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UNC-Duke Consortium

@lacsconsortium

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Providing resources and professional development about Latin America and the Caribbean to K-16 educators in North Carolina and beyond.
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📚✨ Join us for an exclusive book talk with Nadine Pinede, author of the YA novel “When the Mapou Sings,” a 2025 Américas Award Honor Book! This is the first event in the Spring 2026 Global Reads Webinar Series. “When the Mapou Sings” is a young adult historical fiction novel in verse, set in 1930s Haiti, about a 16-year-old girl named Lucille who seeks justice and self-determination after her best friend disappears, leading her on a journey filled with political intrigue, first love, and magical realism, inspired by the real-life figure of Lucille who worked for Zora Neale Hurston. The story explores themes of Haitian culture, colonialism, classism, and resilience, as Lucille navigates exile and challenges oppressive authorities, guided by the songs of the sacred mapou trees.  🗓 Saturday, January 24, 2026 ⏰ 12PM ET / 9AM PT 📍 Virtual (Zoom) FREE for K-12 educators! Connect with the author and explore classroom applications in this intimate 60-minute webinar. Part of the Spring 2026 Global Reads Webinar Register now! Link in bio ⬆️ This programming is sponsored by the Américas Award through the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @llilasbenson, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS. #YALit #TeachersOfInstagram #EdChat #DiverseBooks #AmericasAward
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Today’s post will close out our series highlighting all of the 2025 titles recognized by the Américas Award! These joyful stories honor Cuba’s vibrant culture—its language, flavors, music, and deep sense of community. In HaiCuba HaiKuba, award-winning poet Carlos Pintado joins prolific bilingual author and translator Lawrence Schimel to capture the island’s beauty and rhythm through playful haiku celebrating everyday Cuban life, brought to life by Juan José Colsa’s vivid illustrations. Old Clothes for Dinner by Nathalie Alonso, with warm and colorful artwork by Natalia Rojas Castro, offers a lively and heartwarming glimpse into family traditions that blend humor, heritage, and love. We’re delighted to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their rich celebrations of Cuban identity, creativity, and connection. Congratulations to @carlospintado, @lawrence_schimel, @juanjocolsa, @nathaliealonsobooks and @nata.rojas.castro! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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These powerful stories shine a light on resilience—the courage to keep going, to speak truth, and to rise stronger through every challenge. In Hurdles in the Dark, a young athlete finds strength and confidence on and off the track. Ultraviolet by Aida Salazar captures a teen’s fight for justice, self-expression, and healing. And Shut Up, This Is Serious offers a raw, heartfelt look at friendship, identity, and the courage to face hard truths. We’re honored to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their moving portraits of strength, voice, and hope. Congratulations to @carolinaixta, @aida_writes, and @elvirakgonzalez! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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Blending heart, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, these stories explore loss, legacy, and the unseen worlds that connect us. In Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed, a young boy learns that family bonds—and unfinished business—can transcend the boundary between life and death. Daylan and the River of Secrets carries readers into a magical journey of grief and healing. And the bilingual Vincent Ventura and the Curse of the Donkey Lady draws from Latin American legend and Nahua cosmovision, bringing a fresh, cultural twist to the spooky genre. We’re proud to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their moving portrayals of courage, love, and the mysteries that linger just beyond the veil. Congratulations to @charroclaus, @eddstello, @josepabloiriarte! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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These luminous stories remind us of the deep connections between people and the natural world—of the waters, skies, and roots that sustain us. In Sea of Constellations, marine biologist Melissa Cristina Márquez explores the mysteries of the sea and our shared responsibility to protect it. Hearts of Fire and Snow intertwines myth and nature in a story of love, courage, and renewal. And The Mango Tree / La mata de mango celebrates memory, family, and the everyday beauty of life in the tropics. We’re proud to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their vivid portrayals of nature’s power, wonder, and resilience. Congratulations to @melissacristinamarquez, @denarmen, @davidobowles, @guadalupemccall, @edelrodriguezstudio! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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Rooted in strength, voice, and collective action, these stories highlight the power of community and the courage to stand for what’s right. In Barrio Rising / El Barrio Se Levanta, neighbors unite to bring hope and change to their community. She Persisted: Dolores Huerta honors a trailblazing activist whose leadership transformed a movement. And in Brownstone, one family’s story reveals the bonds that hold a neighborhood together. We’re honored to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their powerful portrayals of solidarity, justice, and resilience. Congratulations to @maria.d.aguila, @magdalena.i.mora, @samuelteer, @marimoflor, Monica Brown, @alexandra_boiger, and Gillian Flint! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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These joyful stories celebrate rhythm, movement, and the vibrant creativity at the heart of Latin American life. In Angélica and la Güira, a young girl finds her beat and voice through the sounds of merengue, while Lucas and the Capoeira Circle celebrates the energy of Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and community. Both shine with the joy of connection, culture, and self-expression. We’re proud to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their beautiful tributes to the art, rhythm, and spirit of Latin America and the Latinx communities. Congratulations to @writercruz, @johnnyoctopus, @joanapastro, and @odougquedesenha The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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In A Second Chance on Earth, Lola, and Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice, characters reach back through memory, family, and heritage to discover strength and belonging. Each book offers a heartfelt reflection on identity, ancestry, and the stories that ground us. We’re proud to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles celebrating the richness of Latin American and Latinx heritage. Congratulations to @kvalenti_author, @annalaperawriter, and @itsjuanlove! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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These three powerful books trace journeys across borders—of land, memory, and self. From the insightful historical reflections of Borderlands and the Mexican American Story to the visual storytelling of The Circuit and the witty, heartfelt voice of Call Me Iggy, each title invites readers to reflect on what it means to belong and to carry one’s story across generations. We’re honored to recognize these 2025 Américas Award Commended Titles for their rich portrayals of migration, identity, and resilience. Congratulations to @david.d.romo, @mailjorge, @rafael_rosado614, Francisco Jiménez, @andrew_j_rostan, and @celiajacobs! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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We’re proud to recognize Freedom Braids and Canto Contigo as two of our 2025 Américas Award Honor Books. Congratulations to @sweetpeabooks, @obohdraws, and @jonnyinstas. Thank you for giving readers such powerful explorations of identity, heritage, and the fight for self-expression See our pinned post for the full video announcement! The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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We’re thrilled to recognize When the Mapou Sings and Churro Stand as two of our 2025 Américas Award Honor Books! Congratulations to @nadinepinede, @wordsbykarina , and @krystalquiles for your moving portrayals of resilience, community, and cultural pride across Latin American and Latinx experiences. Watch the full announcement in our pinned post. The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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On this Indigenous Peoples Day, it is our honor to announce the 2025 Américas Award Winners! Congratulations to @bessiefloreszaldivar, @belenmedinawords, and @nata.rojas.castro. Thank you for contributing such powerful narratives that honor the courage required to be visible, to speak up, and to resist erasure. See our pinned post for the full video announcement and stay tuned for upcoming features on our honor books and commended titles. The award is administered by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (@claspprograms) and coordinated by both Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies (@tusclas) and the University of Arizona’s Center for Latin American Studies (@uaz_clas). Generous support is provided by @uaz_clas, @tu_larc, @fiulacc, @msuclacs, @clacsberkeley, @lacsconsortium, @ucla_lai, @unmlaii, @uofu.ias, @uf_latam, @uwmclacs, @vanderbilt_clacx, @ut_llilas, @clacsillinois, Stanford’s University’s CLAS, and the University of Michigan’s LACS.
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