A Seed in the Sun

Praise

Praise for A Seed in the Sun

Tomás Rivera Children’s Book Award Winner
NCTE Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels 
Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Finalist 
ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project Top Ten
Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year
NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book

★ “Poignantly told, the story of Lula and her family’s plight will tug young readers’ heartstrings; this is an important, and sometimes unspoken, part of the American past and present that needs to be brought to light.”—School Library Journal, starred review
 
★ “Salazar seamlessly combines historical events of the farmworkers’ rights movement and the 1965 Delano grape strike with a sensitive portrayal of a girl trying to make sense of the world. It’s a powerful coming-of-age story filled with evocative language, memorable characters, and apt nature imagery.”—Horn Book, starred review
 
★ “There is a special power in historical fiction’s ability to blend real issues and events with engaging characters, turning the past into a living, breathing thing. Salazar accomplishes this beautifully in her new novel in verse . . . Led by a memorable protagonist, this novel mixes themes of growth and change with historical details and powerful observations on the abuses that sparked the Farmworkers’ Movement and the strength of those demanding justice.”—Booklist, starred review
 
★ “[W]ell-researched . . . In two previous novels, Salazar established herself as an expert writer of middle grade verse narratives filled with beautiful metaphors and similes. Her skill is evident here . . . Salazar’s text is dynamic . . . Readers gravitate toward middle grade historical fiction because it makes complex history tangible. A Seed in the Sun deserves a space on the shelf alongside Brenda Woods’ When Winter Robeson Came…and Pam Muñoz Ryan’s Pura Belpré Award-winning Esperanza Rising.”—BookPage, starred review
 
“Salazar’s lyrical poetry offers a sensitive depiction of Lula’s struggles and hopes, culminating in a personal arc that emphasizes developing one’s voice.”—PW
 
“[An] introspective novel with a well-developed sense of place . . . The character development is strong . . . Lula shows tenacity as her seeds of potential are nourished. Compelling and atmospheric.”—Kirkus Reviews


Accolades for Aida Salazar
The Moon Within
Four starred reviews: Kirkus, SLJ, PW, BookPage
Best Books of 2019: Kirkus, NPR’s Book Concierge, SLJ, NYPL, Center for Multicultural Children’s Literature
   • 2020 Indie Next List 
   • ALA 2020 Rainbow Book List
   • Charlotte Huck Recommended Book
   • International Latino Book Award (MG fiction) winner
   • Golden Poppy Award winner
   • Américas Award honor
   • NCTE 2020 Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels
   • Nerdy Book Award for Poetry
   • Lincoln Nebraska City Libraries Top 100 Novels for Youth  

Land of the Cranes
Three starred reviews: Kirkus, PW, SLJ
Best Books of 2020: Kirkus, SLJ, NYPL (Top 10), BookPage
   • Book Expo Buzz pick
   • John and Patricia Beatty Award winner
   • Charlotte Huck Award honor
   • Jane Addams Peace Association honor
   • Vermont Golden Dome Book List
   • ALA RISE: Feminist Book List