She Persisted: Pura Belpré

Reach for this book when your child feels like their unique background or language is a barrier rather than a gift. It is an ideal choice for children navigating new environments or those who feel 'unseen' in the media they consume. This biography follows Pura Belpré, a Puerto Rican immigrant who became New York City's first Latina librarian and realized the stories from her childhood were missing from the library shelves. Through creativity and perseverance, Pura uses puppets and storytelling to bridge cultural gaps and advocate for bilingual representation. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of one person to create systemic change. It is an empowering read for ages 6 to 9 that validates a child's heritage while encouraging them to share their own stories with the world.