Congratulations to Kristine Smith and Buddy Taylor Middle School in Palm Coast. Kristine was one of two winners in REFORMA de Florida’s annual Pura Belpré Book Donation Award – open to any library (Little Free, Public, School, Charter, Independent, or Private) in Florida.

Kristine’s school library won a collection of Young Adult books, created by Latinx authors and illustrators in 2025, which portray the Latino cultural experience. She notes that the collection will serve as “literary mirrors” for Hispanic students, while “providing ‘windows’ for her broader student body to understand the rich diversity of the Latino experience.”

Below is a photo from Buddy Taylor Middle School’s new collection. Congratulations again!!

Congratulations to Kaylee Benner and Clay County Public Library in Fleming Island, FL. Kaylee was one of two winners in REFORMA de Florida’s annual Pura Belpré Book Donation Award – open to any library (Little Free, Public, School, Charter, Independent, or Private) in Florida.

Her library system won a collection of Children’s books, created by Latinx authors and illustrators in 2025, which portray the Latino cultural experience. The collection will be utilized in library branches with a high concentration of Latino users.

Melissa M. McNicol, Deputy Director of Library Services at Clay County, noted that the books “look wonderful” and they “loved the variety.” Below are photos from their new collection. Congratulations again!!