September is Hispanic Heritage Month! We have made significant progress in increasing Hispanic representation in literature, and while there is still much work to be done, we can still celebrate the achievements of our community. This week’s Three to Read spotlights three must-read children’s novels by Hispanic authors, each addressing important topics such as mental health, isolation, family conflicts, and the demystification of American history.
Trigger Warning: The mention of certain topics in this article may be triggering to some readers. Please check the individual TWs before reading about the books below.
HOT PICK
Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango
TW: This book includes references to drug use and addiction.
Synopsis:
Something Like Home centers around Laura Rodríguez Colón, an 11-year-old girl who is placed in the care of her estranged aunt, Titi Silvia, after calling 911 to save her parents from a possible overdose. Although Laura’s relationship with her parents wasn’t ideal, she is overwhelmed with guilt after her call led to their placement in rehab, which in turn left her essentially in foster care.
This difficult transition, along with being unable to visit her parents at the rehab center, stirs feelings of anxiety, isolation, and longing for her old life. However, Laura finds solace in a sick, abandoned puppy she names Sparrow, who becomes her emotional anchor and seemingly the key to seeing her parents again. How will Laura navigate her conflicting feelings of love for her flawed parents and the stability provided by Titi Silvia?
Why:
The book explores themes of addiction, displacement, and mental health while offering a hopeful message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Arango’s writing is intimate and heartfelt, addressing these weighty issues through the authentic voice of an 11-year-old girl in crisis. Our protagonist learns that home is not a physical place, but rather something found in the relationships and emotional bonds she builds.
Throughout the story, Laura discovers that finding a new home and finding peace in her present life doesn’t mean abandoning her past. Instead, it becomes a journey of growth, where she learns to navigate the complexities of family, love, and belonging with the help of new friends, supportive adults, and Sparrow, her loyal puppy.
COFFEE SHOP READ
Borderlands and the Mexican American Story by David Dorado Romo
Synopsis:
From the Race to the Truth series, Borderlands and the Mexican American Story offers a narrative of American history from the Mexican American perspective. It breaks away from the familiar story of immigrants coming to America in search of a better life and instead highlights the deep influence of Mexican people and their culture long before modern borders existed. The book examines how they have shaped the southwestern U.S., despite relentless attempts to erase their presence.
The story traces the evolution of the Mexican American community through significant events such as the Spanish colonization of the Americas, the Mexican-American War, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and the integration of former Mexican territories into the U.S. It celebrates unsung heroes in American history and encourages readers to critically examine their understanding of how the Mexican American community has navigated issues of race, identity, land rights, and social justice in a society that often treats them as second-class citizens.
Why:
This book provides insight into U.S. history from the perspective of a marginalized community, challenging harmful and inaccurate narratives such as the Texas Creation Myth. It urges readers to question their historical biases, recognizing that what they’ve been taught may not encompass the full truth. Gaining a deeper understanding of historical events and the people involved is essential for shaping how we view a particular community. Borderlands and the Mexican American Story emphasizes that borderlands are spaces of cultural exchange and ever-evolving identities, encouraging readers to appreciate the complexity and richness of these regions.
DARK HORSE
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera
Synopsis:
Barely Floating follows 12-year-old Natalia “Nat” Cruz, a proud Latina and plus-size girl who is confident in her body and identity. One summer, she watches an artistic swimming demonstration by the LA Mermaids and immediately falls in love with the sport, determined to prove she can become a synchronized swimmer. However, her biggest obstacle is her activist parents, who disapprove of the sport, believing it overly focuses on being thin and white.
Raised in an activist household, Nat is used to standing up for what she believes in, but when it comes to her parents, she struggles to stand up for herself. To pursue her passion, she begins lying to them about her involvement with the artistic swimming team. As one lie spirals into more, she becomes trapped in a web of deception that strains her relationship with her best friend, Joanne, as their lives and interests start to diverge, adding even more personal conflict to Nat’s journey.
Why:
Barely Floating features a relatable protagonist who reflects the struggles many readers face when it comes to self-esteem and family expectations. Nat’s journey to pursue her dream of becoming an artistic swimmer — despite societal pressures and her family’s disapproval — is both inspiring and encouraging for younger audiences dealing with similar issues. Her relationships with her family and her friend Joanne are central to the story, illustrating how friendships evolve over time and how family expectations can sometimes conflict with personal aspirations. The book also touches on the effects of deceit and the strain it places on relationships, showing the consequences of getting caught in the snowball effect of lies.
These books provide a unique and insightful perspective for readers curious about the Hispanic community and its rich cultural heritage. By following the journeys of relatable protagonists, they delve into themes that are not only significant to the Hispanic community but are universally relevant to a wider audience, including topics such as identity, family, and resilience.
While these books are primarily written for children and young teens, their depth and emotional resonance transcend age categories, offering meaningful stories for readers of all ages. Don’t let the age tags hold you back — these could easily become your next favorite reads!
Do you want to know more about the Hispanic community? Check out this article.
Be sure to browse our Hispanic/Latinx Recommendations: Bedtime Stories, Poetry, and Novels bookshelf on Bookshop.org to diversify your TBR list!
