In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the New Kent County ESL (English as a second language) department has created unique lessons for students in our community. In our classrooms, and at home, our students are able to explore Hispanic and LatinX culture. The numerous contributions Hispanic culture continues to make on the American experience are integral to our day to day educational experience; but, from September 15 through October 15 we hope to shine a light on them specifically. Stop by the library to check out books by Hispanic authors and about the unique Hispanic experience.
Click to button below to view activities specifically designed for Elementary, Middle, and High School students.
Click to button below to view activities specifically designed for Elementary, Middle, and High School students.
Hispanic or LatinX ?
No doubt you've heard the terms Hispanic and Latino/Latina/LatinX, but do you know their different meanings?
On our Shelf
From graphic novels to fantasy and beyond, check out a sample of our exciting collection by Latinx authors . Click on each title to read a review; you're sure to find one that will educate and entertain.
Who is Pura Belpre?
Pura Belpré Award This award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate.
Visit the new ALSC Awards Shelf to browse all current and past ALSC award recipients! Download a complete PDF list of Belpre Award and Honor Books, 1996 to present |
Oh Hey!

Hi there! I'm Mrs. Mordica, the friendly NKMS librarian. If you have a question, suggestion, or just want to say "hey," email me :)
Literary Awards and Booklists
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
- The Newbery Medal has, since 1922, been given annually to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” Generally, two to four Honor books are also named.
- The Printz Award is a newer award that is essentially the Newbery for YA literature. It is given annually to “the best book for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.” Honor books are also named.
- The Morris Award honors and celebrates debut authors in YA literature. Up to five finalists are named annually, with one winner announced in January. The award goes to the book that “illuminate[s] the teen experience and enrich[es] the lives of its readers through its excellence.”
- The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award is given to books in three categories for “high quality and creative excellence.” Up to two Honor books in each category can be named as well. The winners go on to headline a day-long symposium for editors, writers, and scholars of children’s and young adult literature.
- The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature is selected by a committee of five, comprising authors, librarians, critics, and booksellers. A ten-book longlist is selected, and a five-book shortlist and single winner are announced later.
- The Alex Award is given yearly by the Young Adult Library Services Association. It selects ten books written and published for adults that are of particular interest or appeal to teens.
Our Mission
The NKMS library engages with the New Kent community training confident researchers, critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, and ethical participants in the contemporary information landscape; we provide quality resources for both academic and personal endeavors while collaborating with faculty members and the New Kent community to enhance instruction.