Children's Book -- Pura Belpre Winner -- My Papi Has a Motorcyle

  

My Papi Has a Motorcycle
written by Isabel Quintero ; illustrated by Zeke Peña

Pura Belpre Winner

Summary

My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a vibrant and heartfelt picture book that follows a young girl named Daisy as she rides through her neighborhood on the back of her father’s motorcycle. Told through her eyes, the story captures the joy of shared experiences and the deep connections between people, places, and memories. It is a tribute to family, community, and the small yet powerful moments that shape our understanding of home.

Justification

My Papi Has a Motorcycle would be a great read or addition to a children's library based on its strong alignment with criteria for high-quality children’s literature, particularly its authentic cultural representation, emotional resonance, and artistic merit. The book is a powerful reflection of Latinx family life and community, offering young readers a mirror to their own experiences or a window into the lives of others. Written in both English and Spanish, it supports bilingual literacy and affirms the value of multilingual storytelling. Additionally, its accessible narrative and stunning visual design make it ideal for use in a variety of educational settings, from classroom read-alouds to discussions about family heritage and identity.

Evaluation 

Criteria 1: Illustrations

Zeke Peña’s illustrations are integral to the storytelling, blending comic book aesthetics with rich cultural imagery to create an immersive visual experience. His use of dynamic perspectives and movement captures the thrill of the motorcycle ride while grounding the story in a recognizable, lived-in environment. The palette—dominated by warm, sun-drenched hues—evokes the Southern California setting and the sense of nostalgia that permeates the narrative. Text and image work together seamlessly, with thoughtful visual cues that extend the story beyond the words. These illustrations are not merely decorative; they carry emotional weight and cultural specificity that deepen the reader's engagement with the text.

Criteria 2: Character

Daisy, the young narrator, is a compelling and believable character whose voice is both youthful and perceptive. Her admiration for her father is palpable, but so too is her growing awareness of the world around her. Quintero crafts Daisy’s voice with authenticity and nuance, allowing readers to witness both the joy of her ride and the subtler undercurrents of change in her community. Daisy is not a passive observer; she interprets and reflects, demonstrating emotional intelligence and a strong sense of place. Her characterization supports children’s social and emotional development by modeling curiosity, familial love, and cultural pride.

Criteria 3: Setting

The setting of My Papi Has a Motorcycle anchors the story’s themes of cultural identity, community, and change. Quintero’s depiction of a working-class Latinx neighborhood in Southern California is both affectionate and honest, capturing the vibrancy and resilience of a real-world community through Daisy’s eyes. The streets, murals, storefronts, and construction sites aren’t just backdrops—they are living parts of Daisy’s memory and experience. This setting serves as a powerful vehicle for exploring ideas of home and belonging, while also subtly introducing young readers to socioeconomic and generational shifts. The interplay between textual description and visual representation enhances the authenticity of place, offering a layered portrayal of a community in transition.

References

Quintero, I., & Peña, Z. (2019). My papi has a motorcycle. Kokila.