Most Popular Books by Monica Brown

Ana loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother fall asleep. But in her small village there are only a few books and she has read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the clip-clop of hooves, and there before her, is the most wonderful sight: a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros‑all the books a little girl could dream of, with enough stories to encourage her to create one of her own. Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book was donated to Luis Soriano''s BiblioBurro program.

An illuminating picture book biography of renowned Mexican American folk musician Joan Baez, whose songs of justice, peace, and activism have inspired listeners to create positive change across the world, from Christopher Award–winning author Monica Brown and Caldecott Honoree Molly Mendoza. From a young age, Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place. The daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Scotland, she learned values of compassion and advocacy from her parents. As Joan learned about people in need around the world, she sang to make herself feel better—and her beautiful voice made others feel better, too. Joan sang songs about workers’ rights, civil rights, and the struggle for justice. She started in coffee shops and clubs, worked her way to singing at folk festivals and on New York stages, and eventually she sang next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington, alongside César Chávez, and for the President of the United States. Joan realized music could move people’s hearts, minds, and feet toward a path of justice and peace. And she used the gift of her beautiful voice to do just that.

Lola Levine likes writing in her diario, sipping her mom''s cafe con leche, eating her dad''s matzo ball soup, and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. So what if she doesn''t always fit in? Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little "pencil power," she just might be able to turn it all around. In this first book in a series, young readers will be inspired by Lola''s big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style!

Meet renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and all of her animal friends in this board book inspired by the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos. There’s no one Frida Kahlo loves more than her animal friends—her beloved animalitos. In this board book, toddlers will learn to identify the different animals Frida kept as pets throughout her life: from a dog and a cat to a parrot and a turkey. Each animal also represents Frida’s many characteristics, from her strength and independent to her profound intelligence, with each page reading as an affirmation for toddlers to repeat as they grow—just as we see Frida grow throughout the story. Award-winning creators Monica Brown and John Parra have made a board book to honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo and inspire confidence and imagination in a new generation of creatives. Praise for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos: Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor 2018 ALA Notable Children''s Book 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2017 Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2017 Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children''s Book of 2017 A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year 2018

A new Spanish and English bilingual edition of the stunning picture book biography of Pablo Neruda, one of the world''s most enduring and popular poets, from the acclaimed Monica Brown. Había una vez un niño llamado Neftalí, quien amaba las cosas salvajes locamente y las cosas tranquilas serenamente. Desde el momento en que aprendió a hablar, se rodeó de palabras. Neftalí descubrió la magia oculta entre las páginas de los libros. Cuando tenía dieciséis años, comenzó a publicar sus poemas bajo el nombre Pablo Neruda. Pablo escribió poemas sobre las cosas que amaba: obras creadas por sus amigos artistas, objetos hallados en los mercados y elementos de la naturaleza. Escribió sobre la gente de Chile y su lucha por salir adelante. Porque sobre todas las cosas y sobre todas las palabras, Pablo Neruda amaba a la gente. Once there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words, seeking comfort and inspiration from the magic he discovered between the pages of books. When he was sixteen, he began publishing his writing as Pablo Neruda. Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved—things made by his friends in the café, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things and above all words, Pablo Neruda loved people. With a new translation of Monica Brown''s lyrical text and Julia Paschkis'' gorgeous art, which celebrates multiple languages, this new edition will introduce the youngest of readers—of English, Spanish, and both—to the legacy of one of history''s most iconic talents.

Lola Levine is ready to celebrate her favorite holiday in the sixth book in this charming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. It''s Halloween--Lola and Ben''s favorite holiday. She loves pumpkins, scary costumes, monsters, and ghosts--and she likes to scare people, too. But when Lola plays a scary joke on her super best friends, Josh Blot and Bella Benitez, it doesn''t go as planned. Can Lola learn from her mistake and still have a happy Halloween?

Get ready for some mermaid magic! Mermaid princess Mari A. Fisch is on a top secret, superspecial mission: Go on land, become human, and figure out why humans do the weird things they do. Particularly, why do people pollute? But when Mari has traded in her tail for toes, she finds the human world totally confusing! Will Mari be able to complete her mission, save the world undersea, and stay true to herself? It’s an all-new chapter book series from the award-winning children’s book author Monica Brown. With black-and-white illustrations on every page, milestone markers throughout, and craft-making activities at the end of each book, Fintastical Tales is the perfect series for any emergent or reluctant reader!

This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz''s life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is Celia “[a]n exuberant picture-book biography . . . a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music.”

The third book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. They''re cutting funding at Sarai''s school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai. She decides to organize a benefit concert to raise money! When she and her bandmates promote the concert on their video channel, it catches the attention of Sarai''s favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez! Can Sarai save the music?

Explores how Latino gang culture mirrors the most destructive aspects of the American Dream through a look at novels and memoirs "There''s a place for us / Somewhere a place for us." With the emergence of a rich body of literature chronicling the experiences of Latino and Latina gang members, popular understanding of this outlaw culture has advanced far beyond West Side Story. However, the diverse works discussed in this important book--ranging from the breakthrough 1967 memoir Down These Mean Streets and the crime novel Carlito''s Way to the play Zoot Suit and the World War II-era historical novel Don''t Spit on My Corner, to more recent works such as Always Running/La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. and Chicana gang narratives like Locas and Two Badges--all share with the award-winning musical a crucial discourse on nationality, citizenship, and belonging. In Gang Nation, Monica Brown offers a sophisticated analysis of these narratives produced by former gang members and by "outside" observers writing within the Latino community. She examines the ubiquity of language and behavior within this literature that reveal the frustrated longings within gangs for greater participation in America''s national culture and the desire of members to craft an alternative environment in which they are welcome. Through literature and memoirs written from within the culture, Brown illustrates how these youth mimic the rhetoric and rituals of American nationalism''s most destructive aspects--intense territoriality, justification of violence, and cultural chauvinism--to assert their citizenship in an alternative nation. Before now, studies of gang culture have centered on either the choices of individual members or the social forces that inspire their unfocused rage. But through Latino and Chicano gang literature, Brown provides a more nuanced portrait of that culture, one that raises broader concerns about dominant nationalism, civil rights, the criminalization of urban youth of color, and the often unfulfilled sense of communal identity and acceptance among American youth.

A celebration of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life—now available in paperback! Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor , 2018 ALA Notable Children''s Book, 2018 Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year, 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children''s Book, 2017 Barnes & Noble Best Book, 2017 Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children''s Book, 2017 The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form. Monica Brown’s story recounts pivotal moments in Frida’s life and the beloved pets who comforted her along the way—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. John Parra’s bold-colored art, reminiscent of Frida’s palette, make this biography a warm and wonder-filled offering for Frida Kahlo fans old and new.

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola''s class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere--pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola''s least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn''t nearly as hard as soccer, is it? Lola and Bella can''t seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot''s office, Lola''s mom comes up with a scheme--a ballet scheme--that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible. But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?

The Levines are jetting off on a family vacation to Peru in the fifth book in this heartwarming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola''s dad has a successful art show, Lola''s dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble? With Lola''s and Ben''s wit and talent for mischief, we can expect some international trouble in this adorable chapter book.

When Chavela blows a bubble with a strange new gum, she floats away to Mexico, where her great-grandfather once worked harvesting the tree sap that makes gum chewy.

Seven-year-old Lola Levine is fierce on the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she''s not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she is auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she''s cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part! Lola is more than a little disappointed, and she looks to her bubbe for advice and comfort. But on opening night, the curtain rises, and she finds herself smack in the middle of an exasperating turn of events. In this fun and heartfelt chapter book, can Lola give Squirrel #2 her own special stamp and make it a play to remember?

The Levines are finally getting a pet--a furry one that is. They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but they don''t get very far in the process when Ben starts sneezing. Oh no, he''s allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending! With Lola''s trademark humor, we can expect a few mishaps, many funny moments, and a cute new pet all wrapped in one adorable book.

From activist and viral video star Sarai Gonzalez! When Sarai outgrows her bike, she worries she''ll never get to travel anywhere. But, when Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary hosts their first Around the World Fair, Sarai learns that with a little imagination, you can go anywhere you want!Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children''s book author Monica Brown.

In this funny, kid-favorite chapter book series, Lola Levine loves to participate but when she realizes she might be overcommitted she learns the importance of time to rest. "If you''ve never had a best friend, Lola Levine will undoubtedly become your first. Her appeal is boundless."―Rita Williams-Garcia, Coretta Scott King Author Award winner for One Crazy Summer Lola is doing TOO much! She loves all her activities, especially soccer and volunteering at the Humane Society. And she''s certain that she can handle it all. But how much is too much? When Lola gets sick and has to miss all of her favorite hobbies, she begins to see that balance and rest are just as important as her other activities. Lola is NOT a good patient, but ultimately learns that our bodies (and minds) sometimes need a break. In the eighth book in this series, young readers will be inspired by Lola''s big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style! Perfect for! ★ Fans of Junie B. Jones ★ Reluctant readers ★ Soccer enthusiasts ★ Readers practicing mindfulness ★ Anyone who’s ever taken on too many tasks! Don’t miss all the Lola Levine adventures! Lola Levine Is Not Mean! (#1) Lola Levine Drama Queen (#2) Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme (#3) Lola Levine meets Jelly and Bean (#4) Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream (#5) Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream (#6) Lola Levine and the Dinosaur Scene (#7) Lola Levine Runs Out of Steam (#8)

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds—including community activist Dolores Huerta! Dolores Huerta always knew that helping others in her community was important. So when she became a teacher and saw how hard it was for her students from farm families to find enough to eat, she knew there was more she could do. Dolores became a labor rights activist, fighting for better conditions for farm workers. She started unions so that workers would be treated more fairly. And she was also a leader of the women''s rights movement. Though she faced discrimination for her gender and her ethnicity, she persisted and helped make life better for farm workers, Latinos, and women across the country. In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Dolores Huerta—and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Dolores Huerta''s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sonia Sotomayor, Pura Belpré, Clara Lemlich, and more!