National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is observed each year from September 15 to October 15 to honor the cultures, histories, and contributions of those who trace their roots to Latin America, the Caribbean, and South America. In celebration of Latinx communities, check out these must-read Spanish-language and English-Spanish bilingual books by our Latinx authors and illustrators!
Hello Friend/Hola Amigo by 123 Andrés, illustrated by Sara Palacios
¡Esta canción divertida y vivaz de 123 Andrés, incluida en su album ganador de un Grammy, cobra vida de un modo totalmente nuevo, perfecto para la hora del cuento! Por su parte, Sara Palacios anima esta popular canción con ilustraciones frescas y vibrantes que involucrarán a los pequeños y a sus padres.
The Rooster who Would Not be Quiet!/ El gallo que no se callaba! by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin
La Paz is a happy, but noisy village. A little peace and quiet would make it just right.
So the villagers elect the bossy Don Pepe as their mayor. Before long, singing of any kind is outlawed. Even the teakettle is afraid to whistle!
But there is one noisy rooster who doesn't give two mangoes about this mayor's silly rules. Instead, he does what roosters were born to do.
We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands / Tenemos el mundo entero en las manos by Rafael López
Award-winning illustrator Rafael López breathes new life to the famous spiritual with a bilingual adaptation of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" that celebrates the life of every young person in the world. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on "we" and "our" advocate for inclusive communities and promote unity and friendship all around the world. "We've got you and you got me in our hands. We have the whole world in our hands."
Sing with Me / Canta conmigo by Jose Luis-Orozco, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Come along and sing with me! Sing along to your child's favorite songs, from "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to "The Wheels on the Bus," in English and in Spanish! Accompanied by joyful, charming illustrations by Pura Belpré award winner Sara Palacios, this book is for every child who loves to sing, dance, and play.
¡Más cosas que dice mi abuela! by Ana Galán, illustrated by Pablo Pino
Using traditional Spanish-language sayings, a grandmother teaches manners to her grandchildren and their friends.
¡Es la hora de los esqueletos! / It's Skeleton Time by Ana Galán, illustrated by Rodrigo Luján
Following an adaptation of a traditional Costa Rican song, a group of skeletons jump out of their tombs and engage in fun activities as the clock strikes each of the 12 hour marks. With illustrations and back matter that reference the popular Day of the Dead festivities of Mexico and Central America, this bilingual rhyming book brings a fresh perspective to the Halloween season.
Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Maximiliano Córdoba loves stories, especially the legend Buelo tells him about a mythical gatekeeper who can guide brave travelers on a journey into tomorrow.
Esperanza Renace by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico, and that she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, and servants. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression, and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstance; Mama's life, and her own, depend on it.
The Saraí Series by Saraí Gonzalez and Monica Brown
Fourth grader Saraí Gonzalez can do anything. She can bake, dance, and run her own cupcake business. But when Saraí's grandparents are forced to move, even Saraí's not sure what to do. So she hatches a super-awesome plan with her younger sisters and cousin to buy back the house. Will Saraí find a way to save the day?
Lety alza su voz by Angela Cervantes
Lety Muñoz sometimes has trouble speaking her mind. Her first language is Spanish and she likes to take her time putting her words together. Lety loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don't care if she can't find the right word.
Gaby, perdida y encontrada by Angela Cervantes
Wanted: One amazing forever home for one amazing sixth grader.
"My name is Gaby, and I'm looking for a home where I can invite my best friend over and have a warm breakfast a couple of times a week. Having the newest cell phone or fancy clothes isn't important, but I'd like to have a cat that I can talk to when I'm home alone."
La luna dentro de mí by Aida Salazar
Celi Rivera's life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend's exploration of what it means to be genderfluid. But most of all, her mother's insistence she have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. It's an ancestral Mexica ritual that Mima and her community have reclaimed, but Celi promises she will NOT be participating. Can she find the power within herself to take a stand for who she wants to be?
Luna fortuna by Diana López
Luna Ramos has more cousins than she can count, and even though her mom says that makes her lucky, Luna knows that every time she gets in trouble (and she gets in trouble a lot), one of her primas is responsible.
