A Sea of Lemon Trees

*Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner*
*Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction Winner*
*NCTE Charlotte Huck Children's Book Award Winner*
*2025 National Book Award Longlist Title*
*New York Times Best Book of 2025*
*New York Public Library Best Book of 2025*
*Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2025*

"Stunning….I hope that children of every color, in every neighborhood, can have access to beautiful and moving stories like A Sea of Lemon Trees.” ―Newbery Medalist Matt de la Peña for the New York Times

"A Sea of Lemon Trees belongs in every U.S. History classroom." ―Andrea Beatrice Arango, Newberry Honor Award-winning author of Iveliz Explains it All

★ “Powerful and lyrical… A moving portrait of community resistance.” ―Kirkus Reviews

★ “This impeccably researched account imparts timely, heartening messages about community activism that will resonate.” ―Publishers Weekly

★ "This National Book Award longlisted title is both a history lesson and a spotlight on a century of advocacy by the Latino community in the United States." ―Shelf Awareness

★ "This well-written story of underexplored history makes a large impact . . . sure to entrance readers.” ―School Library Journal

“A beautiful and essential lesson in courage.” – William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of Goblin Secrets

“A deeply moving and poignant story about the strength of community, the ties that bond, and the power of coming together in the face of social injustice. A heart wrenching novel in verse that will have you crying with both outrage and triumph. – Monica Mancillas, author of Sing it Like Celia

“A must-read. Aguila sweeps us into our not-so-distant past with beautifully crafted verses full of heartache and hope--and with a timely eye to our own futures.” – Tracy Badua, author of Freddie Vs. The Family Curse

“The parallels to today left me breathless... This beautiful novel in verse about Roberto Alvarez, the young man who, along with his community, stood up to the injustices the community suffered, gives us hope that if we stand up for our rights, justice can prevail.” – Terry C. Jennings, author of The Little House of Hope and the Definitely Dominguita series

“A lyrical and engaging read celebrating community standing together against oppressors. Águila's beautiful telling of this landmark civil rights case reminds readers that courage is a seed that is nurtured by family, community and belief in justice. This book is a beautiful tale of determination, family and unity.” - Lizz Huerta, author of The Last Dreamer

María Dolores Águila
María Dolores Águila is Pura Belpré Honor and John Newbery Honor-winning author from San Diego. Deeply inspired by Chicane history and art, she seeks to write empowering and inclusive stories about everything she learns. She also loves drinking coffee, browsing the bookshelves at her local library, and spending time with her family. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed picture book, Barrio Rising, illustrated by Magdalena Mora, and the award-winning middle-grade novel in verse, A Sea of Lemon Trees.