Check out our roundup of new and recent books for young readers that highlight varying aspects of Hispanic and Latinx culture in honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15).
Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story/El regalo de abuelita by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, illus. by Sara Palacios. Knopf, Sept. $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-56836-1; ISBN 978-0-593-80692-0. Julieta wants to honor her Abuelita’s spirit on Día de Muertos in the best way she can but struggles to find the perfect gift to place on the ofrenda.
Abuelo’s Flower Shop by Jackie Morera, illus. by Deise Lino. Beaming Books, June $17.99 ISBN 978-1-5064-8755-7. Elena discovers that her abuelo’s flower shop acts as a place of remembrance for their community.
Abuelo, the Sea, and Me by Ismée Williams; illus. by Tatiana Gardel. Roaring Brook, May $19.99; ISBN 978-1-250-84877-2. Over the course of four seasons, a child and her abuelo connect during visits where Abuelo shares stories about his childhood in Cuba.
Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar. Penguin/Paulsen Feb. $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-32340-3. Drawing inspiration from her family’s history, Behar interweaves the lives of four Sephardic Jewish 12-year-olds across generations—beginning with the Spanish Inquisition—as they navigate cultural, familial, and societal upheaval. See our interview with the author here.
Adela’s Mariachi Band by Denise Vega, illus. by Erika Rodriguez Medina. Charlesbridge, Aug. $17.99 ISBN 978-1-62354-444-7. Adela dreams of joining her family’s mariachi band and will try every instrument until she finds the best one for her.
Angélica and la Güira by Angie Cruz, illus. by Luz Batista. Kokila, July $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-40601-4. Before leaving Puerto Rico and heading back to New York, Angélica is given a güira that brings people from all over together to dance.
Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park by Maria Dolores Águila, illus. by Magdalena Mora. Dial, June $18.99 ISBN 978-0-593-46207-2. Readers can learn the history behind San Diego’s Chicano Park, a hub of community activism and art.
Benny Ramírez and the Nearly Departed by José Pablo Iriarte. Knopf, Apr. $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-70370-0. Tween Benny discovers he can communicate with his abuelo, the famous musician Ignacio Ramírez, and starts to learn how to play the trumpet in order to pass a class and help his abuelo get into the afterlife.
Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good by NoNieqa Ramos, illus. by Nicole Medina. Carolrhoda, Feb. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-72846-044-4. Readers learn about the lives of Evelina Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera, three sisters who immigrated from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and became leaders in their Bronx community.
Brownstone by Samuel Teer, illus. by Julia Mar. HarperCollins, June $18.99 ISBN 978-0-358-39474-7. When Almudena is left with her estranged Guatemalan father for the first time, the pair work together to rekindle their relationship at his brownstone home.
Call Me Iggy by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado. First Second, Feb. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-20413-4. Iggy, a Columbian American teen, falls for Marisol, who is struggling with finalizing her citizenship, and is surprised when his late grandfather appears to offer him relationship advice.
Call Me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos by Nathalie Alonso, illus. by Rudy Gutierrez. Calkins Creek, Aug. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-63592-811-2. This picture book, simultaneously released in English and Spanish, celebrates the life of Puerto Rican Major League baseball player Clemente.
Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa. Wednesday Books, Apr. $20; ISBN 978-1-250-87575-4. Mariachi star Rafie transfers to a new high school where he finds that an old flame oversees the mariachi band. He will have to put his feelings aside if he wants to win the role of lead singer.
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas. Feiwel and Friends, Sept. $19.99; ISBN 978-1-250-82208-6. In the sequel to The Sunbearer Trials, three young semidioses travel through a dark monster-infested world, to rescue their friends and return the sun to the sky.
The Circuit Graphic Novel by Francisco Jiménez, illus. by Celia Jacobs. HarperCollins, Mar. $15.99; ISBN 978-0-358-34822-1. Jiménez’s adult memoir highlighting his childhood immigrating from Mexico to California is now adapted in a graphic novel format for young readers.
A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya. Joy Revolution, Dec. $19.99; ISBN 978-0-593-64337-2. Infused with Aztec mythology, Mexican American author Montoya’s YA romantasy features a fledgling vampire and a vampire huntress who must team up if they want to rid the world of a dangerous monster.
Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo. Lerner/Carolrhoda, Apr. $19.99; ISBN 979-8-76560-850-0. Mexican American singer Cruztia begins working at her family’s restaurant and uncovers her love for mariachi music.
The Daggers of Ire by J.C. Cervantes. HarperCollins, Sept. $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-331207-4. This middle grade fantasy inspired by Mayan and Aztec mythology centers on 12-year-old bruja Esme, who must help find the other witches of her town when they all suddenly disappear.
Death’s Country by R.M. Romero. Peachtree, May $19.99; ISBN 978-1-68263-691-6. This Orpheus and Eurydice reimagining follows Brazilian teen Andres in his new home of Miami where after making a deal with Death, he must travel to the underworld to save his girlfriend.
Desert Song/Canción del desierto by Laekan Zea Kemp, illus. by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. Holiday House/Porter, June $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-5392-4; ISBN 978-0-8234-5797-7. In this picture book released simultaneously in English and Spanish, the animals of the night in a Texas desert create a song and, following tradition, a family nearby joins in.
Eloísa’s Musical Window by Margarita Engle illus. by John Parra. S&S/Atheneum, Aug. $18.99; ISBN978-1-66593-528-9. A family finds joy in listening to the music from outside their window and shows appreciation for the Cuban instruments that make it possible.
¡Felicidades! A Celebration with Shapes/¡Fiesta! A Festival of Colors by Duncan Tonatiuh. Abrams Appleseed, Aug. $15.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-7449-2; Apr. 9 $15.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-7330-3. Tonatiuh, of Mexican descent, explores the concepts of shapes and colors in these bilingual picture books.
A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony, illus. by Devon Holzwarth. Viking, Feb. $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-52576-0. The journey of butterflies offers hope to a girl awaiting her Papa’s return from Mexico.
Flight of the Witch by Rey Terciero and Monica M. Magaña. Holt, Sept. $14.99; ISBN 978-1-250-79551-9. This middle grade Don Quixote retelling, a duology closer, features Mexican-inspired worldbuilding.
Free To Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School by Cynthia Levinson, illus. by Mirelle Ortega. S&S/Atheneum Apr. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-66590-427-8. Readers will learn the history of Lopez, an undocumented child who was denied access to schooling without proof of citizenship, which led to a landmark Supreme Court case that ensures children’s right to education.
Guava and Grudges by Alexis Castellanos. Bloomsbury, Sept. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-1371-7. Cuban American teen Ana Maria finds herself falling for Miguel, the son of her family’s rival baking business.
HaiCuba/HaiKuba: Haikus About Cuba by Carlos Pintado and Lawrence Schimel, illus. by Juan José Colsa. NorthSouth/Ediciones NorteSur, Sept. $19.99; ISBN 978-0-7358-4568-8. This bilingual picture book highlights the culture and people of Cuba through poems written in English and Spanish.
Hearts of Fire and Snow by David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall. Bloomsbury, June $19.99; ISBN 978-1-5476-1004-4. This reimagining of the Aztec tale of Popoca and Itzac centers on modern-day Blanca and Greg, who discover they have been lovers in every lifetime.
Hero Twins and the Magic of Song (Tales of the Feathered Serpent #2) by David Bowles, illus. by Charlene Bowles. Lee & Low/Cinco Puntos, Oct. 29 $15.95; ISBN 978-1-947627-69-7. In this book based on Indigenous Mesoamerican stories, One Hunahpu’s sons are trapped in the Land of the Dead and are the only ones who can free their family and make it back to the world above.
Hispanic Star: Bad Bunny/Hispanic Star en Español: Bad Bunny by Claudia Romo Edelman and Ann Dávila Cardinal, illus. by Alexandra Beguez. Roaring Brook, Sept. $7.99; ISBN 978-1-250-33965-2. Readers can learn about one of the biggest stars today, Grammy winner Bad Bunny and how his upbringing in Puerto Rico influences his music.
How to Eat a Mango/Cómo se come un mango by Paola Santos, illus. by Juliana Perdomo. Holiday House/Porter, July $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-5388-7; ISBN 978-0-8234-5798-4. Inspired by the author’s childhood in Venezuela, this picture book follows Abuelita teaching young Carmen the best way to enjoy a mango.
Hurdles in the Dark by Elvira K. Gonzalez. Roaring Brook, May $21.99; ISBN 978-1-250-84785-0. This YA memoir showcases the life of Elvira Gonzalez, a Mexican American track star who grew up amid the drug war in South Texas and became one of the top U.S. athletes.
I Am Salsa by Jackie Azúa Kramer, illus. by Elisa Chavarri. HarperCollins, Sept. $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-325546-3. Kramer revisits her own childhood for this picture book about a girl embracing her culture and learning how to salsa with her family.
Into the Mighty Sea by Arlene Abundis, illus. by Cynthia Alonso. HarperCollins, June $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-324592-1. Cuban American Mariel’s emotions manifest as an ocean of color that she must learn to navigate when her boisterous family comes into town.
Jasmine Is Haunted by Mark Oshiro. Starscape, Oct. 1 $18.99; ISBN 978-1-250-33729-0. Oshiro gives a queer Latinx take on Ghostbusters in this middle grade novel centering tween Jasmine who can communicate with the ghosts living in her apartment.
Journey: My Story of Migration by Luis Onofre Valencia. Norton Young Readers, Aug. $16.99; ISBN 978-1-324-05231-9. Valencia writes of his personal experience crossing the U.S./Mexico border with his family and adjusting to his new life as an undocumented immigrant.
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account/Una historia más: Un relato gráfico de migración by Ernesto Saade. Lerner/Graphic Universe Apr. $17.99 ISBN 979-8-76562-336-7. Based on the life of the author, this graphic novel traces a young Carlos and his mother on their immigration journey from El Salvador to the U.S.
Just Say Yes by Goldy Moldavsky. Holt, Jan. $13.99; ISBN 978-1-250-86323-2. Jimena Ramos hatches a plan to get married so she can stay in New York City after learning she’s undocumented. See our interview with the author.
La Mala Suerte Is Following Me by Ana Siqueira, illus. by Carlos Vélez Aguilera. Charlesbridge, March $17.99; ISBN 978-1-62354-454-6. Miguel didn’t listen to his superstitious Abuelita about bringing La Mala Suerte into the house, and now he must find a way to break his spell of bad luck.
The Last Tamale by Orlando Mendiola, illus. by Teresa Martinez. HarperCollins, Sept. $19.99 ISBN 978-0-06-329559-9. Three children compete in an epic battle for the last tamale at their family’s annual tamalada.
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar. Dial, Aug. $19.99; ISBN 978-0-593-69612-5. Set in 2017 Tegucigalpa, Honduras, gay poet Libi and her mother, grandmother, and brothers Maynor and Alberto navigate the months before a highly anticipated—and historically controversial—presidential election. See our interview with the author here.
The Littlest Grito by Nick Solis, illus. by Teresa Martinez. Sleeping Bear, Sept. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-5341-1288-9. Gloria is charged with kicking off Diez y Seis de Septiembre (Mexican Independence Day) with a loud grito and turns to her family for encouragement.
Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf, Sept. $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-17700-6). Ten-year-old Lola lives in Mexico City where her beloved enchanted tree is slowly dying, and her brother is getting sick. Lola attempts to find a cure that will save them both.
A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester, illus. by Juana Medina. Dial, Apr. $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-46242-3. A girl enjoys the many gifts her Abuela brings with her from Peru and tries to find her own special gifts to give her Abuela for her trip back.
Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas by Jesús Trejo, illus. by Eliza Kinkz. Minerva, Sept. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-66265-106-9. In this companion to Pura Belpré Honor winner Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock, Jesús oversees watering Mamá’s houseplants. See our In Conversation with comedian Trejo and artist Kinkz.
The Mango Tree (La mata de mango) by Edel Rodriguez. Abrams, June $18.99; ISBN 978-1-4197-4586-7. Cuban American artist Rodriguez shares his childhood experience as an immigrant to the U.S. and how a piece of nature helped make him feel grounded in a new place.
Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice by Anna Lapera. Levine Querido, Mar. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-64614-371-9. Ahead of a trip to Guatemala, tween Mani uncovers letters between her mother and aunt, leading to questions about why her family ever left Guatemala at all.
Mercedes Sosa by Aixa Pérez-Prado. Lee & Low, Sept. $20.95; ISBN: 978-0-89239-470-8. This picture book biography highlights the life of Argentinean folksinger and human rights advocate Sosa, also known as La Negra.
Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre and Andrés Vera Martínez. First Second, Oct. 1 $22.99; ISBN 978-1-250-74974-1. Tween Pablo discovers that his locker is a portal to a monster realm, and the earth goddess Coatlicue plans to use it to seek vengeance upon humankind.
Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, illus. by Carlos Vélez. Gibbs Smith, July $18.99; ISBN 978-1-4236-6551-9: This bilingual picture book offering from Chicano and Indigenous author Ruiz follows siblings Luna and Sol as they unravel the secret behind their grandmother’s magical remedies.
No More Señora Mimí/No más señora Mimí by Meg Medina, illus. by Brittany Cicchese. Candlewick, Sept. 3 $17.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-1944-9; ISBN 978-1-5362-3929-4. Newbery Medalist Medina traces the relationship between a girl named Ana and her caregiver señora Mimí, when Mimí is no longer required to babysit. See our interview with Medina.
Not Far from Here by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez, illus. by Devon Holzwarth. Candlewick, Oct. 1 $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-2706-2. Tracing the immigration stories of many ancestors before them, parents share with their children how love and resilience are cornerstones of their family.
The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, and Shaian Gutiérrez, illus. by Gabby Zapata. Chronicle, Aug. $17.99; ISBN 978-1-79721-562-4. In honor of Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead, readers are invited to learn about the meaning behind the ofrenda.
Pepe y el desfile by Tracey Kyle, illus. by Mirelle Ortega. Little Bee, Sept. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-4998-1748-5. Pepe enjoys the art, food, and culture showcased at the Hispanic Day parade.
A Plate of Hope/Un Plate de esperanza by Erin Frankel, illus. by Paola Escobar. Random House Studio, Feb. $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-38057-4; ISBN 978-0-593-71133-0. This picture book biography highlights chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, an organization that travels across the globe to provide food to people in need. See Frankel’s conversation with David Unger, author of José Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need Around the World, (Duopress, Jan.), about depicting Andrés’s life and work for young readers.
The Quince Project by Jessica Parra. Wednesday Books, May $14; ISBN 978-1-250-86277-8. Castillo Torres must plan the perfect quinceañera for an influencer in order to earn her dream internship.
Race to the Truth: Borderlands and the Mexican American Story by David Dorado Romo. Crown, Aug. $8.99; ISBN 978-0-593-56775-3. In a new installment of the Race to the Truth series, Romo traces the history of Mexican immigration long before borders were drawn and the impact of colonization.
The River Is My Ocean by Rio Cortez, illus. by Ashleigh Corrin. S&S, Aug. $18.99 ISBN978-1-66591-257-0. On a walk near the Hudson River, a grandmother-granddaughter duo discuss the joys of Puerto Rican traditions and religion, including the worship of Yemaya, goddess of the ocean.
Rooster and the Dancing Diablo by Diana López. Kokila, May $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-32652-7. In the second installment of the Los Monstruous series, children of a small town in Texas suddenly disappear due to a mysterious monster from Mexican folklore.
A Second Chance on Earth by Juan Vidal. Holiday House, Sept. 3 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-8234-5711-3. Marcos travels to Colombia to grieve the death of his father and encounters taxi driver Camilo. As their friendship blossoms, Camilo reveals a secret, and Marcos must figure out if he truly believes in second chances.
Sing It Like Celia by Monica Mancillas. Penguin Workshop, Apr. $17.99; ISBN 978-0-593-65930-4. Mexican American singer Celia learns to find her voice with the help of her role model and icon, Celia Cruz.
Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Aldeman, illus. by Romina Galotta. Charlesbridge, Aug. $17.99; ISBN 978-1-62354-392-1. Max is still trying to perfect his Spanish and when he’s left to communicate with Abuela in español only, he learns the importance of trying his best.
Tamales for Christmas/Tamales para Navidad by Stephen Briseño, illus. by Sonia Sánchez. Random House Studio, Oct. 8 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-593-64781-3; ISBN 978-0-593-89751-5. Ahead of a big holiday celebration, a grandmother works tirelessly to prepare plenty of tamales for everyone.
Teeny Tiendas: The Flower Shop/La florería by Lourdes Heuer, illus. by Zara González Hoang. Candlewick, Sept. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-5362-2660-7. In this bilingual board book, young readers make stops at tiendas and enjoy their colorful offerings.
The Three Little Guinea Pigs and the Andean Fox by Ana Velez. Page Street Kids, Aug. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-64567-869-4. Set in Andean South America, this “Three Little Pigs” reimagining features three guinea pigs who grow suspicious of a local fox’s over-friendliness.
Treinta me habla de amor: ¿Por qué sería raro amarte a ti mismo?/Thirty Talks Weird Love by Alessandra Narváez Varela. Lee & Low/Tu Books, Sept. 17 $17.95; ISBN 978-1-64379-750-2. In this story set in the ’90s in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, tween Anamaria is overwhelmed by her life and meets a woman from the future who offers mysterious encouragements that she claims will save someone’s life.
Una ofrenda para Perro by Judith Valdés B., illus. by Carlos Vélez Aguilera. Little Bee, Sept. $18.99 ISBN 978-1-4998-1730-0. After losing a loved one, Benito finds comfort in rituals during the Día de los Muertos celebration.
We Are Immigrants by Carolina Fernandez, illus. by Alyssa M. Gonzalez. Running Press Kids, Sept. 17 $18.99 ISBN 978-0-7624-8366-2. This picture book celebrates the beauty of immigrant families and the cultures they bring to their new homes.
When Water Flows by Aida Salazar, illus. by Caribay M. Benavides. Rise x Penguin Workshop, Oct. 29 $8.99; ISBN 978-0-593-65920-5. Pulling from Mexican Indigenous culture, this picture book helps young readers get in touch with nature.
With Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey. S&S/Atheneum, Aug. $19.99; ISBN978-1-66591-536-6. Cuban teens Clary and Emilio clash over their visions for the future of the community in Los Angeles’s Echo Park, when Clary’s family florist shop, one of the last Cuban businesses in the area, is under threat.
Wrath of the Rain God by Karla Arenas Valenti, illus. by Vanessa Morales. S&S/Aladdin, Apr. $17.99; ISBN 978-1-66593-599-9. After moving to Chicago, twins Emma and Martín hope to stay in touch with their Mexican culture by playing with a gift from their abuela, but get sucked into the magical artifact where they encounter the legendary god of rain and must find his missing lightning bolt before he floods the city.
Wild Dreamers by Margarita Engle. S&S/Atheneum, Apr. $18.99; ISBN 978-1-66593-975-1.
In this YA novel in verse longlisted for a National Book Award, Cuban American teens Ana and Leandro find hope in working together to start a rewilding club.
Yum, Yum Mexico by Diane de Anda, illus. by Emily Mendoza. Crown, July $9.99; ISBN 978-0-593-65021-9. Readers can learn the alphabet via this lexicon of Mexican dishes.
