From: Mack, Tracy <TMack>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 16:05:11 -0500

I know the discussion is moving on to the Pura Belpre illustrator winners, but I hope it's not too late to respond to this week's postings about author winners.

As the editor of Pam Mu?oz Ryan's novel ESPERANZA RISING, I would first like to thank the Pura Belpre committee for its commitment to recognizing and publicizing distinguished literature by Hispanic authors and illustrators, as well as for its selection of ESPERANZA as one of this year's winners. Since this is my first time posting, I also want to thank the CCBC community for its lively and informed discussions, which always broaden my perspectives and exposure to new books.

In response to K.T.'s question about whether ESPERANZA (or any winner published in 2000) would generate as much excitement as a book published more recently, from a publisher's perspective, I send up a resounding,
"Yes!" As editors and publishers, we celebrate every award, every good review, every letter from a child telling us how a book has touched him/her. That means even two years later this award spurs additional marketing and advertising for the book. That said, we would all applaud and support the Pura Belpre award becoming an annual event.

And I am delighted to report that ESPERANZA has never "languished in oblivion" here at Scholastic Press. Pam Mu?oz Ryan is not only a fine literary writer, but her books sell. From the beginning we set out to publish ESPERANZA as a mainstream book that, while steeped in a particular culture, has wide appeal across cultures.

I was a bit unclear about the registered concern for the fate of books published two years prior. Was this intended as a lament of today's tough market? Or are we inadvertently making assumptions about the likely appeal and/or corporate support of a book written by a person outside of the
"mainstream" culture?

Even before the announcement of the Pura Belpre award this January, ESPERANZA's appeal and support were strong. The book was already in its 8th printing, and the list of awards and distinctions it had received was vast and included: ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, Jane Addams Peace Award, Willa Cather Award, Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, and Am?ricas Award Honorable Mention. And we had planned a Spanish edition of ESPERANZA, which we will publish this coming fall under our Mariposa imprint.

Beyond my eternal faith that good books will get noticed, I attribute this widespread recognition and success primarily to Scholastic's devoted Marketing department who all got behind this book from the very beginning, as well as to Pam who travels widely and tirelessly to promote her books at national conventions, state reading conferences, bookstores, libraries, and individual classrooms. It also cannot go without saying that word of mouth through many caring and influential librarians and educators helped significantly to get ESPERANZA on people's radar. And now, with the Pura Belpre award, we feel certain that ESPERANZA is ensured a long and fruitful life.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to say that I, too, continue to search for Latina/Latino visions and voices because I feel strongly that children of all cultures deserve to find themselves in literature, and because, having lived in Spain and subsequently having worked as one of Scholastic's former Mariposa editors, I feel a personal connection with and affection for the Spanish language and its many cultures. I extend an open hand for submissions and hope that anyone reading this will pass the word on.

Thank you all again for your impassioned concern for creating more good books by and about the Latina/Latino experience. I sincerely believe that awards like the Pura Belpre can change the publishing landscape. Pam Mu?oz Ryan and I feel honored to be basking in its glow.


Tracy Mack Executive Editor Scholastic Press Email: tmack at scholastic.com
Received on Thu 28 Feb 2002 03:05:11 PM CST