The Extraordinary Story of the Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award

Every year, the Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award honors outstanding Mexican American children's literature. This prestigious award celebrates and recognizes the incredible contributions of Mexican American authors, illustrators, and publishers who have dedicated their talents to creating exceptional literary works for young readers.

The Origins of the Award

The Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award was established by the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS) in collaboration with the Mexican American Studies and Research Center at the University of Arizona. The award was named after two influential individuals who left an indelible mark on the literary world.

Jose Limon, a prominent dancer and choreographer, captured the essence of the Mexican American experience through the power of movement. His artistic creations, often inspired by social justice themes, helped redefine modern dance and brought Mexican American culture to the forefront of the performing arts world.

Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon (Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award (Awards))

by Susanna Reich (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49197 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Tomas Rivera, an esteemed author and educator, dedicated his life to advocating for bilingual education and championing the literary achievements of Mexican American writers. He served as the Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, becoming the first Mexican American to hold such a position in the UC system.

Celebrating Mexican American Literature

The goal of the Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award is to showcase the rich and diverse voices within the Mexican American community. Each year, a committee consisting of educators, librarians, and community leaders selects the winning book that best reflects the cultural experiences and perspectives of Mexican American children.

Winning authors and illustrators receive a monetary award and public recognition for their exceptional work. The award also serves as a platform to amplify the voices of Mexican American children's literature and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of their stories.

The Impact on Children and Literature

The Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award has had a significant impact on both children and literature. By highlighting the achievements of Mexican American authors and illustrators, the award inspires young readers to connect with their cultural heritage and empowers them to explore their own identities.

Representation matters, especially in literature. Mexican American children need to see themselves reflected in the books they read. The award-winning titles become invaluable resources for educators and librarians seeking to diversify their collections and provide authentic and relatable narratives to their students.

Previous Winners

Over the years, the Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award has recognized exceptional books that have resonated with young readers. Some notable previous winners include:

• "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• "Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation" by Duncan Tonatiuh
• "The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child" by Francisco Jimenez

These books, among others, represent the depth and richness of Mexican American children's literature and demonstrate the importance of diverse storytelling.

The Future of Mexican American Children's Literature

The Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award continues to pave the way for future generations of Mexican American authors and illustrators. By recognizing their contributions and raising awareness of their powerful narratives, the award ensures that the stories of Mexican American children are heard and celebrated.

As more Mexican American authors and illustrators break barriers and create compelling literature, the Jose Limon Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children Award will play a vital role in shining a spotlight on their remarkable achievements.

Through this award, the legacy of Jose Limon and Tomas Rivera lives on, inspiring countless young readers, fostering a greater understanding of Mexican American culture, and encouraging the creation of meaningful and authentic literature.

Jose! Born to Dance: The Story of Jose Limon (Tomas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award (Awards))

by Susanna Reich (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	49197 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

José! Born to Dance tells the story of a boy born in a small Mexican village who became one of the greatest dancers of all time—José Limón.

José was a boy with a song in his heart and a dance in his step. Born in Mexico in 1908, he came into the world kicking like a steer, and grew up to love to draw, play the piano, and dream. José's dreaming took him to faraway places. He dreamed of bullfighters and the sounds of the cancan dancers that he saw with his father. Dance lit a fire in José's soul.

With his heart to guide him, José left his family and went to New York to dance. He learned to flow and float and fly through space with steps like a Mexican breeze. When José danced, his spirit soared. From New York to lands afar, José Limón became known as the man who gave the world his own kind of dance.

Susanna Reich's lyrical text and Raúl Colón's shimmering artwork tell the story of a boy who was determined to make a difference in the world, and did. José! Born to Dance will inspire picture book readers to follow their hearts and live their dreams.