This year, so many fantastic books have been released. Here are my top 10 recommendations for Hispanic Heritage Month (in no particular order because they're all fabulous!)
written by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Romina Galotta
Max isn't confident with his Spanish, especially rolling his Rs, and his cousins always tease him about it. But he loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela, while Lorito the parrot helps translate.
But when Lorito disappears for a day, Max and Abuela must figure out how to communicate. Max's Spanish doesn’t have to be perfect, and Abuela can attempt a little English. Trying is what counts!
For Educator's Guide, click here.
written by Mariana Llanos, illustrated by Laura Brenlla
Ever since Vampirita left her home in Lima, Peru for Sunny City, California, her life has been dull and gloomy—and not the chilly air, moldy tombstones, and scurrying cockroaches kind of gloomy. There’s not a single creaky floorboard in her new house; no one at school eats cricket and worm empanadas; and the next-door neighbors, August and Molly, are annoyingly nice. All her mom wants is for them to blend in, but Vampirita would give anything to be back in Peru digging tombs with her abuevampiritos. With help from reluctant friends, she hatches a plan to get her family chased out of town pitchforks-and-torches style. Will her scheme work, or will she find some spookiness in Sunny City?
written by Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
Miguel’s abuelita warns him that opening an umbrella in the house will bring La Mala Suerte (Mrs. Bad Luck) who will follow him wherever he goes, and now Miguel’s life is ruined! He trips, fails an exam, and can’t block a shot to save his life at soccer practice. Nothing he tries works to get rid of Mrs. Bad Luck—looking for a four-leaf clover, his aunt’s “existential” oils… Now what? Using integrated Spanish words and playful language, La Mala Suerte Is Following Me takes a silly and heartfelt look at superstitions.
written by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, illustrated by Doris Rodríguez
On the first day of school, Abuela soothes Gloriana’s nerves by telling her stories from their family home in la República Dominicana. But as soon as Gloriana enters the classroom, the tropical scenery crumbles and la música is replaced with English phrases she does not understand. When other kids approach her to play at recess, she's uncertain how to exist between her two homes, or how to make new friends between her two languages. Abuela recognizes echoes of her own immigration journey on this challenging day at school, and she gently guides Gloriana towards newfound confidence. This beautiful picture book celebrates the magic of existing in-between, and the transformative power of self-soothing to build confidence.
written and illustrated by Aixa Pérez-Prado
This is the story of a singer whose voice sailed through the air like the wings of a condor, inspiring people everywhere.
This is a powerful biography of Argentinean folksinger and human rights advocate Mercedes Sosa. Affectionately known as La Negra, Mercedes used her musical talents and powerful voice to speak out against poverty and inequality in her home country. In the face of a cruel dictatorship, Mercedes refused to be silenced. She bravely stepped on stage to lend a “voice to the voiceless” with uplifting songs of empathy and empowerment. Her unforgettable music and messages of hope continue to resonate with people across the world to this day.
written by Margarita Engle, illustrated by John Parra
Eloísa loves music, but with her family too poor to buy a radio, she can only hear it when rhythms and melodies drift through her open window. Birds and cats raise their voices in daily choruses, and songs from a neighbor’s radio travel through the air. On the street below, children shake maracas and beat a steady rhythm on bongo drums and a lute, a cowbell, and un güiro round out the orchestra.
The sounds of her neighborhood are music enough for Eloísa, but when Mamá gets sick and the family can’t afford medicine, can la música soothe her the way it’s always comforted Eloísa?
written by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paola Escobar
José Andrés’s love of cooking began as a young boy in Spain as he gathered the wood to make the fire that would cook the paella just right. José loved everything about it: the sizzling olive oil, the mounds of chopped vegetables, and the smell of saffron. When he left home, he realized he wanted to tell stories with food. And tell them he did, creating magic with the seeds of ripe tomatoes and pomegranates and cheese. His dreams grew until they were as big as the stars in the sky. He thought, No one should ever go hungry. I want to help feed the world— and World Central Kitchen was born.From the earthquake in Haiti to the war in Ukraine and the Covid pandemic, José and his team at World Central Kitchen have been at the frontlines, serving more than 200 million meals and counting, and bringing comfort and hope in the darkest times.With a lyrical text and stunning illustrations, here is a picture book biography about a world-renowned humanitarian and chef that’s sure to inspire a new generation of community helpers.
UNO MÁS, ONE MORE
written by Sylvia Lopez, illustrated by Olivia Sua
Don Manuel and Doña Lila love welcoming others into their home—no one is ever turned away. One day, their casita overflows with friends and loved ones and the house begins to shake and crack, causing chaos before everyone rushes out. To the family’s dismay, their beloved home collapses. But where there is goodwill, there is also a way. Their friends get to work and rebuild the casita, proving just how important teamwork is when fixing a problem. This vibrant Latino retelling of a popular Scottish ballad celebrates kindness, community, and the selfless gesture of giving back.
written by Mariana Ríos Ramírez, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Julieta is excited for Abuelita’s spirit to visit on Día de los Muertos. She is determined to find the perfect gift to honor Abuelita and to show how much she misses her. However, her ideas fail one by one and Julieta grows worried.
It is only when Julieta embraces the memories she once shared with her abuelita, that she realizes the perfect gift comes from the heart. An uplifting story about both life and death, family, and the threads that connect us, long after we are gone.
written by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
This joyful and rhyming picture book written by a debut author and illustrated by the beloved creator of Nightlights and Hicotea, follows the iconic bus, or chiva, as it navigates the rugged Andes mountains, celebrating the rich culture and landscape of Colombia that was so beautifully showcased in Disney’s Encanto.
That's my top ten list. Which ones are your favorites? If you'd like to read more books for Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the Publisher's Weekly list here.
Don't forget to check out my books and sign up for my newsletter on my website www.angelapadron.com.
Comments