15 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic & Latine Heritage
Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 of each year. What better way to honor Hispanic culture and history with kids than with picture books? We’ve rounded up informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latine culture — from biographies to folktales, there’s something great for every young reader amongst these fiction and nonfiction reads.
This list originally appeared on ReadBrightly.com.
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1
Add to BookshelfAdela’s Mariachi Band
by Denise Vega
Adela wants to join her family’s mariachi band, but she can’t play an instrument, and her attempts at dancing end in disaster. Even though she feels discouraged, Adela taps into her creativity and finds a way to participate in her family’s band. This sweet book introduces young readers to mariachi music, Spanish vocabulary, and Mexican culture through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations.
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2
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The Piñata That the Farm Maiden Hung
by Samantha R. Vamos
Readers of all ages will love this bilingual twist on “The House That Jack Built.” A farm maiden creates a stunning piñata with help from the farm animals. But can they get it finished in time for a little girl’s surprise party? With Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is a delight to read.
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3
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Barrio Rising
by María Dolores Águila
After World War II, the Barrio Logan neighborhood in San Diego fell into disrepair, and the beach became overrun with factories and junkyards. The neighborhood came together and staged a land occupation to demand the local government build the park they had promised. This stirring story highlights what people can accomplish when they work together and make their voices heard.
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4
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Mother of Sharks
by Melissa Cristina Márquez
Shark conservation, STEM, and magic combine in this gorgeous picture book biography set in Puerto Rico. During a visit to the beach as a girl, Meli meets a crab who whisks her away on a fantastical adventure. This experience encourages Meli to study sharks and educate others about the misunderstood creatures.
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5
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My Two Border Towns
by David Bowles
This beautiful, award-winning picture book is about a young boy who lives near the U.S.-Mexico border. The boy and his dad travel from one country to the other, visit family, run errands, and help friends seeking asylum. It’s available in English and Spanish editions and offers young readers a peek into life in a border town.
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6
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Desert Song
by Laekan Zea Kemp
Young nature lovers will enjoy every word of this lyrical picture book. As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with all types of critters, from cicadas to coyotes. A family sits on their front porch and joins the wild music with their instruments, singing to their ancestors. It’s a gorgeous picture book that celebrates nature, heritage, and music.
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7
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Squawk of Spanish
by Gabriella Aldeman
Max only speaks English, and Abuela only speaks Spanish, so they rely on Lorito, the parrot, to bridge the language gap. One day, Lorito isn’t there, so Max tries speaking in Spanish. He is pleasantly surprised by the results. With Abuela’s limited English, they spend a beautiful day baking together. This heartwarming story is perfect for fans of Mango, Abuela, and Me and any young reader who has experienced a language barrier with a relative.
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8
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Across the Bay
by Carlos Aponte
Spend a day in the life of a young boy in Puerto Rico as he ventures into San Juan to look for his Papi. There, he explores the historic city and takes in the sights. The gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt story celebrate the vibrant culture of San Juan. You’ll want to read this book again and again.
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9
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Cantora
by Melisa Fernández Nitsche
Introduce young readers to Mercedes Sosa, a singer and activist from Argentina. Sosa used her voice to inspire millions of people to fight for a better future. She performed in prestigious venues all over the world, sharing stories through song. Even when her country’s government exiled her, she stayed true to her voice and passion for justice.
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10
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The Perfect Place
by Matt de la Peña
Lucas is a perfectionist, so he gets frustrated with the less-than-perfect aspects of his life — like his small home and his parents’ long work hours. One night, he dreams about a perfect place filled with perfect people but soon realizes that his imperfect life is just right for him. This heartfelt book celebrates the beautiful imperfections that make our lives colorful and meaningful.
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11
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Areli Is a Dreamer
by Areli Morales
Based on the author’s real-life experiences, this picture book shares Areli’s story as a young immigrant from Mexico. Although moving to a new country presented many difficulties, Areli now calls America home. It’s a touching story that any child will love — especially if they’ve also experienced the growing pains of adjusting to a new place.
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12
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Turning Pages
by Sonia Sotomayor
If your family doesn’t know the life story of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and Latina Supreme Court Justice, this picture book autobiography is a must-read. Although her childhood involved grief and difficulty, which included her father’s death and her diagnosis of diabetes, Sotomayor found inspiration and comfort in books. Here, she passes on that love for reading while giving us a glimpse of life in public service. For middle grade readers eager to learn more, pick up a copy of The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor.
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13
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Islandborn
by Junot Díaz
In Islandborn, a young girl goes on an imaginative quest to rediscover the island she immigrated from but can no longer remember. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Lola’s family celebrates their culture every day through food, music, and stories. But Lola doesn’t understand why they had to leave, or what it means that she can’t remember her birthplace. Her family and friends share their memories and histories, both beautiful and complex, helping Lola see that she’s part of both worlds.
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14
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The Plant Rescuer
by Matthew Rivera
Manny wants to be a gardener like his father, but when he gets his very first plant, it starts to wilt. Thankfully, Manny knows that the library will have books to help him, and soon, his plant grows large and healthy enough to share clippings with his neighbors. This sweet story is an excellent example of researching problems and troubleshooting until you get results.
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15
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A Maleta Full of Treasures
by Natalia Sylvester
Family love and mementos make this warm, comforting story a must-read. Dulce loves it when Abuela visits, but it never lasts long enough. When Dulce gives Abuela some souvenirs to give to her cousins in Mexico, Abuela gives Dulce a gift in return. This delightful story celebrates the true meaning of home and the special connection children share with their grandparents.
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