The Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award recognizes authors and illustrators whose literary work depict the Mexican American experience. This award was established in 1995 by the Texas State University College of Education in honor of distinguished alumnus, Tomás Rivera an educator, poet and author of literary works depicting the difficulties experienced by Mexican migrant farmers and also the first Mexican American to hold a chancellor position at the University of California.
Criteria The book is written for children and young adults (0–16 years). The text and illustrations are of the highest quality. The portrayal/representations of Mexican Americans are accurate and engaging, avoid stereotypes, and reflect rich characterization. The book may be fiction or non- fiction.
Recipients
+ Tomás Rivera Book Award Winners YearCategoryAuthorIllustratorTitle2025For Younger ReadersLaekan Zea KempBeatriz Gutíerrez HernándezDesert SongFor Older ReadersAida SalazarUltraviolet2024For Younger ReadersMichael GenhartJohn ParraSpanish is the Language of My Family/El Español es la Lengua de Mi FamiliaFor Middle ReadersCarmen TafollaWarrior GirlFor Older ReadersPedro MartínPedro MartínMexikid: A Graphic Memoir2023For Younger ReadersCelia C. PérezTumbleFor Older ReadersAida SalazarKarina PerezA Seed in the Sun2022For Younger Readers (tie)David BowlesMy Two Border TownsFor Younger Readers (tie)Bright StarFor Older ReadersIndivisible2021For Younger Readers (tie)Feathered Serpent and the Five Suns: A Mesoamerican Creation MythFor Younger Readers (tie)The Spirit of Chicano Park/El espíritu del Parque ChicanoFor Older ReadersDreaming with Mariposas2020My Papi Has A Motorcycle2019For Younger ReadersDreamersFor Older ReadersDavid BowlesThey Call Me Güero2018For Younger Readers All around UsFor Older Readers (Middle Grade)For Older Readers (Young Adult)I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter2017For Younger Readers and Theresa HowellMaybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a NeighborhoodFor Older Readers2016For Younger ReadersFunny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras2016For Older ReadersOut of Darkness2015For Younger ReadersSeparate is Never Equal: Sylvia Méndez and her Family's Fight for Desegregation2015For Older ReadersGabi, a Girl in Pieces2014For Younger ReadersPancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's TaleFor Older ReadersDiego Rivera: An Artist for the People2013Under the Mesquite2012For Older ReadersSylvia and AkiFor Younger ReadersDiego Rivera: His World and Ours2011Bait2010What Can You Do With a Paleta?2009The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of BeansHe Forgot to Say Goodbye20082007Downtown Boy2006José! Born to Dance2005Becoming Naomi León2004Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book20032002Breaking Through2001My Very Own Room/Mi Propio Cuartito2000My Land Sings: Stories of the Río Grande199919981997In My Family/En Mi Familia1996Chato's Kitchen
External links http://riverabookaward.org/
References