Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to introduce your children to the rich and diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic and Latinx communities. One of the best ways to do this is through books! From picture books for the little ones to novels for teens, these stories can help your kids learn about the history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. Here’s a list of 15 fantastic books for young readers of all ages.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
This beautiful picture book tells the story of Alma, a little girl with a big name. As her father explains each part of her name, Alma learns about her family’s heritage and how it shapes who she is.
Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
This vibrant book introduces young readers to shapes, all through the lens of Hispanic culture. From tortillas to sombreros, it’s a fun way for little ones to learn about shapes while celebrating the beauty of Hispanic traditions.
Lola is asked to draw a picture of the country she came from, but she can’t remember it. With the help of her family and friends, she pieces together memories and stories, offering a celebration of immigrant identity and the importance of heritage.
¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market by Raúl the Third
This energetic bilingual book follows Little Lobo and his dog Bernabé as they explore a bustling border town market. Along the way, they learn about different foods, items, and people in the Hispanic community.
Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
This colorful book teaches kids about colors through Hispanic culture, featuring bright illustrations of piñatas, maracas, and more. It’s a fun and engaging way to celebrate Hispanic traditions with your little ones.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This award-winning novel tells the story of Esperanza, a young girl who must flee Mexico and start a new life in the United States during the Great Depression. It’s a powerful story about resilience, family, and hope.
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
This mystery novel follows Paloma, a young girl who travels to Mexico City and gets caught up in an adventure involving a lost ring, a famous painting, and the legacy of artist Frida Kahlo.
Salsa Stories by Lulu Delacre
After a New Year’s Day feast, a girl named Carmen collects stories from her relatives about their lives in different Latin American countries. Each story is paired with a delicious recipe, making this book both heartwarming and interactive.
Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres
Stef Soto, the daughter of Mexican-American taco truck owners, just wants to fit in. But as she navigates middle school and friendship drama, she comes to appreciate her heritage and family’s business in a new way.
The Dreamer by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This poetic novel tells the story of Neftalí Reyes, a shy boy in Chile who grows up to become the famous poet Pablo Neruda. It’s a beautiful story about the power of imagination and following your dreams.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
This powerful novel-in-verse follows Xiomara Batista, a Dominican-American teenager who uses poetry to express her struggles with identity, family expectations, and her emerging voice as a writer. It’s raw, emotional, and perfect for teens.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
Another masterpiece by Elizabeth Acevedo, this novel tells the story of two sisters, one in the Dominican Republic and one in New York City, who learn about each other after their father’s tragic death. It’s a story of grief, family secrets, and finding strength in the face of loss.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
This novel follows Julia, a Mexican-American teen who struggles with her family’s expectations after her sister’s sudden death. It’s an honest exploration of family, mental health, and self-discovery.
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
This gripping novel follows three teens fleeing gang violence in Guatemala and making a dangerous journey to the U.S. It’s a heart-wrenching but important read about the immigrant experience and the search for a better life.
The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera
Margot Sanchez is trying to balance her Bronx upbringing with her new private school life, but when her parents make her work at their grocery store for the summer, things get complicated. This novel explores identity, privilege, and family dynamics in a relatable, coming-of-age story.
Reading together is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and introduce your kids to the rich stories and experiences within the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Whether you’re reading to your little ones or sharing a novel with your teens, these books are perfect for sparking meaningful conversations about culture, identity, and family.
Happy reading!
And don't forget to download our free printable Frida Kahlo coloring page below!
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Amber Bowie
Author