Friends of Children and Literature Central Library

Simone, words by Viet Thanh Nguyen art by Minnie Phan is the 2026 FOCAL Award Winner!

This powerful, poetic, haunting family story introduces an unforgettable young heroine who awakens to a new role, fighting for her community and for the future of the planet.

Through the title character, Simone, we’re shown that even the youngest of people can find agency and work towards a better future. Climate refugee experience, intergenerational trauma, and the importance of art, hope, and environmental activism are vital elements of the story.

The book feels particularly relevant to those of us

who have so recently experienced the devastating wildfires in

Altadena and Los Angeles.

Join FOCAL (Friends of Children and Literature) for
their presentation of the 2025 FOCAL Award to
“Cactus Queen” by Lori Alexander and illustrated by
Jenn Ely. The author and illustrator will talk about
their process and the inspiration behind the book, and
the winners of the FOCAL Essay contest will share
their essays. A reception will follow. This program is
intended for adults and children ages 8 and up.
Essay contest is open to students in 3rd-8th grade.
W h e n
Saturday, November 15th
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
W h e r e
Mark Taper Auditorium
Central Library
Los Angeles Public Library
630 W. Fifth Street
213-228-7250
Enter by October 25th at
www.focalcentral.org/essay-contest-2025

Tomorrow!! Come join us for the book sale!

It’s always a delight to see a favorite character come to life in puppet form.

Throw back to the 2024 award ceremony where received the FOCAL Award. Pictured here are the students who wrote the winning essays and and .lael who design and construct the puppets.

Another beautiful celebration of books at today’s 43rd annual FOCAL award. Thank you for joining us and sharing your stories and music with us.

Attention Parents, Teachers and Students Grades 3-8. FOCAL is hosting our annual based on this year’s winner of the FOCAL award, Milk and Cookies by Shawn Amos.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Read the book, Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos, available at your school library, public library, or bookstore.



Compose an essay of no more than 300 words using three separate paragraphs explaining:



1. Your reactions to the book as a whole.

2. Your thoughts about a character or scene that stuck with you.

3. What it would mean for you to meet the author.



Type the essay using 12 point font.

No title is required.

Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar carefully. Mistakes will disqualify the entry.

Be sure there are no more than 300 words. ​



Individual students may each submit their own entry. Only one entry per student allowed.

Online entries ONLY!



All entries must be submitted by October 26th, 2024. Complete the contest entry form below. Submit your essay by copy/pasting or typing it into the space on the form labeled Paste or Type your essay here. When you’re sure it looks perfect, hit the SUBMIT button!

On August 3, FOCAL members were treated to a truly enlightening tour of the central library! 🏛️ We discovered intricate details that often go unnoticed and even had the joy of exploring the charming Children’s Garden 🌸. Don’t miss out on more special experiences—sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop! ✉️
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We are starting now. Come and join us at the Mark Taper Auditorium

Add it to your calendar! This weekend is the celebration of this years FOCAL Award. Saturday, November 18, 2023 @2 pm. Worried about the rain? Have no fear, we will be indoors. Don’t let the 10 get in the way!