Winner 2009 Award

Young Reader Award (Ages 6-10)

Planting the Trees of Kenya

Written by Claire A. Nivola

This is the true story of Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Prize Winner and founder of the Green Belt Movement.  Upon returning to her home in Kenya after attending college in the United States, Wangari discovers that people do not have enough food because the trees she loved as a child have been chopped down.  Wangari uses what she has learned in her biology classes to teach the people how to save their part of the Earth through planting trees, thus, giving them the food, nutrition and supplies they need to survive. 

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Young Adult Award (Ages 10+)

Libertad

Written by Alma Fullerton

The story of a boy, Libertad, and his younger brother, Julio and their journey from the garbage dumps of Guatemala City to the United States to find their father and a better life.  Based on actual events, their travels take them through Central America and Mexico where they meet a wide variety of people that influence their lives and well being forever.

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The Once Upon A World Children's Book Award is sponsored annually by a generous donation from Sonia and Lloyd Levitin.