Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of "Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré," a vibrant picture book that celebrates the pioneering spirit of Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian. Published on January 15, 2019, this book has been decorated with a Pura Belpré Honor and applauded by the Today Show as one of the Best Kids' Books of 2019. Through the lyrical text of Anika Aldamuy Denise and the exuberant illustrations by Paola Escobar, young readers are transported to the early 1920s when Belpré arrived in America, bringing with her the rich folktales of Puerto Rico. As she plants these story seeds in her new role at the New York Public Library, we see them flourish into a lush landscape of bilingual literature, fostering education equity, racial justice, and gender equality. This book not only provides a window into a trailblazer's life but also includes informative backmatter and suggested further reading, making it an essential addition to any elementary school library. How will you plant seeds of change in your community, inspired by Pura’s legacy?