Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle is a highly acclaimed Cuban-American author, well-known for her historical fiction stories, children's books, poetry, and journalism. Her works have been published in numerous countries and have earned her multiple awards and recognitions. Engle's writing is deeply rooted in her Cuban heritage, and she often incorporates her appreciation for nature into her stories, which are frequently written in verse.

In 2009, Engle made history as the first Latina woman to receive the Newbery Honor. She was further recognized by the Poetry Foundation, who selected her to serve as the 6th Young People's Poet Laureate between 2017 and 2019. In 2018, Engle was nominated for the 2019 NSK Prize, which she went on to win. These accolades highlight Engle's significant contributions to children's literature and her ability to connect with readers through her powerful storytelling.

Margarita Engle currently resides in northern California with her husband. In addition to her writing, Engle is also an active supporter of her husband's volunteer work for wilderness search and rescue dog training programs in central California. Engle's dedication to her craft and her community is evident in her impressive body of work and her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the world.