Best Selling Books by Monica Brown

Explores how Latino gang culture mirrors the most destructive aspects of the American Dream through a look at novels and memoirs "There''s a place for us / Somewhere a place for us." With the emergence of a rich body of literature chronicling the experiences of Latino and Latina gang members, popular understanding of this outlaw culture has advanced far beyond West Side Story. However, the diverse works discussed in this important book--ranging from the breakthrough 1967 memoir Down These Mean Streets and the crime novel Carlito''s Way to the play Zoot Suit and the World War II-era historical novel Don''t Spit on My Corner, to more recent works such as Always Running/La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A. and Chicana gang narratives like Locas and Two Badges--all share with the award-winning musical a crucial discourse on nationality, citizenship, and belonging. In Gang Nation, Monica Brown offers a sophisticated analysis of these narratives produced by former gang members and by "outside" observers writing within the Latino community. She examines the ubiquity of language and behavior within this literature that reveal the frustrated longings within gangs for greater participation in America''s national culture and the desire of members to craft an alternative environment in which they are welcome. Through literature and memoirs written from within the culture, Brown illustrates how these youth mimic the rhetoric and rituals of American nationalism''s most destructive aspects--intense territoriality, justification of violence, and cultural chauvinism--to assert their citizenship in an alternative nation. Before now, studies of gang culture have centered on either the choices of individual members or the social forces that inspire their unfocused rage. But through Latino and Chicano gang literature, Brown provides a more nuanced portrait of that culture, one that raises broader concerns about dominant nationalism, civil rights, the criminalization of urban youth of color, and the often unfulfilled sense of communal identity and acceptance among American youth.

Ana loves stories. She often makes them up to help her little brother fall asleep. But in her small village there are only a few books and she has read them all. One morning, Ana wakes up to the clip-clop of hooves, and there before her, is the most wonderful sight: a traveling library resting on the backs of two burros‑all the books a little girl could dream of, with enough stories to encourage her to create one of her own. Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book was donated to Luis Soriano''s BiblioBurro program.

When Chavela blows a bubble with a strange new gum, she floats away to Mexico, where her great-grandfather once worked harvesting the tree sap that makes gum chewy.

The third book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. They''re cutting funding at Sarai''s school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai. She decides to organize a benefit concert to raise money! When she and her bandmates promote the concert on their video channel, it catches the attention of Sarai''s favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez! Can Sarai save the music?

Lola Levine likes writing in her diario, sipping her mom''s cafe con leche, eating her dad''s matzo ball soup, and playing soccer with her team, the Orange Smoothies. So what if she doesn''t always fit in? Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little "pencil power," she just might be able to turn it all around. In this first book in a series, young readers will be inspired by Lola''s big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style!

A new Spanish and English bilingual edition of the stunning picture book biography of Pablo Neruda, one of the world''s most enduring and popular poets, from the acclaimed Monica Brown. Había una vez un niño llamado Neftalí, quien amaba las cosas salvajes locamente y las cosas tranquilas serenamente. Desde el momento en que aprendió a hablar, se rodeó de palabras. Neftalí descubrió la magia oculta entre las páginas de los libros. Cuando tenía dieciséis años, comenzó a publicar sus poemas bajo el nombre Pablo Neruda. Pablo escribió poemas sobre las cosas que amaba: obras creadas por sus amigos artistas, objetos hallados en los mercados y elementos de la naturaleza. Escribió sobre la gente de Chile y su lucha por salir adelante. Porque sobre todas las cosas y sobre todas las palabras, Pablo Neruda amaba a la gente. Once there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words, seeking comfort and inspiration from the magic he discovered between the pages of books. When he was sixteen, he began publishing his writing as Pablo Neruda. Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved—things made by his friends in the café, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things and above all words, Pablo Neruda loved people. With a new translation of Monica Brown''s lyrical text and Julia Paschkis'' gorgeous art, which celebrates multiple languages, this new edition will introduce the youngest of readers—of English, Spanish, and both—to the legacy of one of history''s most iconic talents.

A celebration of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life—now available in paperback! Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor , 2018 ALA Notable Children''s Book, 2018 Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year, 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children''s Book, 2017 Barnes & Noble Best Book, 2017 Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children''s Book, 2017 The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form. Monica Brown’s story recounts pivotal moments in Frida’s life and the beloved pets who comforted her along the way—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. John Parra’s bold-colored art, reminiscent of Frida’s palette, make this biography a warm and wonder-filled offering for Frida Kahlo fans old and new.

Lola Levine is ready to celebrate her favorite holiday in the sixth book in this charming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. It''s Halloween--Lola and Ben''s favorite holiday. She loves pumpkins, scary costumes, monsters, and ghosts--and she likes to scare people, too. But when Lola plays a scary joke on her super best friends, Josh Blot and Bella Benitez, it doesn''t go as planned. Can Lola learn from her mistake and still have a happy Halloween?

The Levines are jetting off on a family vacation to Peru in the fifth book in this heartwarming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola''s dad has a successful art show, Lola''s dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble? With Lola''s and Ben''s wit and talent for mischief, we can expect some international trouble in this adorable chapter book.

Seven-year-old Lola Levine is fierce on the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she''s not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she is auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she''s cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part! Lola is more than a little disappointed, and she looks to her bubbe for advice and comfort. But on opening night, the curtain rises, and she finds herself smack in the middle of an exasperating turn of events. In this fun and heartfelt chapter book, can Lola give Squirrel #2 her own special stamp and make it a play to remember?

The first book in a brand-new illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of 11-year-old viral video star and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. Sarai Gonzalez is AWESOME. Fourth grader Sarai Gonzalez can do anything. She can bake, dance, and run her own cupcake business. But when Sarai''s grandparents are forced to move, even Sarai''s not sure what to do. So she hatches a super-awesome plan with her younger sisters and cousin to buy back the house. But houses are more expensive than she ever thought, her sisters won''t listen, and she''s running out of time. Will Sarai find a way to save the day?Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children''s book author Monica Brown.

Traces the life of novelist Gabriel García Márquez from his childhood in Columbia to today.

From activist and viral video star Sarai Gonzalez! When Sarai outgrows her bike, she worries she''ll never get to travel anywhere. But, when Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary hosts their first Around the World Fair, Sarai learns that with a little imagination, you can go anywhere you want!Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children''s book author Monica Brown.

The Levines are finally getting a pet--a furry one that is. They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but they don''t get very far in the process when Ben starts sneezing. Oh no, he''s allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending! With Lola''s trademark humor, we can expect a few mishaps, many funny moments, and a cute new pet all wrapped in one adorable book.

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola''s class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere--pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola''s least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn''t nearly as hard as soccer, is it? Lola and Bella can''t seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot''s office, Lola''s mom comes up with a scheme--a ballet scheme--that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible. But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds—including community activist Dolores Huerta! Dolores Huerta always knew that helping others in her community was important. So when she became a teacher and saw how hard it was for her students from farm families to find enough to eat, she knew there was more she could do. Dolores became a labor rights activist, fighting for better conditions for farm workers. She started unions so that workers would be treated more fairly. And she was also a leader of the women''s rights movement. Though she faced discrimination for her gender and her ethnicity, she persisted and helped make life better for farm workers, Latinos, and women across the country. In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Dolores Huerta—and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Dolores Huerta''s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sonia Sotomayor, Pura Belpré, Clara Lemlich, and more!

The second book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of eleven-year-old viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. When Sarai''s best friend suddenly moves away, Sarai has to navigate school--and the unfriendly girls in the cafeteria--all by herself. When new girl Cristina moves to town, the teacher volunteers Sarai to show her around, but Sarai thinks Cristina is not at all like her. She never wants to play at recess, she''s always got her head in a notebook and she''s so shy! But when Cristina writes Sarai a spoken-word poem for her to recite at the class talent show, Sarai learns that sometimes winning teams are made from unlikely pairs! Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children''s book author Monica Brown.

*A Pura Belpré Honor Book!* In this vibrant bilingual picture book biography of musician Tito Puente by award-winning author-illustrator team Monica Brown and Rafael López, readers will dance along to the beat of the mambo king''s life. Tito Puente loved banging pots and pans as a child, but what he really dreamed of was having his own band one day. From Spanish Harlem to the Grammy Awards--and all the beats in between--this is the true life story of a boy whose passion for music turned him into the "King of Mambo." Brown and López bring the remarkable story of this talented legend to life in this captivating and informative picture book.

Describes the life of the legendary Latin American singer, Celia Cruz.

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Diana Taurasi! When Diana Taurasi was a girl, professional women''s basketball didn''t exist in the US. But she worked hard to create opportunities for herself, winning championships throughout college and eventually going on to play for the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury and winning multiple Olympic gold medals. In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Diana Taurasi--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Diana Taurasi''s footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Florence Griffith Joyner, Sonia Sotomayor, and more!

A powerful and accesible bilingual picture book that highlights "the power and impact of ordinary but dedicated citizens."* Every day, thousands of farmworkers harvested the food that ended up on kitchen tables all over the country. But at the end of the day, when the workers sat down to eat, there were only beans on their own tables. Then Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez teamed up. Together they motivated the workers to fight for their rights and, in the process, changed history. Award-winning author Monica Brown and acclaimed illustrator Joe Cepeda join together to create this stunning tribute to two of the most influential people of the twentieth century. "I love that this book introduces Dolores and Cesar as children and connects their early life experiences to the decisions they made as they grew up," commented reviewer Maria Ramos-Chertok in the blog "Latinxs in Kid Lit." "Given that I longed for bilingual children''s books when my two sons were growing up, I only wish I had known about this book earlier." She added that Side by Side offers opportunities to open discussions about work and career, feminism, and friendship, as well as a fresh perspective on history. Todos los días, miles de campesinos cosechaban los alimentos que se servían en los hogares de todo el país. Pero al terminar la jornada, cuando los campesinos se sentaban a comer, lo único que había en sus propias mesas era frijoles. Entonces, Dolores Huerta y César Chávez se unieron para motivar a los trabajadores a luchar por sus derechos y en el proceso, cambiaron el curso de la historia. La premiada autora Monica Brown y el aclamado ilustrador Joe Cepeda se unen para crear éste impresionante tributo a dos de las personas más influentes del siglo veinte. *Publishers Weekly

A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru''s ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country''s Indigenous history. Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means brave in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru. At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio''s interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru''s Indigenous history. Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru''s Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country''s Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru''s long history and its living cultural legacy.

Monica Brown and Rudy Gutierrez team up to deliver what Kirkus called, in a starred review, an “inspiring blend of art and story,” about the most famous soccer star in the world, Pelé. This bilingual picture book will inspire, teach, and amaze readers as they learn about the man who revolutionized the sport of soccer. Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? This is the true story of Pelé, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend. Rudy Gutierrez’s dynamic illustrations make award-winning author Monica Brown’s story of this remarkable sports hero come alive!

When a man brings to a remote village two burros, Alfa and Beto, loaded with books the children can borrow, Ana''s excitement leads her to write a book of her own as she waits for the Biblioburro to return. Includes glossary of Spanish terms and a note on the true story of Colombia''s Biblioburro and mobile libraries in other countries.

Can you imagine a shipwrecked sailor living on air and seaweed for eight days? Can you imagine a trail of yellow butterflies fluttering their wings to songs of love? Once, there was a little boy named Gabito who could. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is perhaps one of the most brilliant writers of our time. He is a tremendous figure, enormously talented, and unabashedly admired. This is his story, lovingly told, for children to enjoy. Using the imagery from his novels, Monica Brown traces the novelist''s life in this creative nonfiction picture book from his childhood in Colombia to today. This is an inspiring story about an inspiring life, full of imagination and beauty. Translated Text.

While she and her classmates wait for the caterpillars they are raising to be transformed into Monarch butterflies, Julianita''s grandfather tells her about the annual migration of these butterflies to his hometown in Mexico.

A picture book in English and Spanish of soccer star Pele.

A creative, unique, bilingual Peruvian Scottish-American-soccer-playing artist celebrates her uniqueness.

Gabriela Mistral loved words, sounds and stories. Born in Chile, she would grow to become the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. As a poet and a teacher, she inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard.

Biography of a very talented writer from his childhood in Colombia to his life today.

Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved futbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? Turn the pages of this book to read the true life story of Pele, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend.