Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz was a 17th century nun who devoted her life to writing and learning and words. Though she died in 1695, Sor Juana Inés is still considered one of the most brilliant writers in Mexico’s history: her poetry is recited by schoolchildren throughout Mexico and is studied at schools and universities around the world.

Pat’s story about the life of Sor Juana, A Library for Juana: The World of Sor Juana Inés, was first published in 2002, with illustrations by Beatriz Vidal, and won the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award from Southwest Texas State University.

Here’s what the review journals had to say about the book:

“Mora’s beautifully crafted text does credit to its subject, following her from birth to death…an exceptional introduction to an exceptional woman, and would enhance any collection.”—School Library Journal

“Mora concisely traces the rise of spirited Juana Inés from inquisitive youngster to 17th century Mexican scholar … this story of persistence and pioneering will inspire youngsters…the heroine’s journey, coupled with Vidal’s depiction of expressive faces and lovely renderings of flowers that spill from the borders of the pictures make for a memorable volume.””—Publishers Weekly

Briefly out of print, it has been reissued in both English and Spanish editions by Lee & Low Books with a new cover!

Sor Juana also makes an appearance in one of Pat’s books of poetry for adults, Adobe Odes. “Ode to Sor Juana” begins:

You rose
      on your words,

      chased rhymes around
your nursery,
      a child entranced
by their flitting, flirting colors,
      teasing shapes.