Figueroa received the distinguished Culture, Education and Poetry Award in 2014 from the Instituto de Puerto Rico in New York for his contributions and achievements as a writer, poet and educator. A Mirror In My Own Backstage was nominated as a Finalist for Best Poetry Book in the 2014 International Latino Book Awards. Among Figueroa's other books are Hypocrisy Held Hostage, Noo Jork, and East 110th Street.Several well-known scholars and artists describe Figueroa's work."This collection gives testament to Figueroa's poetic evolution; it includes some of his most classic poems along with a new crop of innovative work by this accomplished and gifted artist who masters his craft." Edna Acosta Belen, Distinguished Professor of Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino Studies Y Women's Studies at Albany, State University of New York"José Angel brings a unique music and imagery to the definition of what American poetry is." Amiri Baraka, Newark Poet Laureate"Figueroa writes like he is holding a watercolor brush, capturing the images of elusive ghosts that pass him in the mirror." Magadalena Gomez, Performance artist & poet"José Angel Figueroa's writing reflects a chronicler of the new." Tato Laviera, Poet and PlaywrightThe cover and interior artwork were created by Juan Sanchez, well-known for his work combining painting and photography with media clippings and found objects to expose America's policies and practices in Puerto Rico, and obstacles facing Puerto Ricans in the U.S. "