Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) is the perfect time to fill your shelves with stories that celebrate Latine voices, culture, and creativity. These children’s books — from picture books to middle grade novels — offer windows into traditions, family life, and the magic of everyday experiences. They’re powerful reads for this month, and meaningful additions to enjoy all year long.
“Little Rebels”
By Yuyi Morales
Brand-new picture book from award-winning and bestselling children’s book author, Yuyi Morales. This powerful story follows three young characters as they care for tadpoles, and the other creatures around them in a dry landscape. It explores what it means to be a rebel: to be curious, ask questions, care for others, and “create a tender path for everybody.” The design and illustration of this book give it incredible energy. You can read this book again and again, only to discover new delights!
(Image courtesy Neal Porter Books)
“¡Mistaco!”
By Eliza Kinkz
Izzy makes a LOT of mistakes, but today is just the worst. At first she tries to hide from them, but eventually she tells her family about what happened at school. It’s so funny, they all laugh. And her grandpa – her lito – has her make a taco with all the mistakes in it and he eats it up. Izzy feels much better and calls their creation a mistaco and soon everyone at the table is sharing their mistakes and enjoying delicious mistacos together! Fun and funny!
(Image courtesy Kokila)
“The Dream Catcher”
By Marcelo Verdad
Miguel weaves dream catchers to sell at his abuelito’s coconut stand. He’s saving money for a plane trip to be with his parents. This story gently explores dreams and hopes. Wonderful too are Verdad’s lively and expressive drawings of Miguel’s seaside home.
(Image courtesy Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
“Dreaming of a Quinceañera”
Written by Yamile Saied Mendez and illustrated by Christine Almeda
Little sister Ellie is excited for Isabella’s quinceañera. As they prepare for the party, we see the beautiful flowers and dresses, the gifts from Isabella’s abuelas, the ribbon cake with a hidden ring, friends who attend as damas and chambelàns, the dance with Papi, and the doll from Mami. Perfect for learning about this coming-of-age celebration.
(Image courtesy Orchard Books)
“My Abuela is a Bruja”
Written by Mayra Cuevas and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez
In this vibrant picture book a little girl names all the ways her grandmother creates magic. When she visits her abuela at her beautiful Puerto Rican home they experience the magic of nature, the joy of growing a garden, the rhythm of the bachata, and the alchemy of cooking sofrito and flan. Includes recipes.
(Image courtesy Knopf Books for Young Readers)
“Desert Song”
Written by Laekan Zea Kemp and illustrated by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández
As evening falls, the family gathers to play music together, each on their own instrument. The music connects them to each other and to their ancestors. Illustrations of the desert and its creatures are of particular interest. This would make a lovely bedtime book.
(Image courtesy Neal Porter Books)
“Leyendas | Legends”
Written by Mónica Mancillas and illustrated by Isadora Zeferino
60 inspiring biographies of Lantine people, living and historical, from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Puerto Rico. Actors, artists, activists, athletes and astronauts – there is something for every interest. For kids 7-10.
(Image courtesy Chronicle Books)
“Lola”
Written by Karla Arenas Valenti with illustrations by Islenia Mil
An enormous flowering tree grows In Lola’s garden in Mexico City. It blooms with the seasons and is guarded by nature spirits. Lola is worried about her brother, who is very sick, and about the tree, which is also struggling to survive. A story of love and letting go.
(Image courtesy Knopf Books for Young Readers)
“El Niño”
Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan with drawings by Joe Cepeda
Popular middle-grade author Pam Muñoz Ryan has created a magical undersea world for Kai, a competitive swimmer. This tale of adventure, hope and loss is also an ode to California. Readers will find both mystery and myth in these depths.
(Image courtesy Scholastic Press
“Across So Many Seas”
Written by Ruth Behar
Spanning centuries and continents, this historical novel traces the lives of 4 girls who are Jewish and Hispanic. Behar’s characters use words from Ladino, the Judeo-Spanish language. A compelling and affirming work of culture and identity. A Newbery Honor book.
(Image courtesy Nancy Paulsen Books)
“Ultraviolet”
Written by Aida Salazar
Elio has a girlfriend. And that means he’s thinking about love and how to be in a relationship. He’s confronted with different ways to express masculinity and what it means to be strong, all while preparing for an important coming-of-age ritual. Written in verse.
(Image courtesy Scholastic Press)
“The Story of My Anger”
Written by Jasminne Mendez
Brand new this fall is The Story of My Anger. Yuli has a strong family, friends and community around her, but she finds herself enraged at the casual and systemic racism she sees every day at her school – even in her beloved drama club. For grades 8+.
(Image courtesy Dial Books)
“Salvación”
Written by Sandra Proudman
By day, Lola is just a girl helping her family, but by night dresses as Salvación, wielding her sword to protect her town from evil. Magic salts swirls around Proudman’s fantasy world, capable of hurting or healing. And Lola finds herself drawn to one of the enemy. Action, fantasy and romance for high school readers.
(Image courtesy Wednesday Books)
“Libertad”
Written by Bessie Flores Zaldívar
Libertad Morazán is a high school senior in Honduras, and with politics and protests calling for change, she and her friends meet to share community and poetry. Libertad’s poems are gathering likes online, but she also finds herself dealing with feelings for her best friend. Complicated family relationships, political unrest, and questions about freedom ties this more serious novel together. A Pura Belpré Honor book.
(Image courtesy Dial Books)
