New Releases by Margarita Engle

Newbery Honor and Pura Belpré Medal Winner Margarita Engle and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara bring to light the life of Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, who portrayed the enduring Afro Cuban spirit culture through his art In a village on the tropical island of Cuba, a boy named Wifredo Lam loved to draw his surroundings--hot blue air, cool green leaves, and brilliant flowers. As he grew older, Lam paid tribute to his Cuban, West African, and Chinese heritage through his art, which brought dignity and respect to Cuba''s rich mix of cultures. Inspired by and in contact with some of the most renowned artists of the early 20th century, such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and André Breton, Lam blended European cubism and surrealism with multicultural influences to create his own unique style, culminating in the creation of his masterpiece La Jungla (The Jungle). From Margarita Engle, a Newbery Honor Winner and a former Young People''s Poet Laureate, and Jacqueline Alcántara, a New York Times bestselling illustrator, Wifredo''s Jungle introduces young readers to the trailblazing life and work of Wifredo Lam. Back matter includes: more information about the life of Lam and where to see his works; a glossary; and a bibliography.

Una mezcla entre romance y bitácora de viaje, Evamar es una emotiva y hermosa novela en verso sobre el primer amor, culturas perdidas y conexiones ancestrales, escrita por la galardonada autora Margarita Engle. Justo antes de que se transformara en un espíritu invisible, Mi abuela susurró sus últimos deseos en mi oído: Esparce mis cenizas en un sembrado de girasoles, espera pacientemente, cosecha las semillas, vuela a la isla, encuentra el jardín, siembra las semillas, entonces—y solo entonces— lee mis diarios. Una mezcla entre romance y bitácora de viaje, Evamar es una emotiva y hermosa novela en verso sobre el primer amor, culturas perdidas y conexiones ancestrales.

In this companion to Bravo!, Margarita Engle''s beautiful poetry introduces young readers to lesser-known Latinos from varied backgrounds who have all shown tremendous resilience. Prepare to be inspired by this empowering collection of poetry that tells a larger story about fortitude and community across Hispanic history. From environmental activists such as Christina Figueres to record breaking athletes like Pelé, each role model featured is a legend in their own right. There’s no better time to champion the accomplishments of this remarkable group of unsung heroes from all across Latin America! Those profiled in this collection include Anacaona, Martín de la Cruz and Juan Badiano, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua, Simón Bolívar, Mariana Grajales Cuello, Ana Roqué de Duprey, Julio Garavito Armero, Ramón Fonst Segundo, Christiana Figueres, Juano Hernández, Gabriela Mistral, Martín Chambi de Coaza, Marina Núñez del Prado, Noé Canjura, Nicolás García Uriburu, Pelé, and Rigoberta Menchú Tum.

Get ready to be inspired by this biography of one-of-a-kind diplomat and activist, Christiana Figueres, whose fight to protect our planet isn''t over yet. Raised in the mountains of Costa Rica surrounded by lush rainforests and vibrant wildlife, Christiana always had a deep love for the natural world. From the shimmering quetzal birds to gleaming golden toads, the biodiversity of Costa Rica was truly a sight to behold. However, with deforestation on the rise and increasing pollution, the dazzling species that defined the rainforest began gradually going extinct as Christiana grew up. Thus began Christiana''s journey to becoming a diplomat and eventually one of the most influential voices in the realm of environmental activism on a mission to save the planet from losing any more precious species of wildlife. Christiana Figueres, Friend of the Rainforest is a story of perseverance sure to inspire readers from all over to take a stance in protecting our special planet.

In this companion to Bravo!, Margarita Engle''s beautiful poetry introduces young readers to lesser-known Latinos from varied backgrounds who have all shown tremendous resilience. Now available in Spanish! Prepárese para inspirarse con esta colección empoderadora de poesía que cuenta una historia más amplia sobre la fortaleza y la comunidad a lo largo de la historia latinoamericana. Desde activistas medioambientales como Christiana Figueres hasta atletas que batieron récords como Pelé, cada modelo a seguir presentado es una leyenda por su propio mérito. ¡No hay mejor momento para celebrar los logros de este grupo notable de héroes de toda Latinoamérica! Entre los perfiles de esta colección figuran el de Anacaona, Martín de la Cruz y Juan Badiano, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua, Simón Bolívar, Mariana Grajales Cuello, Ana Roqué de Duprey, Julio Garavito Armero, Ramón Fonst Segundo, Christiana Figueres, Juano Hernández, Gabriela Mistral, Martín Chambi de Coaza, Marina Núñez del Prado, Noé Canjura, Nicolás García Uriburu, Pelé y Rigoberta Menchú Tum.

Twelve short stories in verse by bestselling and award-winning authors that explore the highs and lows of love – romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love. Love can be many things – all-consuming, fleeting, vengeful, selfless, toxic, uplifting, and always, a core part of the teen experience that leaves an indelible mark. This enchanting, genre-crossing anthology delivers something for every reader with unique characters, global settings, and a dazzling mixture of myth, historical, speculative, and contemporary fiction. With the turn of a page, get swept away by unexpected love blooming between two princes from enemy Mesoamerican nations in the 15th century, who''d rather make music rather than war; cheer for a timid bearded lady who was shunned by her family and runs away to find belonging and safety at the circus during the 1800s experience the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a beloved pet; breathlessly watch a myth unfold as a siren bound to the water falls in love with a winged forest spirit, their love seemingly impossible from the start. Root for a girl who emerges from grief and battles with chronic pain to discover how to love herself and life again. Love is complicated, and this anthology embraces the messiness and the joy of all kinds of love. Contributors include: Alexandra Alessandri David Bowles Melanie Crowder Margarita Engle Eric Gansworth Robin Gow Mariama J. Lockington Laura Ruby Padma Venkatraman Jasmine Warga Charles Waters Kip Wilson

Follows a young Cuban girl in the 1930s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there''s never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters.

Longlisted for the National Book Award A Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book In this stirring young adult novel-in-verse from award-winning author Margarita Engle, love and conservation intertwine as two teens go on a “transformative journey celebrating the power of overcoming personal struggles to make a lasting impact” (Kirkus Reviews). Ana and her mother have been living out of their car ever since her militant father became one of the FBI’s most wanted. Leandro has struggled with debilitating anxiety since his family fled Cuba on a perilous raft. One moonlit night, in a wilderness park in California, Ana and Leandro meet. Their connection is instant—a shared radiance that feels both scientific and magical. Then they discover they are not alone: a huge mountain lion stalks through the trees, one of many wild animals whose habitat has been threatened by humans. Determined to make a difference, Ana and Leandro start a rewilding club at their school, working with scientists to build wildlife crossings that can help mountain lions find one another. If pumas can find their way to a better tomorrow, surely Ana and Leandro can too.

From folk art to photography, architecture to painting, sculpture to music, female Cuban artists have long gone unnoticed on a global scale. This poetry collection highlights the lives and legacies of eight Cuban women who have redefined art in their communities.

"A girl and her community celebrate the arrival of the water man when he comes on his weekly visit to distribute water to a Cuban village. Includes author''s note"--

Un alegre libro de la aclamada autora Margarita Engle en el que cuenta cómo una niña y su comunidad celebran la llegada del aguador, que los visita semanalmente para distribuir agua al pueblo. Los días del agua son días atareados, días agradecidos, días risueños, días sedientos. Un pequeño pueblo ya no tiene suficiente suministro de agua, pero una niña y sus vecinos reciben la ayuda del aguador. Cuando él viene al pueblo, el agua fluye como la esperanza para toda la familia, y todos celebran su llegada.

When a hurricane exposes Soleida''s family''s secret sculpture garden, the Cuban government arrests her artist parents, forcing her to escape alone to Central America where she meets Dariel, a Cuban American boy, and together they work to protect the environment and bring attention to the imprisoned artists in Cuba.

Cuando un huracán expone el jardín secreto de esculturas de la familia de Soleida, el gobierno cubano detiene a sus padres artistas, forzándola a escapar sola a Centroamérica, donde conoce a Dariel, un niño cubano-americano, y juntos trabajan para proteger el medio ambiente y llamar la atención sobre los artistas encarcelados en Cuba.

"When Destiny was found by the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, she was sick, thin, and one of her eyes was closed and not working. The Sloth Institute took her in and introduced her to other sloths as she started to recover. She never regained the use of her one eye, but that didn''t stop Destiny from hanging out with her new buddies, or getting healthier and stronger. Last August, Destiny was fitted for her tracking collar and released back into the wild. This inspiring story not only encourages kids to be determined like Destiny, but it also shows them the importance of being kind to those who may look different than us"--

A powerful novel in verse from Newbery and Pura Belpré Award-winning author Margarita Engle about the friendship between a young girl and the poet Gabriela Mistral that leads to healing and hope for both of them. Cuban-born eleven-year-old Oriol lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she struggles to belong. But most of the time that’s okay, because she enjoys helping her parents care for the many injured animals at their veterinary clinic. Then Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature moves to town, and aspiring writer Oriol finds herself opening up. And when she discovers that someone is threatening the life of a baby elephant at her parents’ clinic, Oriol is determined to take action. As she begins to create a world of words for herself, Oriol learns it will take courage and strength to do what she thinks is right—even if it means keeping secrets from those she loves. A beautifully written, lyrically told story about the power of friendship—between generations, between humans and animals—and the potential of poetry to inspire action, justice, and acceptance. * "Replete with lovely, nearly magical imagery...Brilliant, joyful, and deeply moving." –Kirkus, starred review * "Employing immersive free verse that conveys themes of compassion, friendship, justice, and vulnerability, Engle captures how inexplicable Oriol’s grief feels, encasing it in a powerful, charitable, and brave young voice." –Publishers Weekly, starred review * "A novel written in verse that sings in your heart." –Pura Belpré Award-winning author Marjorie Agosín

De la autora premiada Margarita Engle, una inspiradora novela de formación sobre una niña que se enamora por primera vez mientras encuentra el coraje para protestar por el derecho al voto de las mujeres en la Cuba de 1920. A Rima le encanta montar a caballo con la abuela y las mambisas, las valientes veteranas que lucharon durante las guerras de independencia en Cuba. Feministas de varios orígenes se han reunido en clubes de votación para exigir el sufragio y la igualdad de las mujeres, pero no todos quieren igualdad para todo el mundo… especialmente para alguien como Rima Marín. En los años 1920 en Cuba, los niños “ilegítimos” como ella eran intimidados y rechazados. Rima sueña con un día en que estará libre de miedo y vergüenza, que es como se siente cuando viaja con las mambisas. Mientras busca su camino en la vida, Rima forja amistades inesperadas con otras personas que desean la libertad, especialmente con un apuesto joven artista llamado Maceo. A través de tiempos turbulentos, la esperanza se eleva… y también el amor.

A lyrical and unifying picture book that “will inspire young readers” and “magnificently showcases the immigrant experience” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) in America from Newbery Honoree Margarita Engle and award-winning illustrator Raúl Colón. Discover the myriad contributions that all immigrants have made as they come to join family or start their own lives together in a new country they call home. Coming with their hopes, dreams, and determination, generations of immigrants have made the fabric of this country diverse, vivid, and welcoming. This vibrant and timely celebration demonstrates the thousands of immigrants who built America and the importance of having acceptance and light for everyone.

Traditional Chinese Edition of Durm Dream Girl: How one girl''s courage changed Music

From Pura Belpré Award–winning author Margarita Engle comes a lively, rhythmic picture book about a little girl visiting her grandfather who is a pregonero—a singing street vendor in Cuba—and helping him sell his frutas. When we visit mi abuelo, I help him sell frutas, singing the names of each fruit as we walk, our footsteps like drumbeats, our hands like maracas, shaking… The little girl loves visiting her grandfather in Cuba and singing his special songs to sell all kinds of fruit: mango, limón, naranja, piña, and more! Even when they’re apart, grandfather and granddaughter can share rhymes between their countries like un abrazo—a hug—made of words carried on letters that soar across the distance like songbirds.

Una edición española Cuando visitamos a abuelo, lo ayudo a vender frutas, pregonando los nombres de cada una mientras caminamos: nuestros pasos repican como tambores, nuestras manos, cual maracas, que suenan agitan los brillantes colores de las frutas… Vivo lejos de abuelo, pero podemos cantar rimas de ida y vuelta entre nuestros dos países, nuestros versos en papel vuelan como aves cantoras, cada sílaba un abrazo hecho de palabras.

Acclaimed author Margarita Engle tells a “deeply felt and engrossing” (Horn Book Magazine) story of love in a time of hunger inspired by her own family’s struggles during a dark period in Cuba’s history. The people of Cuba are living in el período especial en tiempos de paz—the special period in times of peace. That’s what the government insists that this era must be called, but the reality behind these words is starvation. Liana is struggling to find enough to eat. Yet hunger has also made her brave: she finds the courage to skip a summer of so-called volunteer farm labor, even though she risks government retribution. Nearby, a quiet, handsome boy named Amado also refuses to comply, so he wanders alone, trying to discover rare sources of food. A chance encounter with an enigmatic dog brings Liana and Amado together. United in hope and hunger, they soon discover that their feelings for each other run deep. Love can feed their souls and hearts—but is it enough to withstand el período especial?

In this powerful companion to her award-winning memoir Enchanted Air, Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle recounts her teenage years during the turbulent 1960s. Margarita Engle’s childhood straddled two worlds: the lush, welcoming island of Cuba and the lonely, dream-soaked reality of Los Angeles. But the revolution has transformed Cuba into a mystery of impossibility, no longer reachable in real life. Margarita longs to travel the world, yet before she can become independent, she’ll have to start high school. Then the shock waves of war reach America, rippling Margarita’s plans in their wake. Cast into uncertainty, she must grapple with the philosophies of peace, civil rights, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. Despite overwhelming circumstances, she finds solace and empowerment through her education. Amid the challenges of adolescence and a world steeped in conflict, Margarita finds hope beyond the struggle, and love in the most unexpected places.

From award-winning poet Margarita Engle comes Dreams from Many Rivers, an middle grade verse history of Latinos in the United States, told through many voices, and featuring illustrations by Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez. From Juana Briones and Juan Ponce de León, to eighteenth century slaves and modern-day sixth graders, the many and varied people depicted in this moving narrative speak to the experiences and contributions of Latinos throughout the history of the United States, from the earliest known stories up to present day. It''s a portrait of a great, enormously varied, and enduring heritage. A compelling treatment of an important topic.

A biographical novel about Antonio Chuffat, a Chinese-African-Cuban messenger boy in 1870s Cuba who became a translator and documented the freedom struggle of indentured Chinese laborers in his country.

It''s the Festival of Lights in Nepal, and today is the day to honor dogs! Brothers Alu and Bhalu wander the streets of Kathmandu, passing by twirling kites and bamboo swings, looking for a dog to feed. But as night falls, their task begins to feel hopeless, until they spot a small black dog who is in need of a friend. This sweet story presents an important Hindu holiday through the eyes of two young boys, making it relatable for both those familiar with the holiday and those reading about it for the first time.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra finds refuge from his difficult childhood by imagining the adventures of a brave but clumsy knight. Now available in Spanish, this fictionalized first-person biography in verse of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra follows the early years of the child who grows up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel. The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel looks to his own imagination for an escape from his family''s troubles and finds comfort in his colorful daydreams. At a time when access to books is limited and imaginative books are considered evil, Miguel is inspired by storytellers and wandering actors who perform during festivals. He longs to tell stories of his own. When Miguel is nineteen, four of his poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language. Award-winning author Margarita Engle''s distinctive picture book depiction of the childhood of the father of the modern novel, told in a series of free verse poems, is enhanced by Raúl Colón''s stunning illustrations. Back matter includes a note from both the author and illustrator as well as additional information on Cervantes and his novel Don Quixote.

Gorgeous illustrations surround a collection of poetry written for children about the magic, beauty, and promise of sea voyages.

From Young People’s Poet Laureate and award-winning author Margarita Engle comes a lively middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of a Cuban-American boy who visits his family’s village in Cuba for the first time—and meets a sister he didn’t know he had. Edver isn’t happy about being shipped off to Cuba to visit the father he barely knows. Why would he want to visit a place that no one in Miami ever mentions without a sigh? Yet now that travel laws have changed and it’s a lot easier for divided families to be reunited, his mom thinks it''s time for some father-son bonding. Edver doesn’t know what this summer has in store, but he’s definitely expecting to meet a sister he didn’t know existed! Luza is a year older and excited to see her little brother, until she realizes how different their lives have been. Looking for anything they might have in common, they sneak onto the internet—and accidentally catch the interest of a dangerous wildlife poacher. Edver has fought plenty of villains in video games. Now, to save the Cuban jungle they love, he and Luza are going to have to find a way to conquer a real villain!

En este poético libro de memorias—ganador del premio Pura Belpré de autor, finalista del premio de YALSA de no ficción y premio de honor Walter Dean Myers—la aclamada autora Margarita Engle recrea su infancia, que transcurrió a caballo entre dos culturas durante la Guerra Fría. Margarita es una niña de dos mundos. Su corazón está en Cuba, la isla tropical de su mamá, un sitio tan exuberante, de una vida tan intensa, que parece el reino de un cuento de hadas. Pero la mayor parte del tiempo, vive en Los Ángeles, sola en la bulliciosa ciudad, soñando con los veranos, en los que puede montarse en un avión y viajar por el aire encantado a su amada isla. Las palabras y las imágenes son compañeras constantes, amistosas y reconfortantes, mientras que los niños en la escuela no lo son. Entonces estalla una revolución en Cuba. Margarita teme por su familia lejana. Cuando la hostilidad entre Cuba y Estados Unidos se desata en la invasión de Bahía de Cochinos, los mundos de Margarita chocan de la peor manera posible. ¿Cómo es posible que los dos países que ella quiere se odien tanto mutuamente? ¿Y podrá volver a visitar su hermosa isla de nuevo?

"When Mamacita chose to call me Estrellita, / it was her way of imagining a little bit / of starlight, deep down in that cavern / where only rare streaks of day or night / could reach--now, Lucero and I will be / Morning Star and Little Star, / a lit-from-within racing team " A young girl stricken with rickets and her mother face the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, the challenges of a new century and innovative teachers. Dreams realized and dreams crushed exploring the freedoms only a magical horse can offer. Award winning author Margarita Engle brings a tale of history mixed with a touch of fantasy. "Cuando Mamacita decidiO nombrarme Estrellita / fue su modo de imaginar un poco / la luz de las estrellas, en el fondo de esa cueva / a la que solo llegaban / escasas luces del dIa o de la noche. / Ahora Lucero y yo seremos / el caballo del alba y la pequeNa estrella: / un equipo de carreras iluminado por dentro " Una chica joven lisiado con ricketts y su madre enfrentan las secuelas de la Guerra Hispano-Americana, los desafIos de un nuevo siglo y profesores innovadores. SueNos Realidad y sueNos aplastados explorando las libertades sOlo pueAden ofrecer un caballo mAgico. Autor galardonado Margarita Engle trae un cuento de historia mezclada con un toque de fantasIa.