ABUELITA’S GIFT AWARDS

Abuelita’s Gift has been out in the world for a little more than a year and it has already given me a lot of satisfaction. For starters, I’ve been able to meet many children and families during school visits (virtual and in person) or library/bookstore events because of this book. However, it has also received positive reviews from people who’ve read it, and I’ve enjoyed learning how this story has touched their lives.

In a more personal level, this is a book that is dear to not just me, but to my whole family as it has brought back memories of our loved ones. I’m very lucky that the story of Julieta and her beloved Abuelita was able to come to life in the hands of Sara Palacios and with all the support of the team at Knopf who believed in this manuscript. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity and the blessings it has brought into my life so far.

As you may know, Abuelita’s Gift has been recognized with star reviews and other special accolades, but recently the book has won 2 significant awards.

The first award is the 2025 Crystal Kite Award, given by the Society of Children’s Books Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI). Abuelita’s Gift was the winning title for the Southeast Division, and the honor was given by voting members of the society. It means so much to me that my peers recognized my work this way, considering there were many other wonderful books nominated. I’m very honored and thankful for this prize. Below you can see photos of the award, which is made of glass and it’s absolutely stunning.

The second award for this book is the Gold Medal for Best Children’s Fiction Picture Book in English in the 2025 International Latino Book Awards. The ceremony was last Saturday, and although I couldn’t attend in person, I was invited to share a video in advance since I wouldn’t be able to be there. I was so happy when they called my name and our book as the winner during the event. It’s a dream come true to receive such an honor as a latina author. I will have to wait to receive my medal at home, but I will share that photo on social media as soon as possible.

I love that a book about México, with Spanish, and about a beloved celebration in our culture is being recognized this way. Thanks for all the love and support for Abuelita’s Gift and El regalo de abuelita. May this book keep touching lives and highlighting our Mexican traditions in years to come.

Thanks for reading!

M

PS. Remember you can subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the pink button. Thanks!

Cover photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich.