Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a 10-day celebration of Hispanic histories, cultures, stories, and art. And while it’s important to celebrate diverse and inclusive children’s literature all year, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some new and upcoming titles from Hispanic and Latine creators that are sure to add some entertainment and enlightenment to any young readers’ TBR. From fiction to nonfiction, from punny picture books to moving middle grade reads, be sure to check out these titles that feature Hispanic representation both on and behind the pages.
Picture Books
Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández
Gabriela’s Papá Grande may seem like an unlikely steward of endangered sea turtle eggs; once upon a time, he was once a poacher of the very same creatures. The work is hard and often discouraging, but it is worth it: with each nest hatched, the turtles carry the hopes of the future on their shells.
Hopeful Heroes: More Poems About Amazing Latinos by Margarita Engle, Illustrated by Juliet Menéndez
A companion picture book to the middle grade title Bravo!, celebrated author and poet Engle explores the lives and impact of a wide-ranging collection of Hispanic figures in verse, from sports stars like Pelé to leaders like Anacaona, artists like Noé Canjura to activists like Christina Figueres, and many more.
Vera La Valiente Is Scared by Ana Siqueira, Illustrated by Teresa Martinez
Everyone in Vera’s life knows her as La Valiente — Vera the Brave! But when Vera’s teacher announces that the class is headed to the theme park, Vera doesn’t know what she’s more terrified of: zooming around on a roller coaster, or her friends finding out that she’s not as brave as she appears…
This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story by John Parra
Both a celebration of Día de Muertos traditions and a heartfelt reminder to cherish each day, this sweet board book follows a child as they ruminate on the everyday moments that make life special: time spent with loved ones, overcoming nerves at a public performance, and the wonders of the natural world.
The Blue Velvet Chair by Rio Cortez, Illustrated by Aaron Marin
Each morning, after a biiiiig streeeeetch, the child narrator of this title heads to their favorite spot in the apartment: the blue velvet chair, a cozy perch from which to observe the neighborhood and the changing outside world. A lovely meditation on the seasons, the passage of time, and the warm security of home.
Popo the Xolo by Paloma Angelina Lopez, Illustrated by Abraham Matias
Set against the backdrop of Mictlān, the Aztec underworld, this stunning tale of love and loss follows Nana and her beloved Xoloitzcuintle (Xolo) dog, Popo. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous stories of the afterlife and the role Xolo dogs play in it, this moving tale approached the subject of death in a way that is heartfelt and heartwarming.
Black Hair Can: The Roots of Our Roots by Sylvia Rodriguez
The debut from Black and Latine author-illustrator Rodriguez, this illustrated history examines Black hair traditions and identity from a historical lens, explaining how specific styles relate to the reclamation of identity and pride. Awesome backmatter includes even more info on different braiding techniques and “how-to” hairstyles.
Little Rebels by Yuyi Morales
Picture book legend Morales returns this fall with this title, which follows three child rebeldes as they join forces to rescue a feathered friend from a dried-up lagoon. Focusing on environmentalism, this instructional manual and rallying cry for young activists invites readers of all ages to look around, find their people, and work for a better tomorrow.
Queer Latine Heroes: 25 Changemakers from Latin America and the U.S. from History and Today by Paloma Angelina Lopez, Illustrated by Valentine de Luna Cortés (Coming September 18th)
From historical figures to prominent pop stars, from world-famous artists to muxe icons, this introduction to over two dozen queer Latine names to know recounts how each of these heroes has contributed to culture and humanity, accompanied by bios, fun facts, and gorgeous illustrations.
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquez (Coming October 14th)
This stunning wordless picture book weaves a modern-day fable as a polar bear and a young ballerina form a special bond, inspiring the ursine art-lover to venture into the New York City streets to return the dancer’s lost scarf. Full of warmth and wonder, this fantastic tale is sure to amaze.
Middle Grade
The Reel Wish by Yamile Saied Méndez
For eleven-year-old Florencia, ballet is everything, so being cast as her company’s youngest — and first Latine — lead in this year’s production of The Nutcracker is huge news… and huge pressure. So when Flor has a panic attack on opening night, she must reevaluate her love of dance, and perhaps find that there is more than one way to find joy in movement.
A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila
Based on the real-life preteen at the center of the 1931 Lemon Grove Incident, this novel delves into the history of the first successful desegregation legal case in the United States, giving a firsthand account of an event with contemporary relevance and timeless lessons in fearless fortitude.
Miss Camper by Kat Fajardo
A year following the events of Miss Quinces, readers are reunited with Suyapa “Sue” Gutiérrez as she readies to head to summer camp. However, alongside LARPing, archery, and bunking with her bestie Sam, Sue has plenty of hiccups to handle: her clingy little sister, a rival for Sam’s friendship, and an unexpected crush.
Being Bruja: A Young Mystic’s Guide by Zayda Rivera, Illustrated by Jennifer Dahbura
What is a bruja? The simplified translation into English is “witch,” but in truth, Brujería is a practice of spirituality and mysticism rooted deeply in Latine and Indigenous traditions. In this guide, young readers interested in the art of Brujería can learn its history, cultural connections, belief systems, and rituals.
The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro
Opting to turn an obligatory visit to his family in Puerto Rico into an opportunity to develop his budding filmmaker career, Nico sets about creating a documentary with his cousins — until the group inadvertently awakens the infamous and terrifying beast, Chupacabra.
Yoli’s Favorite Things by Patricia Santana (Coming September 30th)
A deeply layered meditation on faith and coming of age, this title follows twelve-year-old aspiring nun Yoli as she navigates life with her eight siblings, racism, and the geopolitics and personal toll of the Vietnam War. Powerful, poignant, and sensitive, this is an ageless tale with surprisingly timely themes.
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares (Coming September 30th)
Gripping and intimate, this graphic novel tells the story of the author’s father growing up in Cuba before and during Castro’s rise to power. Beginning with a universal tale of moving from the country to the city, young Carlos then acts as narrator as the Cuban revolution results in the disappearance of his father and forces his family to flee the country.
Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever by Angela Dominguez (Coming December 2nd)
Following up on the delightful Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers, readers rejoin the spirited and confident Gabby as she decides to utilize her new maturity and wisdom — and ability to bake cookies without burning them — to win the local baking competition.
Run Home by Alyssa Bermudez (Coming January 27th)
In this powerful graphic novel memoir, Bermudez revisits a turbulent time for any reader: freshman year of high school. Young Alyssa is dealing with a lot: a new stepfamily, a new school, and being forced to join the cross-country team. Yet when tragedy strikes, Alyssa must find strength in both her relationships and herself to keep running forward.
My Latin America and the Caribbean: A Celebration by Gabriela Goldin Marcovich, Illustrated by Andrés Landazábal (Coming January 27th)
In this gorgeously illustrated guide, readers can travel the whole of Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, with a migrating hummingbird as their guide. Delving into the cultures, languages, histories, arts, and natural wonders of Latine America, young readers can get a crash course in many of the things that make these regions and their diasporas so special.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoyed these books and that they inspire you to check out more books from Hispanic and Latine creators year-round. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, and happy reading!
Want to learn more about John Parra, the author-illustrator of This Moment Is Special? Be sure to check out our exclusive one-on-one interview with the artist!
To see all of our recommendations for mini-bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
