I had so much fun rounding-up this list of fantastic books that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage. When selecting books I wanted ones that had a celebratory nature and wanted to include at least a few nonfiction stories that highlight amazing individuals and stories as well as fictional books that are fun and highlight different aspects of beautiful culture and tradition.
I also looked for books that would fit for Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. According to the U.S. Census Bureau that includes “the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-Speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean”. Therefore, in this book list, you will find books that feature stories and characters from places such as Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Spain and more! They highlight those who would identify as Hispanic as well as Latino. I feel each of these books are a beautiful tribute and hope you love them too.
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Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise and Paola Escobar- This nonfiction book tells the true story of Librarian and Storyteller Pure Belpre. She came to America in 1921 form Puerto Rico and had such a positive impact working as as a bilingual assistant in the New York Pubic Library as well as publishing her own books.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson- A beautiful book about wishes and family relationships. I love the how her neighborhood is featured with its local panderia, laundromat, bus stops and more. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful!
Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz and Micah Player- Who doesn’t love an ice cream man?! In this story a young boy runs through is neighborhood trying to find Paletero Jose to buy some ice cream, but when he arrives he realizes his coins are lost. The ending is so rewarding and sweet (in more ways than one!) and it’s a great book.
A Gift from Abuela by Cecilia Ruiz- This book features the bond between a young girl and her abuela and how they love to spend time together and eat pan dulce on the park bench each sundae. However, as time goes on things change. The local currency changes, abuela gets older and Nina doesn’t come by as often. I love how in the end they find a way to reconnect and honor their love and friendship.
Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell and Rafael Lopez- This book is based on the true story about how Rafael and Candice Lopez brightened up neighborhood in San Diego with art murals that they painted all over alongside the community. Such an inspiring and lovely story.
Our Celebración! by Susan Middleton Ella and Ana Aranda- This book features a big celebracion in the form of (mainly) a colorful, costume filled parade. I love that it includes a lot of Spanish vocabulary centered around celebrations throughout the book and each page really is full of so much joy and is it’s own little party.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez- This book tells the true story about young Teresa Carreno who’s family fled Venezuela to the United States due to the revolution. It was during the time of the civil war and her talent with the piano afforded her the wonderful opportunity of playing piano for President Lincoln in the White House.
Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Falvia Z. Drago- This is a really fun Dia De Los Muertos book that features a friendly but shy ghost who wants badly to make friends. The surprise ending in this book is so heartwarming and it’s one that we will read again and again.
Islandborn by Junot Diaz and Leo Espinosa- This beauty is all about a young girl who receives an assignment in class to share where she is from. She doesn’t remember anything about the island she was born on and that her family left so she turns to family and friends to learn. This journey helps her learn not only about her heritage, but a lithe bit more about the legacy she is a part of.
Carmen and the House That Gaudí Built by Susan Hughes and Marianne Ferrer- This book mixes fact and fiction as it tells the story about a young girl named Carmen Batlos and how she is hesitant to move from her country home to the city. Spanish architect Gaudi designs their new home and is inspired by nature and Carmen finds the transition easier because of it.
The Piñata That the Farm Maiden Hung by Samantha R. Vamos and Sebastian Serra- This book is a build-upon story where the text builds and repeats over and over. It features birthday celebration preparations from the piñata to confetti in painted eggshells to a sombrero shaped birthday cake. Love!
Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez and Jaime Kim-This is a simple and lovely tribute to heritage and the fact that the places we are from are a part of us. It is sweet, sincere and fantastic. It all starts when a young girl asks her abuelo where she is from.
Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda & His Muse by Alexandria Giardino and Felicita Sala- This nonfiction biography features Pablo Neruda who was a Chilean poet and his wife Matilde who was a folk singer. It is beautifully written and, obviously, beautifully illustrated as well.
Alpaca Pati’s Fancy Fleece by Tracey Kyle and Toss Sanchez- This book features an alpaca that lives in the Andes Mountains of Peru. She is very fond of her fleece and when shearing time comes is very reluctant to share it. However, she learns about all the wonderful things that llama fleece is used for and feels ready to share. I love the use of Spanish words throughout and how the end of the book includes glossary, an authors note about the resource of alpaca fleece and fun facts about alpacas!
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal- I adore this book! In the beginning Alma questions her father as to why her name is so long and wonders if it “fits her”. Her father explains the story of how she got her name and each of the beloved family members that she inherited names from. It gives her a new appreciation for her name and inspiration to make her own story with it.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez- This book is written for all the children who may feel apprehensive about the first day of school because of the things about them that make them different. It includes a young boy named Rigoberto who just moved from Venezuela and is nervous about all the changes he is facing. It is a beautiful and celebratory book for all cultures and I love it.
El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! by Donna Barba Higuera and Juliana Perdomo- If I understand correctly a cucuy is a Mexican equivilant of “the boogie man”. In this story a young boy consults the cucuy about his fears for the first day of school and they reassure each other about how brave they really are. (Especially because the boy is no longer afraid of the cucuy as he used to be.)
Holy Squawkamole!: Little Red Hen Makes Guacamole by Susan Wood and Laura Gonzalez- This book is a fun retelling of The Little Red Hen, only with a new flair. In this story she is making guacamole instead of bread and there is a surprising twist to the end that is bound to make young readers giggle as well as bring home the message of this classic tale a little more.
Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and Carles Ballesteros- This book teaches all about the holiday of Dia De Los Muertos. The illustrations and text are super celebratory and it’s a party to read.
If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio and Brianna McCarthy- This book celebrated the Dominican Republic with simple, yet meaningful text and vibrant illustrations. It pays wonderful tribute and is a book we’d definitely recommend.
Bisa’s Carnaval by Joana Pastro and Carolina Coroa- This book is a fun, brief introduction to the celebration of Carnaval. It tells of how a young girl makes preparations with her grandmother, but doesn’t feel right marching in the parade without her, so she brings the celebration home to her grandmother so they can all celebrate together. It is a sweet and happy book that is full of color and fun.
One Is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers (Learn to Count Books, Numbers Books for Kids, Preschool Numbers Book) by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and John Parra- This is a simple counting primer that celebrates culture with each number it introduces and includes Spanish words throughout. If you like this one, definitely look up the companion books as well! (There is one for shapes and another one for colors!)
A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy and Ana Ramirez Gonzalez- Gabo has a strong desire to make new friends and go sledding, but has a few issues with his snow gear. However, a loving community rallies around him and helps encourage him with solutions and kindness.
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales- This is a fun twist on a counting book as it features an abuela and how she cheats death in a clever and humorous way. It is a delight to read and has the best illustrations.
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina and Sonia Sanchez- This story highlights the process of packing-up to move and saying goodbye between two best friends. It is sweet and heartfelt. It is a wonderful tribute to “major amigas” everywhere.
What Will You Be? by Yamile Saied Mendez and Kate Alizadeh- This book is a celebration ion the potential that every child holds and the many choices and paths waiting for them in live. It also highlights a sweet bond between an abuela and her grandchild. It is a stunning and inspiring book.
Mi Casa Is My Home by Laurenne Sala and Zara González Hoang- In this book a young girl introduces us to her home, family and daily life with both the Spanish and English language. It is a wonderful, bilingual book that is very well done and relatable for young children.
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