She Persisted: Pura Belpré
#4 of 40 in She Persisted Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (52)
What’s inside...
She Persisted: Pura Belpré, written by Meg Medina, is a children's book that tells the inspiring story of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. The book is part of the 'She Persisted' series, which highlights the contributions of women who have made a significant impact on society. In this installment, readers learn about Belpré's journey from Puerto Rico to New York and her dedication to preserving and sharing her culture through storytelling, puppetry, and community engagement. Despite facing challenges due to her ethnicity and language, Belpré persisted in her mission to promote bilingual literature and ensure that children of all backgrounds had access to books that reflected their experiences and heritage. Her legacy is celebrated as a pioneer in the field of library services to diverse communities. Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Pura Belpré! Pura Belpré moved from Puerto Rico to New York City and became a librarian at a time when libraries were filled with only English language books. But she knew that Spanish speakers would love to make use of the libraries too, and so she persisted in implementing bilingual programming and offerings in libraries across the city. She also wrote stories of her own and translated Puerto Rican tales into English to bring them to wider audiences. She changed the way libraries reach readers and gave Spanish speakers across the city and the country the opportunity to read and find community in ways they never had before. In this chapter book biography by bestselling and award-winning author Meg Medina, readers learn about the amazing life of Pura Belpré--and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Pura Belpré's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sonia Sotomayor, Diana Taurasi, Malala Yousafzai, and more!
Discussion points
What challenges did Pura Belpré face and how did she overcome them?
Why do you think sharing stories and culture is important?
How can we use our own talents to help others in our community?
What did you admire most about Pura Belpré’s character?
How can we persist in achieving our goals even when it seems difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the persistence and resilience shown by Pura Belpré. Share stories from your own cultural background or family history to create a personal connection. Discuss the importance of cultural heritage and ask them how they might share their own stories and talents with others. Celebrate examples of persistence in your child’s life to reinforce the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The story showcases Pura Belpré's unyielding determination as she overcame numerous obstacles to become New York City's first Latina librarian.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges, understanding that persistence can lead to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Cultural pride and awareness
Explanation: Through her storytelling, Pura preserves and shares her rich Puerto Rican heritage, demonstrating the importance of maintaining cultural connections.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and take pride in their own heritage, and teaches them to respect and learn about different cultures.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Pura uses her stories to bridge cultures and educate others, highlighting the influence and importance of sharing one's stories.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to share their own stories and experiences, helping them understand the impact their voice can have on the world around them.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for inclusivity
Explanation: Pura Belpré's work in promoting bilingual literature shows her commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all children had access to books in their language.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of inclusivity and advocacy for equal opportunities, encouraging them to be considerate and proactive about inclusive practices in their communities.
Example Lesson: Inspiring community involvement
Explanation: Her life's work not only spreads her culture but also actively involves the community, showcasing the importance of community engagement.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking an active role in their communities, understanding how their contributions can make a positive difference.