Kari KurjiakaOctober 14, 2025
New York, NY – October 14, 2025 – Reach Out & Read of Greater New York is delighted to announce that internationally acclaimed author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal will receive the 2025 Children’s Literacy Author Award. The award will be presented at the organization’s Annual Benefit, A Book for Every Child, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City.
Juana Martinez-Neal’s work has touched the lives of millions of young readers through stories that uplift, affirm, and celebrate cultural identity. Her debut picture book as an author-illustrator, Alma and How She Got Her Name (Candlewick Press), was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Honor and quickly became a beloved classic in homes, schools, and libraries across the country. The beloved Alma character inspired her bilingual board book series, Alma’s Words/Las palabras del Alma, perfect for sharing English and Spanish words with youngest language learners. She is a New York Times bestselling illustrator, the recipient of the Robert F. Sibert Medal for Fry Bread: A Native American Story (Roaring Brook), and the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration for La Princesa and the Pea (Putnam).
Juana has also illustrated many other acclaimed books, including Babymoon (Candlewick Press), Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con La Papa (Roaring Brook), A Gift of Dust (Random House) and I Don’t Care (Neal Porter Books). Other honors include the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honor List and the SCBWI Portfolio Showcase Grand Prize.
“Juana’s books embody the joy and belonging that come from seeing your story and culture reflected on the page,” said Emily Marchese, Executive Director of Reach Out & Read of Greater NY. “Her gift for storytelling and illustration is matched by her deep commitment to children everywhere, especially those growing up bilingually or across cultures. She is the perfect recipient of this year’s Children’s Literacy Author Award, and we are honored to recognize her work.”
Hosted by Carol Anne Riddell, award-winning journalist and host of CUNY TV’s Arts in the City and Book It, the evening will include cocktails, dinner, a celebratory awards program, and a spirited auction led by professional auctioneer Pat Tully. Together, the evening will raise critical support to ensure every child across Greater New York receives a book at every pediatric check-up—building stronger families, healthier children, and a brighter, more equitable future.
Event Details
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tribeca Rooftop, 2 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY 10013
Purchase tickets: https://onecau.se/abookforeverychild
Event inquiries: gala@reachoutandreadnyc.org
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About Reach Out & Read of Greater NY
For over 25 years, Reach Out & Read of Greater NY has prepared young children for success by partnering with pediatric providers to integrate books and reading guidance into well-child visits, helping families build strong literacy routines and bonds at home. This evidence-based program fosters early literacy, encourages a love of reading, and strengthens family connections to support thriving communities. As part of the nationwide Reach Out & Read, the vibrant network reaches families across the United States, supporting 8.5 million well-child visits annually, including a quarter of a million families in the Greater New York region alone. Through this nationwide work, over six million new books are distributed each year, more than 30,000 medical providers are engaged, and over 6,000 program sites offer reading guidance to families at every routine well-child visit. The Reach Out & Read of Greater NY annual benefit celebrates philanthropists and community champions in the local region committed to advancing early literacy and family well-being. Reach Out & Read of Greater NY’s programs currently reach 39% of children under five in the region, with plans to expand to 50% within the next five years.
To learn more, visit: www.reachoutandreadnyc.org.
Media Contact:
Kari Kurjiaka
Director of Literacy & Public Policy
Reach Out and Read of Greater New York
Email: kkurjiaka@reachoutandreadnyc.org
Phone: 646-893-7333