La Bandera: An Illustrated Ode to Puerto Rico, its History, and its Flag, for Kids by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Ericka Lugo (Hardcover) (PREORDER)

Childrens Picture Book - Juvenile Nonfiction - Poetry - History - Places - Caribbean & Latin America - Activism and Social Justice - Ages 8+

RELEASE DATE: 9/1/2026 (WILL SHIP DIRECTLY FROM OUR SUPPLIER'S WAREHOUSE) 

The riveting story of Puerto Rico, its flag, and its people—told in captivating verse by Pura Belpré Honor-winning author Anika Aldamuy Denise with gorgeous illustrations from Ericka Lugo.

The missing piece of history you are about to read begins with a brave woman, a swath of fabric, and a spool of thread.

Puerto Rico’s complex and deep history is woven throughout each thread of its flag. A symbol of opposition to occupation and injustice, la bandera represents the great pride of a people and its diaspora. With lyrical poetry and vibrant art, the deeply layered origins of the Puerto Rican flag are stitched together in this poignant reflection on the island’s history from the 19th century to the present day.

Includes 14 poems. Further historical context about Puerto Rico and an author's note is included in the backmatter.

Also available in Spanish: La bandera puertorriqueña

PRAISE FOR LA BANDERA:

"Inspiring. Incredibly moving. A must-purchase nonfiction free verse picture book about the history of resistance and fight for freedom of Puerto Rico."- School Library Journal (starred review)
* "Lush. An uplifting testament to a people and their history" - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
* "A fierce, hopeful series of verses. Compelling and powerful." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

AUTHOR BIO: 

Anika Aldamuy Denise is the Pura Belpré Honor-winning author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré; A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!; and The Love Letter. A proud Puerto Rican daughter from Queens, she now lives in Rhode Island with her family. Visit Anika online at anikadenise.com.

ILLUSTRATOR BIO: 

Ericka Lugo is a Puerto Rican illustrator. She grew up in Ponce and later studied in Río Piedras, where she fell asleep to the song of coquís. She wished to go to illustration school but decided to learn by herself instead. Today, she's illustrated book covers for publishers like Penguin Random House, MacMillan, Tundra and Harper Collins, among others. La Bandera is her first picture book. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, where they do their best to convince the local birds to pick their feeder over the neighbor's. You can find her on instagram @erilu.jpg or at erickalugo.com.