Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. Listed below are recommended titles for all ages to learn and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic community.
I am, Yo Soy
by Gabriela Belt
A picture book that celebrates Hispanic American identity and the beauty of being part of two cultures. Presented in English and Spanish.
Un libro ilustrado que celebra la identidad hispanoamericana y la belleza de ser parte de dos culturas. Presentado en inglés y español.
Fridays Are for Churros
by Jenny Alvarado
“A girl and her dad move to a new town. And she’s determined to keep their traditions, no matter how busy Daddy is! A fun Spanish-language story about family, food, and good neighbors! Every Friday, Emi and her Papi made churros for the entire familia. Now in their new apartment in the big city, Papi is always working, and there are no churros, and no familia, on Fridays. Until, Emi smells something sweet and delicious coming from her neighbor Señora Luisa’s apartment. Emi has an idea! Maybe she can make churros after all, with a little help.”– Amazon.
Los Viernes Comemos Churros
by Jenny Alvarado
“Una niña y su papá se mudan a otra ciudad, ¡y ella está decidida a seguir con sus tradiciones, sin importar lo ocupado que esté papi! Este es un divertido cuento en español sobre la familia, la comida y los buenos vecinos. Todos los viernes, Emi y su papi hacían churros para toda la familia. Ahora están en su nuevo apartamento en la gran ciudad, papi siempre está trabajando y los viernes no hay churros, ni familia. Hasta que Emi huele algo dulce y delicioso cocinándose en el apartamento de su vecina, la señora Luisa. ¡Así que a Emi se le ocurre una idea! Tal vez podría preparar los churros con un poco de ayuda” — Amazon.
Frizzy
by Claribel Ortega
“Marlene loves three things: art, Her cool Tía Ruby, and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and “growing up.” That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have “presentable good hair.” But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tía Ruby–she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.”
Rizos
by Claribel Ortega
“Marlene ama tres cosas: el arte, a su adorada tía Ruby y pasar el tiempo con Camilla, su mejor amiga. Pero su mamá piensa que se debería enfocar solamente en sus estudios y en madurar; y esto último implica alisarse el pelo todos los fines de semana para que se vea “presentable” y “buena”. Pero Marlene odia ir al salón y no entiende por qué nadie a su alrededor piensa que sus rizos naturales son bonitos. Después de algunos desafíos y momentos vergonzosos, además de la ayuda imprescindible de Camilla y tía Ruby, poco a poco Marlene emprende el camino de aprender a apreciar su pelo rizo y llevarlo con orgullo.”– Provided by publisher.
Speak Up, Santiago
by Julio Anta
“How can you speak up if you don’t have the words? Santi is excited to spend the summer in Hillside Valley, meeting the local kids, eating his Abuela’s delicious food, exploring! There’s just one problem–Santi doesn’t speak Spanish that well and it feels like everyone he meets in Hillside does. There’s Sol (she’s a soccer player who really loves books), Willie, (the artist), Alejandro (Santi’s unofficial tour guide!), and Nico (Alejandro’s brother and blue belt in karate). In between all of their adventures in Hillside, Santi can’t help but worry about his Spanish–what if he can’t keep up?! Does that mean he’s not Colombian enough? Will Santi find his confidence and his voice? Or will his worries cost him his new friendships… and the chance to play in HIlliside’s summer soccer tournament?!”– Publisher.
Cousins In the Time of Magic
by Emma Otheguy
“History is alive with magic. That’s what zany Tía Xia is always telling cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy. Their aunt has many secrets, including a mysterious diamond-encrusted sword–a sword Jorge definitely wasn’t supposed to see. Jorge’s daredevil stunts often get him in trouble, though. He and his cousins couldn’t be more different: Camila is a dreamer who adores animals, and Siggy is an aspiring influencer who has an exclusive party to attend. But when the cousins stumble upon a time portal in their aunt’s yard, they are transported back to 1862 and discover that the past is filled with wonders–and dangers. To return to the present, they must race to deliver the sword to General Ignacio Zaragoza in time for the historic Battle of Puebla in Mexico–the reason for celebrating Cinco de Mayo today. As their journey to Mexico takes them through the Civil War-era United States, the cousins see just how much US history has been shaped by Latin communities. They must find the power within themselves to make sure things happen as they’re supposed to–without altering the past”– Dust jacket flap.
Hispanic Heritage = Herencia Hispana
by Brenda Perez Mendosa
Explora momentos y épocas de la historia de Estados Unidos que han sido ignorados o tergiversados en la educación debido a prejuicios raciales. Los libros exploran cada tema de una manera integral, honesta y apropiada para la edad. Los títulos se desarrollaron con la educadora, defensora y autora Brenda Mendoza para llegar a niños de todas las razas y alentarlos a abordar nuestra historia con ojos y mentes abiertas.
“Explores moments and eras in America’s history that have been ignored or misrepresented in education due to racial bias. Books explore each topic in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. Titles were developed with educator, advocate, and author Brenda Mendoza to reach children of all races and encourage them to approach our history with open eyes and minds”– Provided by publisher.
Brownstone
by Samuel Teer
In the summer of 1995, almost-fifteen-year-old Almudena is sent to live with her estranged Spanish-speaking father, and together they renovate a brownstone and build a relationship while Almudena navigates the Latin American side of her heritage for the first time.
Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories
“In classic stories remixed, Latinx characters take center stage. Pride and Prejudice is launched into outer space, Frankenstein is plunged into the depths of the ocean, and The Great Gatsby floats to an island off the coast of Costa Rica. A shape-shifter gives up her life to save the boy she loves from an evil bruja. La Ciguapa covets a little mermaid’s heart of gold. Two star-crossed teens fall in love while the planet burns around them. Whether characters fall in love, battle foes, or grow through grief, each story will empower readers to see themselves as the heroes of the stories that make our world”–Amazon.com.
Flores and Miss Paula: A Novel
by Melissa Rivero
“Thirtysomething Flores and her mother, Paula, still live in the same Brooklyn apartment, but that may be the only thing they have in common. It’s been nearly three years since they lost beloved husband and father Martín, who had always been the bridge between them. One day, cleaning beneath his urn, Flores discovers a note written in her mother’s handwriting: Perdóname si te fallé. Recuerda que siempre te quise. (“Forgive me if I failed you. Remember that I always loved you.”) But what would Paula need forgiveness for? Now newfound doubts and old memories come flooding in, complicating each woman’s efforts to carve out a good life for herself–and to support the other in the same”– Provided by publisher.
Latin American Artists: From 1785 to Now
by Raphael Fonseca
“Latin American artists have gained increasing international prominence as the art world awakens to the area’s extraordinary art scenes and histories. In an accessible A-Z format, this volume introduces key artworks by 308 artists who together demonstrate the variety and vitality of artwork being made. Focusing on those born, or who have lived, in the 20 Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions of Latin America, and featuring historic and living artists — both those celebrated internationally and names less-known outside their native countries — this book has been created in close collaboration with an expert panel of 68 advisors and writers. Artists featured include: Allora and Calzadilla, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Francis Alÿs, Olga de Amaral, Fernando Botero, Leonora Carrington, Lygia Clark, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Leonor Fini, Gego, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Carmen Herrera, Graciela Iturbide, Alfredo Jaar, Frida Kahlo, Guillermo Kuitca, Wifredo Lam, Teresa Margolles, Marisol, Cildo Meireles, Ana Mendieta, Beatriz Milhazes, Ernesto Neto, Hélio Oiticica, Gabriel Orozco, José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, Zilia Sánchez, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Cecilia Vicuña, Adrián Villar Rojas and Faith Wilding.” — Provided by publisher.
By Megan Vandermeer