The Rhode Island Latino Books Award

The Rhode Island Latino Books Award is one of RILA’s quietly powerful programs—now entering its 11th year of connecting young people to stories that matter.

Each year, classrooms and school libraries across Rhode Island read books by Latino and Latinx authors and illustrators, talk about them together, and invite students to share which stories resonate most. The program centers reading as something meaningful, personal, and shared—not just an assignment, but an experience.

At its heart, the Latino Books Award helps young people see themselves in stories, learn about others, and discover that their voices as readers matter.

The Latino Books Award is designed to fit naturally into what you’re already doing—independent reading time, book discussions, library visits, or classroom conversations. Participation is free, flexible, and adaptable to different grade levels and schedules.

You choose how your students engage. RILA provides the framework; you bring it to life in a way that works for your classroom or library.

Schools participate in the Latino Books Award because it deepens students’ connection to reading and opens space for meaningful conversation.

Through the program, students:

• Read books that reflect Latino and Latinx cultures, identities, and lived experiences
• Talk about stories that feel familiar, surprising, joyful, or challenging
• Learn that their opinions matter by participating in a statewide vote
• Engage with Latino and Latinx authors and illustrators through virtual or in-school visits when available

For many students, this is the first time they have seen themselves reflected in a book—or been asked what they think about what they read.

For more information about the Rhode Island Latino Books Award and/or to participate, contact Marta V. Martínez, RILA'S Executive Director.

Participation is simple and flexible:

1. Read one or more nominated titles with your students
2. Create space for discussion—formal or informal
3. Invite students to vote for the book that stayed with them
4. Submit votes in May and celebrate being part of a shared statewide reading experience

RILA provides discussion prompts and voting tools to support educators along the way.

Participating schools become part of a larger statewide community of educators committed to inclusive, culturally relevant literature. While each classroom experience is unique, students across Rhode Island are reading, reflecting, and voting together.

The Latino Books Award reminds us that reading can connect young people across schools, cities, and communities.