The Pura Belpré Award is a recognition presented to a Latino or Latina author and illustrator whose work best portrays the Latino cultural experience in a work of literature for children or youth. It was established in 1996. It was given every other year since 1996 until 2009 when it was changed to be given annually.
Yuyi Morales has won six Belpré Medals and four honors and as both author and illustrator.
Margarita Engle has won three Medals and three honors, all as author.
Duncan Tonatiuh has won one medal and eight honors as both author and illustrator.
Rafael López won three medals and three honors in the role of illustrator.
Pura Teresa Belpré y Nogueras was an Afro-Puerto Rican educator who served as the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She was also a writer, collector of folktales, and puppeteer.
Pura Belpré
Pura Belpré Award Celebracion 2022