Hello,

Happy Cinco de Mayo, a day of celebration of the Mexican culture (and victory over French armies in the 19th century). How about a short round-up of books and other kid lit resources honoring the Mexican culture?

First I recommend checking out Apples 4 Teachers‘ website. They have a wonderful page with children’s and coloring books dedicated to Cinco de Mayo, and Mexico in general. The cherry on top? The bilingual titles included in the list! 🙂

In addition, this seems to be a good opportunity to highlight a few blogs devoted to Latino and Latina writers, illustrators, friends and readers.

I’ll start with Award winning author/illustrator Yuyi Morales and her blog Corazonadas. One of the latest books she illustrated, My Abuelita, written by Tony Jonhston, is a Pura Belpré 2010 Honor Book!

Pura Belpré was the first Latina Librarian at the New York Public Library, and the award, “established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.” A complete list of the Pura Belpré winners is available on the ALA website.

I also recommend visiting Bronze Latino Authors, an interactive blog where Latino and Latina authors are celebrated and young readers encouraged to post their writing.

I can’t help but mention Reach for More, a bilingual blog maintained by Cassy, a teacher and writer. I always find her posts inspirational.

Last but not least, La Bloga is a must-know award-winning blog about Chicano, Chicana (and more) literature. you’ll find anything from news, review and essays.

That’s wrap for today; thank you for reading. 🙂

Cheers,

Nathalie