Historical Novel Wins Norma Fundalectura Prize

By Ximena Diego -- Críticas, 12/15/2006

Mexican author María García Esperón’s Querida Alejandría (“Dear Alexandria”) won this year’s Norma Fundalectura Award. The jury for this Latin American children’s and YA literature award highlighted the novel’s well-organized structure, polished language, and excellent character development. Breaking with the classic structures, this historic novel for young adults follows the protagonist’s dialog with the city of Alexandria. The rich conversation allows the exploration of “complex themes like victory and submission, pride and maturity in a way that is close to the reader,” said the jury, who also stressed “the good combination of events, emotions, thoughts, life philosophies, and history.”

The Norma Fundalectura Award aims to promote the writing of children’s and YA literature in Latin America. The prize consists of the publication of the work by Editorial Norma as well as $8,000 as an advance against royalties. Querida Alejandría will be available in the United States in April 2007.