Prize-Winning Mexican American Children's Books & the Texas Book Fest
October 28, 2009
Earlier this year, I mentioned two books that tied for the 2009 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award. Published in 2008, both are for young-adult readers. The award will be officially presented this week at Texas State University-San Marcos, the prize's sponsor. The books are
Sáenz's novel also made the honorable mention list for the Américas Book Award, given last summer.
Marjorie Coughlan reviewed The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans, a collection of short stories, at PaperTigers. She wrote,"The story contents demand a certain level of maturity from young adult readers; for those who are ready to embark on The Holy Tortilla’s journey, this is quite a ride!"
For those attending the Texas Book Festival in Austin on Saturday, October 31st, both Tafolla and Sáenz will be reading from their work. (The festival continues on November 1st.) The schedule for the kid & teen-related goings-on is here (PDF file).
Have any of you readers ever attended the Texas Book Festival? What's it like? The literary version of the Texas State Fair? I wish I could go!
I've never been before, but tomorrow I'm headed for Austin. I can hardy wait.
Posted by: Semicolon | October 29, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Lucky you! So many authors will be there. I hope you'll report on the goings-on!
Posted by: Susan (Chicken Spaghetti) | October 29, 2009 at 02:00 PM
I'm really excited about these books and I'm glad you brought the Texas Book Festival to our attention. I can't wait to read The Holy Tortilla!
Posted by: elaine clayton | November 01, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Elaine, have you ever been to the Texas Book Fest? Sounds like a lot of fun.
Posted by: Susan (Chicken Spaghetti) | November 01, 2009 at 10:17 AM