Every Hero Has A Story...What started as a small school project has quickly become an international literacy initiative.
Hindi’s Libraries collect and donate new and gently used children’s books to more than 650 organizations throughout the world at no cost to recipients.
Together, they are able to continue Hindi's legacy and share her love of literature with thousands of children across the globe.
More than 150 authors partnered with Hindi’s Libraries to support children’s literature and help give the gift of literacy this holiday season.
From Long Island, N.Y. Hindi’s Libraries is thrilled to announce the winners of the first annual Females of Fiction writing competition. The awards recognize outstanding female authors of children’s book who empower readers with their stories, with each winning author receiving a US$100 gift card donated by Barnes and Noble as well as award seals to add to their books.
‘When we first launched the 2021 Females of Fiction contest, I assumed we’d receive 10 or 15 submissions from local authors who’ve partnered with us before. But to see that more than 100 authors from across the globe (Australia, UK, Canada, US, etc.) joined us in this effort- it’s astonishing and heart-warming,’ explained Hindi’s Libraries co-founder Leslie Gang.
The winning and finalist authors are as follows:
Picture Book: That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Finalists:
The Lion in Your Heart by R.C. Chizhov
Niko Discovers the 5 Senses Game by Karen Correll
Chapter Book: Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day by Liz Cooper
Finalists:
The Big Ol’ Bike by Rachael Clarke
The Upside-Down Gardener by Chrysa Smith
Kids’ Choice Winner: 21 Cousins by Diane de Anda
This year’s competing authors donated a total of 250 books and US$1,750 to support the Hindi’s Libraries mission of providing books to children in need, many of whom are international writers.
Descriptions of the winning books can be found below. Hindi’s Libraries is thankful for these incredible writers and the generous support of Barnes and Noble.
That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt
Monster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire’s old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it’s not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out. Instead, it’s something even more terrifying than Monster could have imagined! Monster quickly rallies the other neighbors to unite against the new guy on the block. But what if the new neighbor isn’t exactly as bad as Monster thinks? Join Monster as he confronts his fears in this charming and lighthearted look at what it means to accept others who are different from us.
Mitzi Mufflin Principal for a Day by Liz Cooper
When new student Mitzi Mufflin, who happens to be blind, joins the gang at Mortimer Potts Elementary School, she's thrilled to be named principal for the Day. Little does she know, the real principal and teachers will disappear. Can Principal Mufflin and her pint-sized "staff" secretly run the school until the teachers return? If they don't, Mitzi is afraid that anything could happen. The teachers might even be fired and everyone would have to start the school year all over again. A torrential rainstorm, a frantic book rescue, a kindergarten protest, and a statue of Mortimer Potts made out of cheese keep Mitzi and her classmates on their toes. And who is the mysterious Mr. Doberman who is snooping around the school?
Join Mitzi as she navigates her way through each new challenge to save the school from disaster using resourcefulness, determination, and her cane, Tappity.
21 Cousins by Diane de Anda
Tall, short, big, small, athletic, artistic . . . cousins may look different and have different interests and abilities, but that just makes them one extraordinary family! From Maricela’s bilingual spelling skills to Mario’s tech whiz abilities, no two cousins are alike―and that’s just the way they like it. All the cousins are muy entusiasmados for the surprise at the end of their family gathering! Diane de Anda cleverly highlights the beautiful diversity of Latino and mestizo families as readers are introduced to each cousin. Isabel Muñoz’s whimsical illustrations are filled with rich details, delivering a cornucopia of color for young readers. Featuring a mix of skin tones, personalities, and abilities, 21 Cousins is a delightful read that invites children to appreciate the rich heritage of Latino culture.
To discover more about the great work that Hindi Libraries does, visit their website.
