Recommended Reading: Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Looking for some good books for your kiddos? We’ve got you covered.

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, so we’ve put together a list of books written by Hispanic or Latinx authors and/or featuring Hispanic/Latinx characters.

This month was established in 1988 to celebrate and recognize the achievements, contributions, and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. It actually began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and was expanded 20 years later. The month begins on September 15, because it is the anniversary of independence for five Hispanic countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Others celebrate their independence later in this month: Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.

The month is officially called Hispanic Heritage Month, but it also celebrates Latinx cultures and accomplishments. It’s important to note the differences in these terms:

Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.

Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.

Books for preschool and elementary grades

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza (ages 4-8)

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (ages 4-8)

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar (ages 4-8)

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez (ages 4-8) *This is the first book in a series.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López (4-8 years)

A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang (ages 4-8)

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal (ages 4-8)

Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina (ages 5-8)

Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story of Arelia Morales, a DACA recipient by Areli Morales (ages 4-8)

Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales (ages 4-8)

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña (ages 4-8)

Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins (ages 3-6)

Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World by Naibe Reynoso, illustrated by Jone Leal, translated by Gabriella Aldeman (ages 5-8)

Turning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre (ages 4-8)

Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh (ages 6-9)

Octopus Stew by Eric Velasquez (ages 4-8)

Books for middle grades

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo (ages 13+)

The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel (ages 10-14)

Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya (ages 10+)

My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope by Diane Guerrero with Erica Moroz (ages 10+)

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez (ages 8-12)

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez (ages 10-12)

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan (ages 9-12)

Books for high schoolers or young adults

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (ages 13-17)

How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents by Julia Alvarez

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

We Were Here by Matt de la Peña (ages 14-17)

500 Words or Less by Juleah del Rosario (ages 14+)

A Cup of Water Under My Bed by Daisy Hernández

Not only does the Memphis Mom Collective love books, but we love supporting locally owned businesses. That’s why, if any of these titles stick out to you and you’re considering the buying the book, click here to purchase from independently-owned Novel. 

Located in East Memphis’ Laurelwood Plaza, Novel also offers special orders, curbside pick up and even home delivery! Just call (901) 922-5526. They’re open for socially-distanced shopping Monday-Saturday 9am – 8pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.

For more book ideas, check out our Black history, AAPI, and Pride lists.