Juana Martinez-Neal
Juana Martinez-Neal is a Peruvian American children's book author and illustrator. Her debut book as an author and illustrator, Alma and How She Got Her Name, was well reviewed and won a 2019 Caldecott Honor.
Biography
Juana Martinez-Neal grew up in Lima, Peru. Growing up she hoped to be a painter, like her father and grandfather, as the profession of illustrator was not common in Peru. She moved to the United States in her mid-20s. After having children of her own she decided to become an author and illustrator of children's books. She now lives in Connecticut, with her husband and three children.Awards and honors
- 2018 Pura Belpré Illustrator Winner – La Princesa and the Pea
- 2019 Caldecott Honor – Alma and How She Got Her Name
- 2019 Ezra Jack Keats Award Writer Honor – Alma and How She Got Her Name”
- 2020 Sibert Medal – ''Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story''