Join us as we celebrate local author Anika Aldamuy Denise and her new children’s book, LA BANDERA Poems of Resistance and Pride. Light themed refreshments will be served. Books are available for purchase and signing in store and online. Open and free to the public.
About the Book
La Bandera: Poems of Resistance and Pride
The riveting story of Puerto Rico, its flag, and its people—told in captivating verse by Pura Belpré Honoree Anika Aldamuy Denise with gorgeous illustrations from Ericka Lugo.
Puerto Rico’s complex and deep history is woven throughout each thread of its flag. A symbol of opposition to occupation and injustice, la bandera represents the great pride of Puerto Ricans living on the island and in the diaspora. With lyrical poetry and vibrant art, the deeply layered origins of the Puerto Rican flag are stitched together in this poignant reflection on the archipelago’s history, from the 19th century to the present day. Includes 14 poems.
Praise
“Layered and resonant… an uplifting testament to a people and their history.” –Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A fierce, hopeful series of verses filtered through the Puerto Rican flag that focuses on the island, its people, and their fight for freedom. Compelling and powerful. –Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Inspiring. Incredibly moving. A must-purchase nonfiction free verse [illustrated] book about the history of resistance and fight for freedom of Puerto Rico." –School Library Journal (starred review)
About the Author
Anika Aldamuy Denise writes books that plant seeds of inspiration in readers of all ages, many celebrating her Puerto Rican heritage. Her debut picture book biography, Planting Stories: The Life of Pura Belpré, earned multiple honors, including the Pura Belpré Author Honor, NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor, and Arnold Adoff Poetry Award. She followed with A Girl Named Rosita, a starred School Library Journal title and ALA RISE selection, and Phenomenal AOC, which received a Booklist star and a Pura Belpré Honor for illustration. Born to a mixed Nuyorican family and raised in Queens, New York, her work highlights influential Latine voices, marginalized histories, and the intersection of culture and identity. Learn more at anikadenise.com.
About the Illustrator
Ericka Lugo is a Puerto Rican illustrator. She grew up in Ponce and later studied in Río Piedras, where she fell asleep to the song of coquís. She wished to go to illustration school but decided to learn by herself instead. Today, she's illustrated many book covers for publishers like Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Tundra, and Harper Collins, among others. La Bandera is her first full-length illustrated book. She created the vibrant artwork digitally using Procreate. Learn more about Ericka and her illustration work at erickaligo.com.