Margarita Engle Books

Destiny's journey from a sickly sloth to a thriving member of her community highlights resilience and friendship. Rescued by the Sloth Institute in Costa Rica, she overcame her challenges, including the loss of vision in one eye, to bond with other sloths. After her recovery, she was fitted with a tracking collar and released back into the wild. This uplifting tale encourages children to embrace determination and kindness towards those who may appear different, fostering empathy and understanding.

Showcasing the colorful buildings and iconic classic cars of Havana, this verse picture book follows a Cuban boy and his family on their road trip into the city.

Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874-1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works--paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York--are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor-winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.

Challenging societal norms, the drum dream girl defies the long-held belief that girls cannot be drummers on her music-filled island. With her passion and talent for rhythm, she inspires others and breaks barriers, showcasing the power of dreams and perseverance. This enchanting tale celebrates individuality and the importance of following one's passion, regardless of gender expectations.

Set against the backdrop of the 1914 Panama Canal opening, the narrative explores the monumental engineering feat that transformed global trade and marked America's rise as a superpower. It highlights the immense sacrifices made, as thousands lost their lives and many endured grueling labor in perilous conditions for meager wages. The story captures the struggle and determination involved in creating a modern marvel, emphasizing the human cost behind this historic achievement.

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 sellfrutas , singing the names of each fruitas 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 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.

In this poetic memoir, Margarita Engle, the first Latina woman to receive a Newbery Honor, tells of growing up as a child of two cultures during the Cold War. Margarita is a girl from two worlds. Her heart lies in Cuba, her mother's tropical island country, a place so lush with vibrant life that it seems like a fairy tale kingdom. But most of the time she lives in Los Angeles, lonely in the noisy city and dreaming of the summers when she can take a plane through the enchanted air to her beloved island. Words and images are her constant companions, friendly and comforting when the children at school are not. Then a revolution breaks out in Cuba. Margarita fears for her far-away family. When the hostility between Cuba and the United States erupts at the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Margarita's worlds collide in the worst way possible. How can the two countries she loves hate each other so much? And will she ever get to visit her beautiful island again?

Focusing on the contributions of eight influential Cuban women, this poetry collection celebrates their impact on various art forms, including folk art, photography, architecture, painting, sculpture, and music. It sheds light on their often-overlooked legacies and the ways they have transformed artistic expression within their communities, emphasizing the importance of recognizing female voices in the cultural landscape of Cuba.

Adapted from the Texas Bluebonnet Award-winning Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics, this board book of poems and portraits from writer Margarita Engle and illustrator Rafael López celebrates the lives and accomplishments of amazing Hispanics

A novel in verse 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. As she begins to create a world of words for herself, Oriol learns it will take courage to stay true to herself and do what she thinks is right--attempting to rescue a baby elephant in need--even if it means keeping secrets from those she loves.

The narrative explores the struggles of a girl grappling with societal expectations that stifle her thoughts and individuality. Through poignant reflections, she confronts the pressures to conform and the desire for self-expression. The book delves into themes of identity, empowerment, and the quest for personal freedom, inviting readers to consider the importance of voicing one's inner thoughts amidst external constraints.

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a Cuban-American boy experiencing his family's village in Cuba for the first time. As he navigates this new environment, he discovers a sister he never knew existed, leading to themes of identity, family, and cultural connection. Engle's use of verse adds a lyrical quality, enhancing the emotional depth of the boy's journey and his exploration of heritage. This middle grade novel captures the essence of discovery and the bonds that tie family together across borders.

A School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Book of 2019! In this powerful companion to her award-winning memoir Enchanted Air, Young People’s Poet Laureate 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 of places.

This Spanish edition offers readers a unique opportunity to engage with the text in their native language, enhancing accessibility and understanding. The translation maintains the essence of the original work while capturing cultural nuances. Ideal for Spanish-speaking audiences, it provides an enriched reading experience that emphasizes the themes and characters in a way that resonates with local readers. This edition is perfect for those looking to enjoy the narrative flow and stylistic elements in Spanish.

The book has received a starred review from Booklist, indicating a standout quality that sets it apart from others. It promises to deliver an engaging narrative or insightful themes that resonate with readers. The acclaim suggests a well-crafted story or profound character development, making it a noteworthy addition to any reader's collection.

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.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra finds refuge from his difficult childhood by imagining the adventures of a brave but clumsy knight. 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.

In 1920s Cuba, Rima is bullied and shunned for her illegitimacy, but finds solace in riding her horse and forges unexpected friendships with others who share her dreams of freedom and suffrage. Includes historical note.

Ein Mädchen träumt davon, die Trommeln schlagen zu dürfen. Doch auf ihrer Insel ist es nur Männern und Jungen gestattet, dieses Instrument zu spielen. Ihr Sehnen nach dem Klang der Congas, der Bongos, der Timbales ist so stark, dass sie überall um und in sich den Rhythmus der Trommel hört und spürt. Ihre Träume sind erfüllt von ihrer Leidenschaft, rhythmische Musik zu erschaffen, gemeinsam mit ihren Schwestern zu musizieren. Doch die Mahnungen der Erwachsenen zwingt sie, zunächst im Geheimen zu trommeln. Ihrem tiefen Wunsch folgend ermöglicht ihr Vater die Ausbildung durch einen Musiklehrer. Bestärkt in ihrem Talent lernt sie die Kunst des Trommels. Sie verzaubert ihr Publikum und sprengt damit die Konventionen der Insel. Von nun an dürfen auch Mädchen die Trommeln spielen. Wie Trommelschläge begleitet jede Silbe dieses poetischen Textes den Leser auf der Reise des kleinen Trommel Traum Girls. Basierend auf einer wahren Geschichte aus Kuba, zeigt diese farbenstark illustrierte Geschichte Mädchen und Jungen, dass sie grenzenlos träumen dürfen

Un libro lírico y unificador que “inspirará a jóvenes lectores” y que “muestra magníficamente la experiencia inmigrante” (Kirkus Reviews, crítica estelar) en Estados Unidos, escrito por la ganadora de la Mención de Honor del Premio Newbery e ilustrado por el galardonado artista Raúl Colón. Descubre un sinfín de contribuciones que todos los inmigrantes han aportado al venir a unirse a sus familias o a comenzar sus vidas en un nuevo país que llaman su hogar. Con sus esperanzas, sus sueños y su determinación, generaciones de inmigrantes han hecho que el tejido de este país sea diverso, vívido y acogedor. Esta vibrante y oportuna celebración muestra a los miles de inmigrantes que construyeron Estados Unidos, así como cuán importante es que haya aceptación y luz para todos.