16 Children's Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Only a Trenza Away by Nadine Fonseca is a brilliant celebration of family. Every night, Xiomara's (zee-oh-MA-da) papa delicately braids her hair before bed. As he gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, father and daughter embark on imaginative and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or "braids" in Spanish. But Xia worries what she would do if Papa was not there to help her in a real adventure―like starting a new school. Could the strength Xia needs already be woven into her braids?

Racial Justice in America: Latinx American Histories; Hispanic Heritage written by Brenda Mendoza is part of a series in which the author dives deep into real-life social issues and history. The best part is that this series is authentically written in Spanish and is Bilingual in the same book, the student can choose which language they are more comfortable reading. Also, parents can share these books with their children and even if they can't read English, like my parents, they can read them to their children in Spanish!

Alma and her Family by Juana Martinez-Neal is a series written in Spanish and English and is a true celebration of family joy and tradition. This is a follow up series to Martinez-Neal’s best selling book, Alma and How She Got Her Name.

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land by Mirelle Ortega is a debut picture book based on the author’s life growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico. Join her in the magic of her adventures!

Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is all about a young girl’s time in the kitchen with her abuela and the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family.

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina follows best friends Daniela and Evelyn as they play together one last time before Evelyn's family moves to a new city. They enjoy their last moments together and decide that they will always be amigas mejores.

A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp is the story of a young girl who learns the significance of the Mexican flower crown.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise is the biography of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.

Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle is the story of a young girl who grew up in Cuba being told only boys can drum. She practiced in secret for a long time until she had the chance to perform for others. This story helps inspire dreamers everywhere to keep dreaming.

From my Window by Otavio Júnior is a picture book from Brazil that showcases what children living there see each day. The perfect book to celebrate urban community living.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz is a lively, colorful story of a child searching his neighborhood for the Paletero Man to get a tasty treat. When he finally finds him, he realizes he had no money. Find out how the community comes together to get him a paleta.

Abuelita y Yo by Leonarda Carranza is an empowering picture book about a girl and her grandmother he face racism when out running errands. Her grandmother’s love and guidance provides the girl with strength.

Mango Moon: When Deportation Divides a Family by Diane de Anda shares the extreme grief and struggles families face when a family member is deported.

Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient is the author’s immigration story. It is a beautiful story that shares the importance of immigrants and how they help to shape America.

If Dominican Were a Color by Sili Recio celebrates the vibrant colors of the Dominican Republic. A rhyming story that reminds readers of the beauty in people and nature.

A Visit with Cooper by Debbie Gonzales is a warm and relatable story sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases. Abuela (grandma) pays a short visit. Cooper the dog excitedly waits at the door for her arrival. Cooper loves to spend time with his abuela.