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20 Best Books to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
As children grow, they learn more about the world around them. They also learn more about themselves and/or the heritage of their classmates, as this is a large part of growing into their own identity and connecting with their community.
Celebrating Spanish heritage teaches children that they can be proud of their culture and should cherish it as a part of who they are.
This year, celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with educational children’s books that will help your kids learn about Hispanic heritage in a fun and engaging way.
Psst… These are the best places to pick pumpkins on Long Island!
The Life of – La Vida De Selena by Ariana Stein
Age: Newborn – 4
Teach your child about one of the most iconic Latin singers of our time, Selena Quintanilla! This simplified bilingual book will convey her inspiring biography in an easy-to-understand and relatable way.
They learn about her favorite foods, pizza, and who she cherished most in the world: her family and fans.
Chicano Jr’s Mexican Adventure by Raúl Jiménez
Age: 3-8
Chicano is a young boy who visits Mexico for the first time to see his family. Follow his adventure, his cultural shock and his adventures while traveling!
This bilingual children’s book can help your child learn language while learning about Mexican culture through the eyes of a Mexican American child. The book is bright, colorful, and eye-catching!
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Age: 4-8
Featuring lyrical texts, short autobiographical essays, and detailed illustrations, this picture book explores the gifts migrants bring with them when they move to a new country.
It’s a story about the things you always hold on to, no matter where you go: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes, and your history. There’s also a Spanish version available, called Soñadores.
Just ask! Be different, be brave, be yourself By Sonia Sotomayor
Age: 4-8
Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, writes a book encouraging kids to ask questions and embrace their uniqueness.
The story follows her childhood, as she deals with diabetes and other children with various challenges, as they all create a community garden.
Alma and how she got her name by Juan Martinez -Neal
Age: 4-8
As Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela learns to write her name, she discovers how many stories about her ancestors are embedded in it and how perfect her name is for her.
This book explains to children in a great way what uniqueness of names and causes them to ask similar questions about their own names.
Where are you from?/¿The dónde eres? By Yamile Saied Méndez
Age: 4-8
When you are asked, “where are you?” Real “From” can be a surprising question for children.
This lyrical picture book tells the story of a young girl who is unsure how to answer this question that is asked all the time. By asking her Grandma and by getting an unexpected answer, she learns about self-acceptance, identity and belonging.
Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Spanish Heritage by Tracey Kyle
Age: 4-8
Pepe, along with many of his friends, heads to the Hispanic Day Parade for a grand celebration of culture and identity.
With so many cultures like The Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Cuban people are represented in the parade. Children can see their own traditions and arts illustrated in a fun way. celebration of their heritage.
Waiting for Biblioburro by Monica Brown
Age: 5-8
Ana, a Colombian girl who loves to read but has access to only a few books in her small village, meets a traveling librarian.
With more books than she could ever imagine, she is even encouraged to create her own! This story contains a few Spanish words, making it a great read-aloud and teaching the universal value of reading.
I have this: to gold and beyond by Laurie Hernandez
Age: 8-12
Laurie Hernandez made her name as an Olympic gymnast. Read her story, follow her journey and discover her love for her family, her intense training, her triumphs and the sacrifices she made along the way.
How Tia Lola Stayed With Us by Julia Alvarez
Age: 9-12
Miguel meets the quirky, charismatic Tiá Lola, who comes from the Dominican Republic to help his mother after his parents’ divorce.
His tiá seems to weave a magical love spell that Miguel and his family desperately needed. Miguel learns to love his eccentric tiá and appreciate his experience of living in two cultures.
Undocumented: A Worker’s Struggle by Duncan Tonatiuh
Age: 12 years and older
Perfect for older kids, Undocumented tells the story of Juan, a hardworking immigrant from Mexico who came to the US without papers.
Exploited and underpaid as a busboy, he risks everything to stand up for himself and his community. This inspiring story teaches children about the injustice of exploitation, the courage and strength of immigrants, and the importance of standing up for yourself and others.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Age: 13 years and older
Xiomara Batista feels unheard in her Harlem home until she discovers slam poetry. She uses this new tool to understand her place in the world.
After being invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she struggles to attend and recite her poems without her mother finding out. Enjoy the debut novel by acclaimed slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.
Coquí in the city by Nomar Perez
Age: Preschool – 7 years
Experience the heartwarming story of a young boy who moves from Puerto Rico to New York City and discovers unexpected similarities between the two. Join Miguel as he navigates the challenges of a new city and finds ways to keep his Puerto Rican roots alive.
Plant Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Age: 4-8
Plants stories is about Pura Belpré, an inspiring storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian. It highlights her journey from bringing cuentos folklóricos from her Puerto Rican homeland to championing bilingual literature at the New York Public Library. The book celebrates her legacy through elegant illustrations and lyrical text, making it perfect for readers of all ages.
Vámonos series by Lil’ Libros
Age: 2-5
The Lil’ Libros Vámonos series introduces children to important cities in Latin American countries through beautiful illustrations, important aspects of the different cultures, and walk through the streets of some historical Latin towns.
My Dad Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Age: 4-8
My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a heartwarming story about the bond between a father and daughter in a changing immigrant neighborhood, Beautifully illustrated and filled with a moving story steeped in culture, making it a touching tribute to cherished memories amid change.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
Age: 4-8
David Bowles’ book “My Two Border Towns,” illustrated by Erika Meza, tells the story of a young boy’s life on the U.S.-Mexico border as he visits The Other Side/El Otro Lado with his father. They spend time with family and friends and engage with their community. The book describes their weekend ritual, with emphasis on the fluidity, complexity and liveliness of life on the border.
Sana, sana, colita de rana from Citlali Reyes
Age: 4-8
Tina hurts herself while playing and begins to doubt her dream of becoming a great wrestler after her brother tells her that girls can’t be good wrestlers. However, with the help of her plush sidekick, Tina learns that with a small love and support, girls can do anything. The story introduces the idea of getting up when you’re feeling down, and it’s available in both English and Spanish.
A crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp
Age: 4-8
This story is about a girl named Corina who celebrates her birthday and wants to wear a flower crown with flowers from her grandmother’s garden. Each flower in the crown represents a special story about Corina’s connection with her family. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the tradition of the Mexican flower crown, which incorporates themes of self-discovery and symbolism.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña
Age: 3-6
Carmela celebrates her birthday by accompanying her big brother on a grocery run. During their journey, they discover a lone dandelion, which prompts Carmela to make a wish. This heartwarming picture book by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson celebrates family, dreams, and finding hope in unexpected places with its beautiful illustrations and captivating stories.
Maya Laidler, Kaitlyn Riggio & Thalia Fernandez
