Books To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

The books we read empower us to see the world from new perspectives. As we delve into the pages, we walk through foreign lands, learning about the beliefs, traditions, cuisines, and lifestyles of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Books inspire empathy by helping readers understand the challenges and complexities faced by the characters they follow, and they can serve as a powerful tool for teaching about inclusivity.

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 to October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month, a period dedicated to observing and learning about the cultures, contributions, and histories of American citizens with roots in Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The month also celebrates the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, making it the perfect time to explore the rich histories and traditions of the American Hispanic and Latino communities.

There are countless books that you and your children can read to learn more about these communities through inspiring and powerful stories. These narratives can spark opportunities for meaningful conversations about the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, while helping to break down prejudices, challenge stereotypes, and build a sense of community. To help you get started, we compiled a list of books that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage for you and your kids to find at your local library or on your favorite audiobook app:

Children’s Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Under the Royal Palms: A Childhood in Cuba by Alma Flor Ada

This heartwarming collection of stories draws from Alma Flor Ada’s childhood memories in Cuba, illustrating how her experiences and relationships shaped her as she grew up. Ada received the Pura Belpré Author Award for this book, a prestigious honor given to Latino writers and illustrators whose work captures, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books. Through her tales, young readers are encouraged to reflect on and learn from their own joyful and challenging experiences.

Jovita Wore Pants by Aida Salazar

This remarkable story follows Jovita Valdovinos, a Mexican heroine who, despite being barred from joining her father and brothers in the Cristero War, disguised herself as a man to join the revolutionaries. Learn about young Jovita and her journey to commanding a battalion in a fight for religious freedom in the Mexican sierras. Narrated by Jovita’s great niece, this inspiring historical story offers children a powerful example of courage and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.

Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

This beautifully illustrated book is inspired by the real life of Mexican American writer and educator, Tomás Rivera, who later become the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system. As a child of migrant workers, Tomás spent his summers traveling from Texas to Iowa as his family followed the crops. One summer, Tomás visited a local library where he befriended a librarian who helped him discover a world of fascinating books and stories, highlighting the important role of reading to enrich children’s lives.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

Maria decides to try on her mother’s beautiful diamond ring while she and her parents make tamales for Christmas dinner. Before she knows it, the ring is gone! Where did it go? Maria enlists her cousins to help her secretly eat all 24 tamales and find the ring. Yet, the next morning, her mom appears with the diamond ring on her finger, but now there are no tamales for Christmas. Three generations band together to make another batch in this joyful holiday story. This book, recommended by my 7-year-old son, illustrates the importance of family bonding and the tradition of making tamales during the holiday season.

The Most Beautiful Place in the World by Ann Cameron

Juan has lived with his grandmother in Guatemala ever since his mother left. While he spends his days shining shoes, he dreams of attending school but is afraid to ask his grandmother because he thinks she will say no. When he finally musters up the courage, he is surprised when she says yes! Juan then learns an important lesson about standing up for himself.

Books for Middle Schoolers to Read During Hispanic Heritage Month

Firefly Summer by Pura Belpré

This story takes place at the turn of the century in rural Puerto Rico. Here, seventh-grader Teresa returns home to her parents’ plantation for the holidays, engaging in the customs, music, and lore and enjoying the lush beauty of the surrounding hills. Filled with tales of friendship and intrigue, young readers will learn about overcoming challenges on their paths to adulthood.

Lorenzo’s Secret Mission by Lila and Rick Guzmán

In this novel, fifteen-year-old Lorenzo sets off on a journey from Texas to Virginia to fulfill his father’s dying wish by delivering a letter. Throughout his travels, Lorenzo unexpectedly becomes entangled in the American Revolution, serving as a medic and delivering medicine and supplies to the American Rebels. This story not only highlights the significant contributions of Spaniards to the American Revolution but also depicts the cultural diversity that was vital to the cause and a foundation of New Orleans heritage.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Set in the 1930s, Esperanza lives a privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico. A sudden turn of events, however, forces Esperanza and her mother to flee the country to America, where they settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. Facing many challenges in her new life, Esperanza must rise above these circumstances to survive.

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

Zane loves exploring the dormant volcano near his home in New Mexico, but he soon discovers the volcano is a gateway to another world. Zane is key to fulfilling a powerful prophecy, and he must become the Storm Runner to survive. This fantasy novel features spirited characters that portray a contemporary and funny take on Mayan mythology.

Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos

Ana María Reyes, a young girl living in a two-bedroom apartment with her three sisters and parents in Washington Heights, dreams of attending the Eleanor School, New York City’s best private academy. Her hopes all hinge on winning a scholarship, which means she will need to nail her performance at the city piano showcase. But a family trip to the Dominican Republic and her experiences along the way lead Ana María to think about what really matters and ultimately make a surprising decision.

Young Adult Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

It’s 1960, and Anita de la Toree is a 12-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic. While grappling with the challenges of adolescence, she also must face terrifying events like her Tío Toni mysteriously disappearing and her family being terrorized by secret police for their suspected opposition to el Trujillo’s dictatorship. In a remarkable story of strength, courage, and overcoming one’s fears, Anita must leave her life in the Dominican Republic behind for a chance at freedom.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

This bestselling novel tells the story of the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo through the lives of the Buendia family. Set in the 1820s to 1920s—a one-hundred-year period filled with turbulent Latin American history—One Hundred Years of Solitude tells a story with rich complexities of fantasy, realism, love, political conflict, family relationships, and the passage of time. Originally published in Spanish, this novel was written in an imaginative narrative that came to define a new genre known as magical realism.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

This New York Times Bestseller portrays the life and challenges of a modern Mexican American teenager, Julia, who is caught between the cultural expectations of her traditional family and her desire to follow her own path in life. When her older sister Olga passes away unexpectedly, Julia is overwhelmed by the feeling that she may never live up to Olga’s seemingly perfect image. As she come to terms with this tremendous loss, Julia must find her way while grappling with the expectations and stereotypes of growing up in a Mexican American home.

The Other Side of the River by Alda P. Dobbs

Petra Luna is in America after escaping the terror of the Federales and the Mexican Revolution, but the struggles are not over yet. Petra and her family are now safe, but her Abuelita, sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. A story of strength and courage, Petra must fight for herself and her family as she works hard to build a new life in America.

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This selection represents a small sampling of the many vibrant stories that portray the rich history and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Whichever books you and your children choose, you’ll enjoy intriguing stories that can provide an opportunity to discuss the characters’ experiences and the importance of respecting diverse backgrounds.

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