizes Latino and Latina writers and illustrators whose books for young readers portray and celebrate Latino cultural life. It is named for Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, who championed bilingual storytelling for children.

The award began in 1996 and was presented every other year until 2008 before becoming an annual prize. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children, the Young Adult Library Services Association and REFORMA. Medals go to a children's author and a picture book illustrator, and a young adult author medal was added with the 2021 award. Committees may also name honor books, and results are announced each January.

Original books in English, Spanish or both, published in the United States or Puerto Rico during the previous year by citizens or residents of either. Children's categories cover readers up to age 14.