The Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP) founded the Américas Award in 1993 to encourage and commend authors, illustrators and publishers who produce quality children’s and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States, and to provide teachers with recommendations for classroom use. CLASP offers up to two annual book awards, together with a commended list of titles.
Up to two awards (for primary and secondary reading levels) are given in recognition of U.S. published works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction (from picture books to works for young adults) that authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States. By linking the Americas, the intent is to reach beyond geographic borders, as well as multicultural-international boundaries, focusing instead upon cultural heritages within the hemisphere. Learn more.
Global Read Webinar Series
Once a month, the World Area Book Awards sponsor a free webinar series on award-winning books, including the Américas Book Award. The webinars include a discussion with the author on how to incorporate the book into the classroom. Participants are encouraged to read the books with their colleagues, students, and community prior to the webinar. For more information, visit the Global Read Webinar Series.
The Américas Award Global Read Webinar will be held on Monday, May 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM EST. Register for the webinar here!
Teacher Resources
For educators' guides and additional resources on all current and past Américas Award recipients and honorable mentions, visit the Américas Award website.
CLAS is a U.S. Department of Education National Resource Center (NRC). Supported by the U.S. Department of Education under the auspices of Title VI, Section 602(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965. NRC's serve to strengthen access to and training in the major languages of their respective regions, and to broaden area studies training across all disciplines.