Precious — Carlos Aponte

The heartwarming story of a boy and the song that gives him courage when he needs it most, by Pura Belpré Honor winner Carlos Aponte

When a hurricane hits Puerto Rico, it comes in howling like a wolf and leaves a trail of destruction in Pedrito's neighborhood. He and his big brother, Juan, head out to help in the cleanup and are thrilled when they are able to save a dog trapped in storm wreckage. Pedrito loves having the dog for a companion, so is heartbroken when she runs away, even though he's happy to see her reunited with her owner. But now Pedrito is doubly sad, as he misses both the dog and his dad, who's working in the US and hoping to reunite the family there someday. To cheer Pedrito up, Juan plays a moving song on his guitar--"Preciosa"--a song about beautiful Puerto Rico; and the whole neighborhood joins in! Over the next several months, as the island begins to rebuild and recover, Pedrito discovers the true meaning of Preciosa--and when he is gifted with a puppy, he knows the perfect name for her. And later, when his family is finally able to join his dad in the states, Pedrito feels lucky knowing he'll always have a little bit of Puerto Rico with him.