Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet and novelist whose work focuses on themes of Cuban culture and history. She has written numerous books for adults and children, and has won multiple awards for her writing.
Margarita Engle was born in Los Angeles in 1951 to a Cuban mother and American father.
She spent much of her childhood traveling between the United States and Cuba, and she credits this experience with shaping her writing.
Engle has published over 20 books of poetry and prose, many of which have received critical acclaim.
In addition to her writing, Engle has worked as a teacher, translator, and editor, and she has served as the Poetry Foundation's Young People's Poet Laureate since 2017.
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A historical novel in verse that tells the story of a young slave who becomes a nurse during the Cuban War for Independence.
A middle-grade novel that blends poetry and prose to tell the story of a young girl struggling to overcome dyslexia.
A memoir in verse that explores Engle's experiences growing up between two cultures in the United States and Cuba.
Engle's writing often explores themes of Cuban culture and history, as well as the experiences of bicultural individuals.
Engle's most famous work is likely The Surrender Tree, a historical novel in verse about the Cuban War for Independence.
Yes, Engle has won multiple awards for her poetry and fiction, including the Pura Belpru00e9 Award, the Newbery Honor, and the Amu00e9ricas Award.
Engle writes for both adults and children, and has published works targeted at both age groups.
As the Young People's Poet Laureate, Engle is responsible for promoting poetry among children and young adults, and for serving as a resource for educators and librarians.