Since 1996, the biennial Pura Belpré Awards have celebrated Latino culture, writers, and illustrators. Librarians seeking great books for children and young people, while serving the growing needs of a young Hispanic population, will find the best among these award-winners. The Pura Belpré Awards are named in honor of the New York Public Library?s 1920s children?s librarian, storyteller, puppeteer, and folklorist, Puerto-Rican born Pura Theresa Belpré. A brief history explains the significance of Pura Belpré, her work, and the partnership that launched this honor for Latino children?s literature.