Juana Martinez-Neal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juana Martinez-Neal
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Juana Martinez-Neal in 2016
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| Born | Lima, Peru |
| Occupation | Children's author, illustrator |
| Nationality | American, Peruvian |
| Genre | Children's fantasy |
| Relatives | Victor Martínez Gómez (father), Victor Martinez Malaga (grandfather) |
Juana Martinez-Neal is a talented author and illustrator of children's books. She was born in Lima, Peru and now lives in the United States. Her first book, Alma and How She Got Her Name, was a big success. It even won a special award called the Caldecott Honor in 2019.
About Juana Martinez-Neal
Her Early Life and Journey
Juana Martinez-Neal grew up in the beautiful city of Lima, Peru. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a painter. This was a dream she shared with her father and grandfather, who were also artists. At that time, being a book illustrator was not a common job in Peru.
When she was in her mid-20s, Juana moved to the United States. After she had her own children, she found a new passion. She decided she wanted to create children's books. She wanted to write stories and draw pictures for young readers.
Today, Juana lives in Connecticut with her husband and their three children. She continues to create wonderful books that children love.
Amazing Awards and Honors
Juana Martinez-Neal has won many important awards for her work. These awards show how much her books are loved and respected.
- In 2018, she won the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award for her illustrations in La Princesa and the Pea.
- Her book Alma and How She Got Her Name received a Caldecott Honor in 2019. This is a very prestigious award for children's picture books.
- Also in 2019, she won the Ezra Jack Keats Award Writer Honor for Alma and How She Got Her Name.
- In 2020, she was honored with the Sibert Medal for her work on Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story.
