picture book biographies hispanic heritage month

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• March 15, 2021

28 Picture Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Browse a collection of picture books that celebrate Hispanic culture, family life, people, traditions, festivals and the places they live.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with Books

I have rounded up an inspiring collection of picture books with Hispanic characters, by Hispanic authors and illustrators. Browse biographies, folktales and stories of Hispanic and Latino cultures and traditions from Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte

Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle

A Day's Work by Eve Bunting

Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle

Elena's Serenade by Campbell Geeslin

Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

Hurricane! by Jonathan London

Islandborn by Junot Díaz

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Mango Moon by Diane de Anda

Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed A Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy

Migrant by Maxine Trottier

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Rainbow Weaver by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford

She's Got This by Laurie Hernandez

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez

Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales

Hispanic book awards and resources.

• Americas Award : Founded in 1993, the Américas Award promotes authors, illustrators and publishers who produce quality children books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinx in the United States.
• Pura Belpré Award : Established in 1996, the Pura Belpré Award goes to Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work celebrates the Latino cultural experience.
• Tomás Rivera Book Award : Established in 1995, Texas State University College of Education developed the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award to honor authors and illustrators who promote the Mexican American experience.

You can purchase books that celebrate Hispanic culture for Lantix owned bookstores. You can find a list at Latinos in Publishing .

The Latinx Kidlit Book Festival has a Hispanic book database and educators guides .

Disclosure : This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will get a small referral fee and you will be supporting me and my blog at no extra cost to you, so thank you! You can find more information here .

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• Picture Book Brain

20 Best Biography Picture Books For Hispanic Heritage Month

• August 25, 2019

There are so many great picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month. Recently especially a flurry of books from both Spanish-speaking Latino authors and English-speaking authors alike have come out that you may not be aware of. Here I’m talking about the best picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. These books can also be great for other occasions throughout the year to teach about famous Latinos, Chicanos, and all Hispanic cultures throughout the world.

As with any occasion there are hundreds and thousands of fun activities to teach with. The best, though, in my opinion, is through stories. And no stories are better to teach with by being able to get through a beginning, middle and end in one lesson than picture books!

If you’re a member of the  Picture Book Brain Trust Community , you already have access to EVERY lesson plan and activity for these books! Just click on the Lesson Plans button!

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Check out the books:

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Famous Artists and Writers

Frida by jonah winter.

This is one of my favorite Frida Kahlo biographies. It shows how Frida developed into an artist from little girl to adult. Kids get really interested and develop more questions about her as they learn more about her. They also get a look into where some of her inspiration for her paintings came from.

Best of all? This book is available in both English and Spanish . The translation into Spanish is superb. My dual language students loved it.

Check out my lesson plan and activities in both English and Spanish!

Frida and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown

Ok, there are a LOT of Frida Kahlo biographies, but this is my second favorite. Each spread shows a different one of her many pets and how she featured them in her paintings throughout her life. The illustrations are wonderful, but the text and how it compares Frida’s character traits to those of her pets really stand out. As you can see, this was a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

Again, this book is awesome because you can find it in English and Spanish as Frida y sus animalitos .

Check out my lesson plan and activities in English and Spanish HERE

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

Okay, okay, I know. 3 Frida Kahlo biographies on this list? Well, yes! This book is probably most appropriate for Kindergarten or first grade with the limited text. However, it is the unique diorama-style illustrations that Yuyi Morales uses in this book that really make it stand out. They give the kids so much to talk about making it perfect for developing vocabulary in Spanish or English. Wait! Spanish or English? Yup! This book is written in English and Spanish throughout, and the awards it’s won prove how amazing this book is.

Marti’s Song For Freedom / Marti y sus versos por la libertad by Emma Otheguy

I was really excited to find this bilingual biography of Cuban poet, revolutionary, warrior and national hero Jose Marti. Author Emma Otheguy seamlessly weaves in verses from Marti’s Versos sencillos. The text tells the life of Marti and what influenced him to fight for Cuba’s independence from Spain. The text is bilingual perfect for sharing amongst bilingual and monolingual classrooms. What better way to get your students analyzing poetry than through one of Latin America’s greatest poets?

Check out my lesson plan and activities in both English and Spanish HERE

My Name is Celia Cruz by Monica Brown

Speaking of the Versos sencillos , one of the most famous musicians to cover the song “Guantanamera” which borrows verses from Marti is Celia Cruz. Known as the Queen of Salsa, Celia is known for popularizing Latin music in the United States. This biography tells of how she left Cuba as a girl and came to the United States. Monica Brown does it again this time with a bilingual biography!

Tito Puente: Mambo King / Rey del mambo by Monica Brown

This book is another great book that goes perfectly with My Name is Celia, also by Monica Brown. This studies the mambo king Tito Puente who has plenty of songs you can play for students to accompany the book. This book is again bilingual and written in both English and Spanish. The illustrations in this are vibrant and engaging and the text complex enough even for upper elementary students.

Esquivel! Spage-Age Sound Artist by Susan Wood

Juan Garcia Esquivel was a pioneer in lounge music. You may not have heard of him, but you probably will recognize some of his songs. Most of his songs are completely instrumental, and I like playing them while reading the book. The text is full of onomatopoeias, and Duncan Tonatiuh’s illustrations really bring the text alive in his unique style.

This book is great because it is in English and in Spanish titled ¡Esquivel! Un artista del sonido de la era espacial.

Danza!: Amalia Hernández and Mexico’s Folkloric Ballet

Amalia Hernández was a pioneer in Mexican dance creating the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico dance company. Her dance company traveled the world spreading Mexican culture. This story is part biography and part dance history. This book was written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh and done in his trademark style. This book is better for upper elementary students, though lower elementary students would also enjoy it with more scaffolding.

Unfortunately, this book is only available in English as of this writing.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

This book is kind an inception situation: it’s a biography of Pura Belpré and it also was a Pura Belpré Honor book. An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature: Pura Belpré. When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy. Also one of my favorite diverse picture books for 2020 !

Get the lesson plan and activities for Planting Stories HERE

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

This book is probably best for near the end of Hispanic Heritage Month as it touches on the subject of Dia de los Muertos, which happens after the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. This book, again by Duncan Tonatiuh, talks about the life of a man named Lupe Posada. He is most noted for his skeleton art that popularized the skeleton motif on Day of the Dead in Mexico. This book is a mixture of Tonatiuh’s beautiful illustrations and Posada’s own artwork. It is probably best-suited for upper elementary students with the content and length.

This book is available in English only as of this writing, but with the number of awards it has won, it’s only a matter of time before they translate it.

Check out my lesson plan and activities HERE

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

This is an autobiography by author Yuyi Morales when she crossed the border from Mexico and came to live in the US in 1994. This book tells the story of her crossing and transition to living in this new place with her son all told in verse. My favorite part is how she shows how libraries and books helped her and her son adapt to their new life. This book is deep enough for upper elementary yet there is still plenty that lower elementary students can comprehend.

This book is available in English and in Spanish as Soñadores .

My Name is Gabito / Me llamo Gabito: The Life of Gabriel Garcia Marquez by Monica Brown

Who hasn’t heard of 100 Years of Solitude / Cien anos de soledad ? Elementary students probably haven’t, but what a brilliant way to introduce them to the world-renowned author Gabriel Garcia Marquez? As ever Monica Brown’s text does not disappoint, and she uses imagery from his own writing to incorporate it into the this wonderful biography.

My Name Is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela by Monica Brown

This book was a favorite of one of my Chilean students. It tells the story of Gabriela Mistral, the teacher, poet and writer who became the first Latina Nobel Prize winner. The text is perfect for a read aloud for primary grades, and my upper elementary English and Spanish readers used this book to write about her life.

The book is bilingual. Monica Brown does not disappoint.

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown

Ok, this is my last author biography from Monica Brown. I saved the best for last, though. This book tells the life of Chilean poet laureate and author Pablo Neruda from his childhood. The illustrations really show how Neruda loved words and how he saw them everywhere. Lower elementary students will be able to enjoy this biography, and this would be a great introduction to the upper elementary chapter book The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan . That chapter book is also in Spanish titled El soñador .

Social Justice Leaders

That’s not fair / ¡no es justo: emma tenayuca’s struggle for justice/la lucha de emma tenayuca por la justicia  by carmen tafolla and sharyll teneyuca.

This book tells the story of Emma Tenayuca, an organizer of pecan shellers in San Antonio, Texas in the 1920s. This is the story of her life and accomplishments for workers’ rights. This book is in both English and Spanish and great for upper elementary students who may be interested in social justice and labor organization. Also one of my favorite books about activism !

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter

We go from one of our oldest biographies in Emma Tenayuca to one of the most contemporary with Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Jonah Winter compares the Supreme Court justice to that of a flower growing from little girl in the Bronx to her nomination to the highest court of the United States. This book, like Jonah Winter’s other book on this list about Frida Kahlo is best suited for K-3. What I love most about this book is that it is in English and Spanish making it ideal to share with colleagues regardless of the language that they teach in. Also one of my favorite books for Women’s History Month !

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull

There are many books about Cesar Chavez, famous farm labor organizer, and a list of the best biography picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month would not be complete without one of them. This book shows the story of his life from the time he was young all the way through his march to Sacramento. Yuyi Morales’ illustrations bring the story to life, and Kathleen Krull’s text helps students understand the importance of this man. Even better is listening to some of his speeches after reading the book. His voice, having read the story, will entrance your students. Best for upper grades.

This book is in English and can be found in Spanish titled Cosechando esperanza .

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers

I bought this book for one of my fourth graders who, after reading Harvesting Hope told me that Dolores Huerta was even more important than Cesar Chavez. She wanted everyone to know how Chavez and Huerta actually worked together. She wrote a biography of Dolores Huerta using this book. Sarah Warren’s text is perfect for upper grade students to read, but could be taught as a read aloud grades 1-5.

Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter

If you don’t call ensuring that all children have access to books being a social justice leader, I don’t know what is. Luis Soriano was a teacher in rural Colombia who decided to bring books to children in isolated villages using a donkeys to carry the books (biblio(teca) – library, burro – donkey). This biography is written following Luis and his donkeys Alfa and Beto (Alfabeto = alphabet in English). In my lesson plan I include a link to a video in English and Spanish that actually shows Luis and his books as he bring them to the children of Colombia.

What’s best is that this book is in English and can also be found in Spanish titled Biblioburro: Una historia real de Colombia .

Waiting for the Biblioburro/Esperando el Biblioburro by Monica Brown

This version of the Luis Soriano story follows a small girl named Ana living in a village in the mountains of Colombia. She talks about waiting for the Biblioburro to visit her town. This version is interesting because it focuses on the girl and Luis’ impact on her life.

Even better, the book is in both English and Spanish making it perfect for sharing this story.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

This book is one of my favorites on the entire list for upper elementary. Before Brown v. Board of Education, was Sylvia Mendez and her family and how they fought to end school segregation in California. As always Duncan Tonatiuh’s text and illustrations bring this story to life in his unique style. This book has won MULTIPLE awards. I only wish this book could also be found in Spanish.

Other Picture Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

These 20 biography picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month are but a smattering of the huge number of books that are out there. These were some of my favorites, and I tried to include a good mix of books that both primary and upper elementary students would enjoy. No matter what, share the love of reading with your students by using these amazing stories about famous and not so famous Latinos.

If you know of any others that are not on this list, please let me know in the comments! I always love finding awesome books!

If you want a list of these biography picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month, you can download it by signing up below!

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Picture Book Biographies for Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15) we intentionally recognize the many contributions made by persons of Latin American, Hispanic, and Latina/o descent to every part of U.S. American life.

For younger children at home or in the classroom, picture book biographies are a great way to learn about historical and contemporary Hispanic figures. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the picture book biographies we have in the library's collection, perfect not just for Hispanic Heritage Month, but for any time! Whatever your child's interests, they are likely to find a role model among these trailblazers, strivers, and justice seekers. 

Librarians, Athletes, Artists, and More 

Latinos can count among them two of the foremost librarians to have ever worked in the field, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg and Pura Belpré . 

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

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Pura's Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries With Her Stories

Musicians and entertainers are certainly well-represented among Latino Americans, including salsa icons like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana, and EGOT powerhouse Rita Moreno. 

Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo

My name is celia: the life of celia cruz/me llamo celia: la vida de celia cru, when angels sing: the story of rock legend carlos santana, a girl named rosita: the story of rita moreno.

There are biographies of sports heroes like Puerto Rican baseball great Roberto Clemente and Brazilian born Pelé, arguably one of the most famous soccer players of all time.   

Pelé, King of Soccer/Pelé, el rey del fútbol

Latin Americans and U.S. Hispanics have long served as activists, freedom fighters, and advocates for the oppressed. José Martí spoke out against imperialism and the enslavement of people of African descent in his native Cuba and throughout the Americas. In 20 th   century California, Cesar Chavez marched for labor rights, and while still a child, Sylvia Mendez played a central role in the landmark  Mendez v. Westminster  case, which ended segregation in the state's public schools. 

Martí's Song for Freedom/Martí y sus versos por la libertad

Harvesting hope: the story of cesar chavez, separate is never equal: sylvia mendez & her family's fight for desegregation.

For those looking to learn about more Hispanic heroes in one volume — especially some who may be lesser known — there are anthologies that feature brief biographies of artists, scientists, activists, and more. Of particular note is a collection by Juan Felipe Herrera, himself a former U.S. Poet Laureate.  

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

Latinitas: celebrating 40 big dreamers.

Check out the catalog widget below for a full list of picture book biographies for Hispanic Heritage Month. We have books about renowned painters, Nobel prize winning writers, groundbreaking archeologists, U.S. Supreme Court Justices, and  even religious figures. What books will you bring to your home or classroom?  

In a former life, Klem-Marí was a Religious Studies scholar. She much prefers being the Family Literacy Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life ! She wants you to read and share books with the children in your life, and for those children to see you to read as well. Originally from Puerto Rico, Klem-Marí also enjoys her cat, baking, yoga, and the works of Octavia Butler.

• Picture Books and Easy Books
• Hispanic American Heritage Month

Genre / Topics

• Biographies and Memoirs
• Civil Rights
• Education and Teaching

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., 30 picture books to celebrate the diversity of latinx heritage.

Read one book a day for Latinx Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, and every month after that. From migration and history to food and family, these works capture the many complexities and joys of the Latinx culture.

Tierra, Tierrita/Earth, Little Earth  by Jorge Argueta. tr. by Elizabeth Bell. illus. by Felipe Ugalde Alcántara. Piñata Bks. ISBN 9781558859678. BL. PreS-Gr 2 –Mother Earth is all around, in every mineral, plant, and animal—from dawn to sunset, from water to fire. Acclaimed Nahua poet Argueta follows up his previous nature-themed picture books with this rumination on Mother Earth with Indigenous cosmovision at its heart. The one- to five-line Spanish-language verses, set on a light brown background on the verso page, progress through the book as if the words in black type were living beings, pouring gratitude to the one mother of all. The verses are separated by Mesoamericanlike iconography. The colored pencil illustrations on the recto pages communicate the book’s ambiance with detailed depictions that will resonate for children.   VERDICT An environmental picture book that connects young children with the positive emotions drawn from Mother Earth as the creator of all life.

Veo, Veo, I See You by Lulu Delacre. Atheneum. ISBN 9781665911917. BL.  PreS-Gr 3 –Readers join Marisol, younger brother Pepito, and their mother in a game of “I Spy” around the neighborhood in this charming story. The Latinx culture of the family is reflected in their speech, names, warm skin tones, and the delightful food Mami prepares. Mami speaks Spanish and the children reply in English during the game. The cafe where Mami works has been closed during the shelter-in-place phase of the recent pandemic. Marisol asks if “other people have work?” and Mami replies that those who are “muy necesarios” are still on the job. As the family takes a meal to their cousin’s home, they notice one essential worker after another. Collage illustrations capture scenes of bus drivers, pharmacists, firefighters, and others as they maintain essential services for the community. VERDICT Recommended for those building their collection of titles covering the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is also a wonderful choice for expanding bilingual titles.

Viva’s Voice by Raquel Donoso. illus. by Carlos Vélez. Kind World. ISBN 9781638940067.  PreS-Gr 2 –A Latinx girl with a big voice inspires her picketing father to use his at a rally for workers’ rights. Rambunctious Viva has had a mighty voice since she was born. She especially loves to greet her bus driver father’s customers as they enter the vehicle. But when he goes on strike for better pay and benefits, she can’t ride with him anymore. As Viva’s soft-spoken father tries to step on the platform to make a speech, the brave girl stands alongside him and gives him a boost of courage. In this simple text, Donoso introduces readers to the concepts of workers’ rights, protest, and strikes through the eyes of a precocious little girl. The accessible narrative is complemented by vibrant, candy-colored illustrations.   VERDICT This sweet and accessible primer on strikes is a solid choice.

Water Day by Margarita Engle. illus. by Olivia Sua. Atheneum. ISBN 9781665918718.  Gr 1-4 –A seemingly simple story that speaks to the importance of water conservation. Water day is a joyous occasion in a little girl’s Cuban neighborhood. The good news is spread by word of mouth; everyone is excited to have fresh water to slake the thirst of people, animals, and trees. Due to environmental and human-made changes, the community only has access to fresh water every five days. They must boil the water they collect for cooking, bathing, and getting rid of bodily waste until the next delivery. Engle presents this weekly ritual in spare, free verse, giving readers a look into an essential community occurrence that brings home the dire need for water conservation. Sua’s illustrations made on painted paper depict the liveliness with brilliant greens and majestic blues. Sprinkles of Spanish add to the sense of place. VERDICT Engle packs so much into just a few powerful sentences. An excellent choice.

La Mariachi by Isabel Estrada. illus. by Addy Rivera Sonda. Sleeping Bear. ISBN 9781534111912. Gr 1-4 –A love letter to mariachi that calls out its gendered history. Tuchi falls in love with mariachi and how it moves people to sing and dance. However, she’s told “Mariachi is only for boys,” and is discouraged from playing. She wishes on Señora Luna to help her achieve her dream. Disappointed, the girl hides in a storage room where moonbeams helpfully shine on a guitarrón case holding a traditional bass guitar. It belonged to her nana, who was also discouraged decades ago from pursuing her own desire to play the instrument. Inspired by her grandmother, Tuchi learns to play and blows everyone away at a school tryout. The rich and colorful illustrations reflect the narrative’s effervescence. Readers will cheer on Tuchi as she fights against outdated, sexist rules. VERDICT A powerful debut picture book that will inspire all girls to push against the obstacles that keep them from pursuing their passions.

Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust and Strength by Nadine Fonseca. illus. by Camila Carrossine. Shadow Mountain. ISBN 9781639930982. PreS-Gr 2 –Every night, Xiomara looks forward to her father braiding her hair before bed. As he gently twists her hair into place, the pair share endlessly imaginative stories and adventures. No matter where the storytelling journey takes her, Xiomara knows she can do and accomplish anything with her father’s love. One night, after her father must work late and misses their routine, Xiomara begins to fear how she will overcome new obstacles without her father by her side. When they reunite, her father warmly and lovingly explains that while she may have to face certain experiences on her own, she will never be alone as the love of her family, strength, and support is woven into her braids. Fonseca’s soft, calming text expertly explores universal feelings of anxiety and worry, the infinite love of family, as well as the cultural and community traditions of braiding. Carrossine’s colorful illustrations capture the out-of-this-world adventures as well as the relatable worries and fears. VERDICT A touching and tender tale that will resonate with many readers.

We also starred the Spanish edition of this picture book.

Empanadas for Everyone by Jackie Azúa Kramer. illus. by Lenny Wen. S. & S. ISBN 9781665914581.  PreS-Gr 2 –Carina looks forward to taking the subway every weekend to visit her aunt’s bustling barrio and make Tia Mimi’s famous empanadas. This Saturday, however, her aunt is volunteering at the community food center. She leaves Carina a note asking her to prep the ingredients for the savory treats. With the encouragement of her Mami, Carina picks up coriander, achiote, and beef from the neighbors. Along the way, she’s reminded of both the universality and diversity of the empanada. The importance of community and what unites its members shine through on every page. A wordless spread featuring Carina and her new friends marching to the Meal Center with yummy snacks at hand, a display table, and a recipe for Puerto Rican empanadas will have readers’ mouths watering at the book’s close. VERDICT Shelve alongside Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu! and include in food-themed story times. 

Pase lo que pase mañana by Rebecca Gardyn Levington. illus. by Mariona Cabassa. Barefoot. SP. PreS-Gr 2 –Readers of all ages will recognize the experiences of the characters in this beautiful picture book about anxiety and worries. Perhaps tomorrow the sun will shine, and you will enjoy a laugh with friends. Or, perhaps, it might be cold, you may feel loneliness, and you might face difficult decisions or obstacles. Lovely and lyrical prose pairs beautifully with vibrant, colorful illustrations to depict scenes of happiness, change, challenges, uncertainty, and hope. Readers are reminded that one of the things they can be sure of is themselves, and they are given tips to use whenever they are feeling anxious. VERDICT An excellent addition to Spanish picture book collections for children, and especially needed in the topics of worrying and anxiety.

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez. illus. by Devin Elle Kurtz. Penguin Workshop. ISBN 9780593523582. Gr 2-4 –A fictionalized account of the author’s childhood in Puerto Rico. Melissa has a few minutes left to play outdoors in the ocean and swims out to a tide pool where she meets a hermit crab, who becomes her guide in the study and exploration of sharks. The beautiful painterly artwork shows the glory of aquatic life and imbues the joy in learning and then sharing the secrets of the ocean depths. The story is told from the first-person point-of-view of Melissa as a child, talking to a hermit crab who first appears in her dream life, building up towards her present life as a marine biologist. Short phrases in Spanish are clearly understood via context cues. VERDICT Important purchase for its representation of Latinx girls in the hard sciences.

Plátanos Go with Everything by Lissette Norman. illus. by Sara Palacios. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780063067516.  PreS-Gr 3 –Yesenia loves to spend time with her mother, making the Dominican treats their whole family loves. While the chicken, rice, and beans are cooking, they turn to plátanos, which look like the sun on the plates. “Plátanos are like warm hello kisses from Abuela,” who arrives with Abuelo, and lived with Yesenia when they first moved to the United States. Palacios’s vivid illustrations capture a very loving and colorful New York City where this family is starting a new life, and where they have brought the scents of home with them. As the narrator names triumph after triumph and cure after cure the plantains have accomplished, readers will be convinced that they, too, need more of this magic in their own lives. VERDICT A welcoming paean to home, recipes, and family, and although the emphasis is the Dominican Republic, there are few whose mouths will not water over these pages. A feast for cultural sharing, awakening, and creating.

Cantora: Mercedes Sosa, the Voice of Latin America by Melisa Fernández. Knopf. ISBN 9780593645970. Gr 2-5 –A rich, inspiring picture book biography about a Latin American icon. Mercedes Sosa grew up in rural Argentina. She performed folk music that resounded with messages of justice and human rights. Sosa became a symbol of resistance and believed that she could be the voice of the voiceless. Her popularity and strong stance grabbed the attention of the Argentinian dictatorship in the 1970s, and she was banned and arrested. The author-illustrator’s admiration of the subject shines through the text and the illustrations. From the flowers and musical notes scattered throughout and the braided pattern found on the endpapers, the vivid palette of mostly reds, purples, oranges, and pinks fills the pages, lending a feeling of awe and celebration to the work.  VERDICT Artists continue to be voices of resistance. Readers are introduced to a wonderful example in this impressive debut.

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October 8, 2021

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these 10 picture books

By Khassaundra Whitehead and Gardenia Campos

The authors of this post identify as Latinx rather than Hispanic and will be using this term throughout. Keep in mind that not everyone uses either of these terms, as there are many terms in use and each contains nuance and can have significance around inclusion. 

September 15 marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month and with it, the anniversaries of national independence for many Latin American countries. Through October 15, Reading Partners celebrates this month by uplifting the contributions and stories of Latinx creators originating from a variety of Latin American cultures, traditions, and languages.

As proud members of the Latinx community at Reading Partners, we know firsthand that Latinx culture is not a monolith, but an incredibly diverse and nuanced population that spans race, ethnicity, language, and a broad legacy of colonialism. Given the diversity within the Latinx community, we acknowledge the need for stories that reflect our differences as well as our shared human experiences. Too often, our narratives are reduced to harmful stereotypes or filtered through the lens of a spectator rather than a member of the community.

It is with this in mind that we choose to uplift stories that speak to our current social and political moment in time and center on stories of immigration, dreamers, hope, and resilience. These stories are important to understanding the varied experiences within the Latinx community as well as the constantly shifting landscape that creates obstacles for our Latinx students and communities. We also need stories that show the daily realities of our Latinx peers. We are more than just our struggles, we are our lively families, our diverse cultures, our deep-seated traditions, our sometimes complicated relationships with our languages, and above all, we are the unapologetic joys we pass on to our future generations. 

As a literacy-based organization, a story that resonates with our Reading Partners community is Biblioburro , a heartwarming book based on the true story of Luis Humberto Soriano Bohórquez, a former schoolteacher who created a mobile library in rural Colombia using burros to transport books from village to village. Biblioburro reflects the ways communities uplift one another, share joy, and celebrate reading and learning. It is among the many stories that show the giving nature that is so ingrained in our cultures and communities.

In that same spirit, here is a list of continued reading to enjoy during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond:

My Papi Has a Motorcycle   by Isabel Quintero

When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her. But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there. With vivid illustrations and text bursting with heart, My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a young girl’s love letter to her hardworking dad and to memories of home that we hold close in the midst of change.

Mango, Abuela, and Me   by Meg Medina

Mia’s abuela has left her sunny house with parrots and palm trees to live with Mia and her parents in the city. While they cook, Mia helps Abuela learn English, and Mia learns some Spanish, too, but it’s still hard for Abuela to learn enough words to tell Mia her stories. Then Mia sees a parrot in the pet-shop window and has the perfecto idea for how to help them all communicate a little better. Here is an endearing tale that speaks loud and clear about the love that binds families across the generations.

¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third

In this new Vamos title, Let’s Go Eat , Little Lobo is excited to take in a show with wrestling star El Toro in his bustling border town. After getting lunch orders from The Bull and his friends to help prepare for the event, Little Lobo takes readers on a tour of food trucks that sell his favorite foods, like quesadillas with red peppers and Mexican-Korean tacos. Peppered with easy-to-remember Latin-American Spanish vocabulary, this glorious celebration of food is sure to leave every reader hungry for lunch Jam-packed with fun details and things to see, the Vamos books are perfect for fans of Richard Scarry and Where’s Waldo?

Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayer

Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. In Just Ask , United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we’re not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask .

Biblioburro by Jeannette Winter

Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution–a traveling library! He buys two donkeys–Alfa and Beto–and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages. Complete with an author’s note about the real man on whom this story is based.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by Kh Pathways (Monica Brown)

Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. To Marisol, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together. Other people wrinkle their nose in confusion at Marisol-can’t she just choose one or the other? Try as she might, in a world where everyone tries to put this biracial, Peruvian-Scottish-American girl into a box, Marisol McDonald doesn’t match. And that’s just fine with her.

Abuela’s Weave by Omar S. Castañeda

This touching story of personal growth and family pride is illustrated with authentic Guatemalan scenery that gives life to the country’s radiant landscape and bustling city streets. Esperanza’s Abuela, her grandmother, is unmatched in her skill in weaving traditional Mayan tapestries. She has shared her gift with her granddaughter, and now they plan to sell their goods at the market. However, the birthmark on Abuela’s face may scare customers away. So Esperanza must cope with the city streets and find buyers alone. This touching story of personal growth and family pride is illustrated with authentic Guatemalan scenery that gives life to the country’s radiant landscape and bustling city streets.

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood   by F. Isabel Campoy

What good can a splash of color do in a community of gray? As Mira and her neighbors discover, more than you might ever imagine! Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, Maybe Something Beautiful reveals how art can inspire transformation–and how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Pick up a paintbrush and join the celebration!

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

We are resilience. We are hope. We are dreamers. Yuyi Morales brought her hopes, her passion, her strength, and her stories with her when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son. She left behind nearly everything she owned, but she didn’t come empty-handed.

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña

When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. Together, they travel through their neighborhood, past the crowded bus stop, the fenced-off repair shop, and the panadería, until they arrive at the Laundromat, where Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. But before she can blow its white fluff away, her brother tells her she has to make a wish. If only she can think of just the right wish to make . . .

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10 Picture Books Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in The Classroom

This post may contain affiliate links.

written by Gabriella Aldeman

From September 15 to October 15 classrooms around the nation will be celebrating and honoring the culture and traditions of Hispanic nations—It’s Hispanic Heritage Month ! If you’re wondering how to explore this rich culture, honor your diverse classroom, have fun, and integrate everything into the curriculum, look no further than this article sharing the best new picture books . 

But, wait, what exactly is Hispanic Heritage Month, and why do we celebrate it?

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The timeframe is significant because Mexico and many Central American and South American countries celebrate their independence days from Spain within these dates. 

It began as a week-long celebration under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan in 1988. Ever since, we have celebrated this month to recognize the many contributions Hispanic descendants have made to the history and culture of the United States. 

So let’s celebrate!

Here are 10 new children’s books (plus a festival) and their educator guides for Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Abuelo’s Flower Shop written by Jackie Morera, illustrated by Deise Lino

When Elena discovers that the garden across the street is actually a cemetery, she sees beauty and importance in the flowers her Abuelo sells. They help deliver the message, “I remember you, and I miss you.” This is a gentle story that navigates grief and loss and showcases a beautiful bond between a girl and her grandfather.  Get the educator guide here.  

A Flicker of Hope written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

As the monarch butterflies migrate north, from Mexico to Canada, Lucia has to say goodbye to her father, who is heading north as well, to look for work. Papá promises to return when the monarcas come home, and Lucia is left watching the sky. This gorgeously written and illustrated book is a love letter to migrant farmworkers and their families. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here . 

Squawk of Spanish written by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Romina Galotta

Max struggles to speak the Spanish language of his grandmother but, with a little help from a talkative parrot, comes to understand that trying is what matters and love is a language everyone can speak. A tender book that explores language barriers and self-confidence, with a bit of squawk-out-loud humor. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here . 

Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas written by Alexandra Alessandri, illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk

While Lupita’s family is preparing for the incoming hurricane, Lupita rescues two baby birds that have fallen from their nest. Lupita cares for the birds and protects them as the wild winds roll. This is a story of finding courage in helping others and showing kindness in the scariest of times. Get the educator guide here.  

Miguel Must Fight written by Jamie Ofelia, illustrated by Sara Palacios

Miguel was born into a family of sword fighters. But Miguel is an artist. When his village is threatened by a dragon, will Miguel stand and fight with his family or will he prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword? This is an action-packed read aloud. It also serves as a good starting point to discuss machismo culture and family expectations. Get the educator guide here.

Barrio Rising written by Maria Dolores Aguila, illustrated by Magdalena Mora

A vivid account of community activism. Join a courageous young girl and her neighbors as they stand up to protect their community and build a beautiful park in Barrio Logan that will become the heart of San Diego’s Chicane community. This book is based on the real history of Chicano Park. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here.  

Adela’s Mariachi Band written by Denise Vega, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina

Adela wants nothing more than to be a part of her family’s mariachi band, but when she tries the different instruments, everything comes out wrong. From watching her family, she understands that practice makes perfect and that it takes time to become proficient. Follow Adela as she tries to figure out a way to be part of her family’s mariachi band in the meantime. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here . 

The Ofrenda That We Built written by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata

Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,”  The Ofrenda That We Built  invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time. This is a great rhythmic read aloud to learn more about the Day of the Dead and the rich traditions that accompany the holiday. Get educator guide here .

How to Eat a Mango written by Paola Santos, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo

Carmencita doesn’t want to help her grandmother pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like the taste of them. But Abuelita adores mangoes, and so will you after reading this sensory, lyrical meditation on the fruits of Mamá Earth. Listen to the rustle of the leaves, feel the tree’s branches and the pull of its roots—mangoes are so much more than a fruit. Also available in Spanish. Get educator guide here.  

I Am La Chiva! The Colorful Bus of the Andes written by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez

“I drive through the Andes, so windy and steep. Me llamo La Chiva. That’s me! Beep, beep, beep!” Climb right in for a bouncy and vibrant ride on this South American bus called La Chiva and celebrate the rich culture and landscape of Colombia. Told in rhyme, this book is a delightful read aloud for fans of trucks, buses, and things that go. Get the educator guide here.  

For more books with Hispanic representation, see this list of Latinx picture books and this list of middle grade books with Latinx main characters . 

Looking for more ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom? Here’s a virtual book festival especially designed for students to connect with authors and illustrators of Hispanic descent. The Latinx KidLit Book Festival offers a combination of educational materials and virtual literary content in the form of panels, craft sessions, and illustrator draw-offs with best-selling and award-winning Latinx authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, comic books, and poetry. The sessions are geared toward schools, educators, students—from pre-K to 12 th grade—and book lovers from every background and identity. Learn more about the Latinx KidLit Book Festival and sign up—it’s free! Get the educator guide here.  

About Gabriella Aldeman

Gabriella Aldeman  is a Panamanian American author. She writes picture books in hopes that more children become readers and that all readers feel seen. She is also a professional translator of academic resources and children’s books. Gabriella holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Her books include  Paula’s Patches  (Free Spirit, 2023) and  Squawk of Spanish  (Charlesbridge, 2024). She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and two children. Please visit her at  www.writebetween.com  or @write_between on  Twitter  or  Instagram .

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Colorful Pages

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month: A 2022 Diverse Picture Book List

Happy National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month! Between September 15th and October 15th, our country celebrates National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month that honors the contributions and cultures of both Hispanic and Latinx people. Yes, Hispanic & Latinx heritage and history should be taught year-round, but it is also important to honor the work of the communities and activists who advocated for these designated National Months. Hopefully, you have already started to observe this month with books, lessons, and discussions with your students and children.

There have been some conversations about whether this month should be known as Hispanic Heritage Month, Latina/o/x Heritage Month, or Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month. In my own classroom, we celebrated it as Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month and talked about the distinctions in an age-appropriate manner. Here is a really good article written about the differences and overlaps between the terms Hispanic and Latina/o/x: https://www.ketchum.com/hispanic-latino-latinx-spanish-clarifying-terms-for-hispanic-heritage-month/ . 

Within this post, there are 25 picture books that I absolutely love for Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month! I have cultivated and organized this list in order to help you all get the fullness and depth that Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month deserves. The list is organized into three sections: 

Picture Books About Hispanic & Latinx Heritage and Representation

Picture books about hispanic & latinx history, picture books featuring the current issues and advocacy of the hispanic & latinx community.

Additionally, the picture books were created by Hispanic & Latinx authors and/or illustrators. It is incredibly important that we uplift Hispanic & Latinx authors whenever we talk about Hispanic & Latinx Heritage and History. Their community are the experts that we should be listening to.  

Pick out a couple of these books for your children or students and let’s honor National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage this month and beyond! 

Me Gusta , by Angela Dominguez 

The spectrum for multicultural lit.: exploration, age range : 4-8 years.

Me Gusta is a cute bilingual picture book by Angela Dominguez who writes some of my other favorite picture books that are perfect for little ones. This book celebrates Latinx families and shares what the narrator likes most. The pictures showcase an incredibly diverse representation of Latinx families. 

¡Todos a Celebrar! A Hispanic Customs & Traditions Alphabet Book , by Dr. Ma. Alma González Pérez

The spectrum of multicultural lit. : exploration, age range : 3-9 years old.

I know as a former Kindergarten teacher I was ALWAYS looking for amazing alphabet books and finally I love this one that explores different elements of cultures. Dr Ma. Alma González Pérez writes this alphabet book that shows a different element of the Hispanic culture for each letter of the alphabet. This book is also bilingual because it is written in Spanish and English. 

The Secret of the Plátano , by Luz Maria Mack & illustrated by Stephany Mesa 

Age range : 5-9 years.

Luz Maria Mack wrote this picture book after being inspired by a dream of her own Abuela. In The Secret of the Plátano , a little boy and his Abuela dance in the moonlight under the plántano trees while exploring nature, connection, and movement. At the end, the book states, “Love is the magic that helps everything grow”. The Secret of the Plátano is set in the Dominican Republic, which is where the author is also from. 

If Dominican Were a Color , by Sili Recio & illustrated by Brianna McCarthy 

If Dominican Were a Color is a vibrant book about all the colors of the Dominican Republic. Each page explores a new color and how it connects to the culture and people of the Dominican. Sili Recio rhymes the lines within the book to make it more captivating to young readers, such as:

“If Dominican were a color, it would be the sunset in the sky, blazing red and burning bright.

If Dominican were a color, it’d be the roar of the ocean in the deep of the night,

With the moon beaming down rays of sheer delight.”

Vámonos Series , by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein & illustrated by Ana Godinez 

Age range : 2-5 years.

Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein created such a cute board book series with the Vámonos books. Each bilingual board book features a different famous Hispanic/Latinx city. It details different locations within the city and their significance to the local culture and people. I appreciate the care and love each book is clearly made with. Some of the cities covered within the series include: San Salvador, Lima, San Juan, Los Angeles, and Tegucigalpa. 

May Your Life Be Deliciosa , by Michael Genhart & illustrated by Loris Lora 

May Your LIfe Be Deliciosa is a picture book about a little girl named Rosie making tamales with her Abuela and family during the holidays. Abuela passes down the recipe that she had learned from her own abuela. As a tradition, Abuela shows Rosie how to make tamales while describing each step and how it represents a wish she has for Rosie and the other family members. The illustrations are quite beautiful and show cultural values, such as intergenerational love and community. The picture book also integrates Spanish in a way that will empower Spanish speaking readers and be accessible to those that do not know Spanish. 

Mi Casa Is My Home , by Laurenne Sala & illustrated by Zara González Hoang 

Age range : 3-7 years.

In Mi Casa Is My Home , the main character Lucia shows off her home that is filled with memories, cultural traditions, and many of her loved ones. The book mixes Spanish and English as Lucia explains each location in the house and what her familia does together in each room. Lucia’s casa is filled with love and diversity as her Puerto Rican and Spanish familia is explored.  This is a great book to discuss cultural traditions of families and connect with this Hispanic family. 

Islandborn , by Junot Díaz

The spectrum of multicultural lit. : mostly exploration, age range : 5-8 years old.

Islandborn is a beautifully written and illustrated book! Leo Espinosa’s illustrations greatly complement Junot Díaz’s story about Lola. Lola is a little girl struggling with her teacher’s question about where her family immigrated from. However, through her friends and family, she is able to learn more about the Dominican Republic and paint a beautiful picture of the island. I love Islandborn and also appreciate the diverse representation of Afro-Latinx people!

The Life of/La Vida De Series , by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein & illustrated by Citlali Reyes 

The spectrum for multicultural lit.: depends on the biography.

I wish I found this series when I was still in the classroom! The Life of/La Vida De Series is a bilingual board book series that showcases important Hispanic/Latinx figures from history. Each board book encapsulates the amazing work and life journeys of a historical figure in bite-sized pieces. It is perfect for young readers and students to help them stay engaged while learning history! Some of the biographies included are: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Selena, Pura Belpré, Dolores Huerta, and Celia Cruz. 

Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World , by Naibe Reynoso & illustrated by Jone Leal & translated by Gabriella Aldeman

Age range : 5-8 years.

Courageous History Makers shares mini-biographies of 11 Latinx women who changed the world. Each couple pages uses rhyming verse to tell readers what the featured woman did in English and Spanish. Some of the important women featured include: Mexican painter Frida Khalo, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Rigoberta Menchu, Grammy-winning musical icon Celia Cruz, and renowned pilot Hermelinda Urvina.

Be Bold! Be Brave!: 11 Latinas Who Made US History , by Naibe Reynoso

The spectrum of multicultural lit. : dependent on the person covered.

This great bilingual picture book shares the biographies of eleven latinas who made history! Each person has two pages with illustrations: one written in Spanish and one written in English. Kids will love these great rhymes that will also engage them in learning about important role models from history. It also promotes the beauty of the Spanish language as a bilingual book. 

Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos Who Made US History , by Naibe Reynoso

Naibe Reynoso also wrote this picture book about 11 Latinos who made US History. Each person has two pages dedicated to their biography: one page in Spanish and one page in English. Reynoso writes engaging rhymes about each of these heroes and I love the cute illustrations by Jone Leal that compliment the words well. 

Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States , by Sabrina Vourvoulias & illustrated by Gloria Félix 

Age range : 8-12 years.

Nuestra América is an illustrated biography collection featuring 30 inspiring Latinas and Latinos who changed the USA. This book from the Smithsonian Latino Center has biographies for each person that go deeper than other biographical collections geared towards elementary students. 

Nuestra América showcases the following notable figures: Sylvia Acevedo, Luis Álvarez, Pura Belpré, Martha E. Bernal, Julia de Burgos, César Chávez, Sandra Cisneros, Roberto Clemente, Celia Cruz, Olga E. Custodio, Óscar de la Renta, Jaime Escalante, Macario García, Emma González, Laurie Hernández, Juan Felipe Herrera, Dolores Huerta, Jennifer Lopez, Xiuhtezcatl Martínez, Sylvia Méndez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, C. David Molina, Rita Moreno, Ellen Ochoa, Jorge Ramos, Sylvia Rivera, María Elena Salinas, Sonia Sotomayor, Dara Torres, and Robert Unanue.

Dream with the/Sueña con las Latinitas , by Juliet Menéndez 

Age range : 0-4 years.

Dream with the/Sueña con las Latinitas is a cute board book version of Juliet Menéndez’s Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers biographical collection. Each page features a famous Latina and has a sentence about what she did in the world.The sentence is translated in English and Spanish. The book’s hand-painted illustrations are vibrant and more than worthy of being showcased as wall art within our homes!

Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers , by Juliet Menéndez 

In this illustrated biography collection, Latinitas features 40 Latinas who are celebrated across the globe. Each couple pages showcases a famous Latina with a beautiful hand-painted illustration and their biography. The biography is more detailed than other biographical collections so this book is geared towards older elementary children. 

The book features Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Juana Azurduy de Padilla, Policarpa Salavarrieta, Rosa Peña de González, Teresa Carreño, Zelia Nuttall, Antonia Navarro, Matilde Hidalgo, Gabriela Mistral, Juana de Ibarbourou, Pura Belpré, Gumercinda Páez, Frida Kahlo, Julia de Burgos, Chavela Vargas, Alicia Alonso, Victoria Santa Cruz, Claribel Alegría, Celia Cruz, Dolores Huerta, Rita Moreno, Maria Auxiliadora da Silva, Mercedes Sosa, Isabel Allende, Susana Torre, Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, Sonia Sotomayor, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Mercedes Doretti, Sonia Pierre, Justa Canaviri, Evelyn Miralles, Selena Quintanilla, Berta Cáceres, Serena Auñón, Wanda Díaz-Merced, Marta Vieira da Silva, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Laurie Hernandez.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation , by Duncan Tonatiuh 

The spectrum for multicultural lit.: conversation, age range : 6-10 years.

Duncan Tonatiuh wrote this picture book to tell the true story of Sylvia Mendez and her family as they fought against racism through school segregation in California in 1947. Separate Is Never Equal details a historical event that the Hispanic/Latinx community had to fight against in order to bring more inclusion and equality to our country. 

Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics , by Margarita Engle

Age range : 8-12 years old.

This book has poems about different amazing Hispanics and their contribution to history! Each person also has illustrations to accompany the informative poems. Bravo has poems about Aida de Acosta, Arnold Rojas, Baruj Benacerraf, César Chávez, Fabiola Cabeza de Baca, Félix Varela, George Meléndez, José Martí, Juan de Miralles, Juana Briones, Julia de Burgos, Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Paulina Pedroso, Pura Belpré, Roberto Clemente, Tito Puente, Ynes Mexia, and Tomás Rivera.

Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States , compiled by Warren Binford for Project Amplify 

The spectrum for multicultural lit.: conversation , age range : 8+ years.

Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz is a heart-wrenching but much-needed picture book. Written in Spanish and English, this book holds the testimonies of children detailed at the Southern Border of the United States. The children give the true details of the tragic conditions they are put through, including not getting enough food, not accessing medical care for their babies, and much more violations of their human rights. Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz was also illustrated by 17 brilliant Latinx artists. I would highly recommend this book to talk about the realities of our Southern border, but make sure to read through this book first because it is intense and needs strong facilitation when read to children (this does not mean you should shy away from it because their truths need to be shared).  

Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, a DACA Recipient , by Areli Morales & illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Areli Morales wrote this picture book about her real-life experience as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipient. In Areli Is a Dreamer , Areli starts the book living in Mexico with her Abuela and brother Alex. She loves it there since she can be with her other family members. However, her parents now live in New York and are working to get Alex and then Areli to them in the United States. Eventually, Areli leaves for New York where everything is different and she faces racism and xenophobia in her new school. A few years later, her class takes a field trip to Ellis Island where she learns about the immigration facilitated there and sees parallels in her own journey. Areli is left with hope for her new life in New York and as a Dreamer. Areli Is a Dreamer is a perfect book to talk about DACA and the Dreamers. It is very informative with a firsthand account of recent immigration to the US. You can also use it to have critical conversations about how we need to make school a welcoming place for everyone. 

Where Are You From? , by Yamile Saied Méndez & illustrated by Jaime Kim

Where Are You From? is a picture book all about a little girl struggling with the othering and hurtful question she gets from her classmates: “Where are you from?”. In the book, she goes to her abuelo to ask him how to deal with this question and he helps her see the beauty in her heritage and identity. This is a great book to talk about the prejudice (and sometimes racism) that stems from this question and othering of communities of color, specifically Latinx communities. 

Dreamers , by Yuyi Morales

Yuyi Morales writes and illustrates this beautiful picture book memoir. Dreamers follows a woman and her baby as they immigrate to another country. They are met with both beauty and obstacles. At the end, Morales writes about how they became dreamers. This book is great to introduce immigration from the perspective of immigrants. 

My Two Border Towns , by David Bowles & illustrated by Erika Meza

My Two Border Towns is a picture book sharing a little boy’s experience going between two Border Towns. One morning, the little boy and his father cross the US-Mexico Border. The little boy details their errands along with the family members and community they see within the border town. Near the end, the boy and his dad visit their friends who are seeking asylum but are stuck at the border because neither country “has room for them”. As they drop off supplies to the asylum seekers, the little boy reflects about how unfair this is and how he hopes the asylum seekers can soon go back and forth between the Border Towns just like him. The little text details of this picture book make it an incredibly strong and justice-oriented book! 

The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding , by Karina Nicole González & illustrated by Krystal Quiles

The spectrum for multicultural lit.: between exploration & conversation.

The Coquíes Still Sing was inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico after the 2017 Hurricane Maria. In this picture book, the main character Elena loves the singing of the coquí frogs. The frogs suddenly fall silent as her family prepares for a hurricane and their home becomes unsafe. After some time, Elena and her Puerto Rican community find hope as they start to rebuild their homes and hear the coquí frogs’ singing return. 

Isabel and her Colores Go to School , by Alexandra Alessandri & illustrated by Courtney Dawson

Alexandra Alessandri’s new bilingual picture book is about a little girl named Isabel who is nervous to go to her new school. At the school, they speak English, unlike Isabel’s home where she speaks Spanish and feels more comfortable. Her first day is full of misunderstandings and more anxiety. However, by the end of the day, Isabel uses coloring to communicate and make new friends! Alessandri flawlessly weaves in Spanish throughout the book to bring the story more to life. 

I Wish You Knew , by Jackie Azúa Kramer & illustrated by Magdalena Mora 

Age range : 4-7 years.

I Wish You Knew is about Estrella and how she wishes her teacher and classmates knew about her father’s deportation. Estrella was greatly affected by it and it shows up in how she acts throughout the day. The beautiful text in this book uncovers how she is feeling about the deportation and the various things she wishes her class knew. The other half of the book shows the empathy and connection that can happen in a caring classroom community. The teacher responds about how she wishes her students knew she is there for them and then leads her class through a “I Wish You Knew” exercise where her students share things they wished their class knew about them. I Wish You Knew is a quick read that can help you talk about deportation and also inspire your class to complete the “I Wish You Knew” exercise together.

Disclosure : I am an affiliate of Bookshop.org where your purchases support local bookstores. I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for purchasing on our Bookshop! Any added funds are used to support Colorful Pages’s operations and keep our website resources free. 

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5 Inspiring Biography Picture Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

We, as teachers, know how critical read-alouds are to maintaining classroom community. Read on to learn how to harness the power of biography picture books to keep your students inspired during Hispanic Heritage Month!

• I Am Sonia Sonia Sotomayor by Brad Meltzer

This picture book biography is about the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor . The book tells the story of her growing up in the Bronx, New York.

I Am Sonia Sotomayor is an inspiring story about a woman who overcame adversity to achieve her dreams. The book highlights Sonia’s dedication to the law and her decisions that affect the nation, emphasizing fairness and equality.

This biography picture book perfectly conveys important themes for young students through engaging storytelling and playful illustrations.

I Am Sonia Sotomayor is part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series by Brad Meltzer (my 4th graders’ FAVORITE biography picture books).

Themes covered: perseverance, hard work, and following your dreams

• Harvesting Hope by Kathleen Krull

This biography picture book is about César Chávez , a civil rights leader who dedicated his life to advocating for farmworkers’ rights.

The author shows how farmworkers face injustices like low pay, poor working conditions, and no fundamental rights.

Harvesting Hope is an inspiring story about a man who fought for justice for the most vulnerable members of society.

To discuss further, you can introduce a short biography poster and make it a bulletin board !

Themes covered: activism, social justice, and hope

• My Name is / Me Llamo Celia by Monica Brown

This bilingual picture book biography is about Celia Cruz , a Cuban-American salsa singer.

The book tells the story of Celia Cruz’s life from her early years in Cuba to her journey to success as the “Queen of Salsa.”

She quickly became one of the most popular singers in the world and helped to popularize salsa music around the globe .

The world knows her for her energetic performances and powerful voice. She’s also a role model for many young people, especially Latinas.

To take it a step further, show students a video of this powerhouse performer via a Person of the Day set of slides !

Me Llamo Celia is an inspiring story about a woman who achieved her dreams despite the odds.

Themes covered: perseverance, gender equality, and the power of music

• Tito Puente: Mambo King / Rey del Mambo by Monica Brown

Another bilingual biography picture book tells the story of  Tito Puente , a Puerto Rican musician considered the “King of Mambo.” 

The book tells the story of Tito Puente’s life from his childhood in Spanish Harlem to his rise to fame as a musician and bandleader.

Tito Puente has become one of the world’s most popular and influential musicians. He is known for his lively performances and innovative arrangements. He also helped popularize mambo music around the globe.

Tito Puente: Mambo King / Rey del Mambo is an inspiring story about a man who achieved his dreams despite challenges.

Highlight Tito Puente’s accomplishments by displaying his and other Hispanic Heritage Month posters that students can read as they please!

Themes covered: hard work, cultural identity, and creativity

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown

Another of Monica Brown’s biography picture books, Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos , tells the story of Frida Kahlo , a Mexican artist.

As depicted in the story, Frida had a loving and unique relationship with animals, like monkeys, birds, dogs, and fawns.

Students will learn how Frida’s animals inspired and comforted her during physical and emotional challenges.

Immerse students in active learning using Hispanic Heritage Month teaching slides that include an in-depth look at Frida Kahlo and her drawings.

Themes covered: empathy, creativity, and companionship

Biography Picture Books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Now you have five ideas for inspiring picture book biographies about remarkable people, including Sonia Sotomayor, Cesar Chavez, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and Frida Kahlo!

Discover 40 other well-known, lesser-known, and modern figures to introduce your students to this Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond!

• Frida Kahlo and Her Animalito s by Monica Brown

More Hispanic Heritage Month Ideas for Elementary

I’ve compiled a list of five ways to honor Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom (without breaking the bank😉).

Hispanic Heritage Month in the Classroom: 5 Ways to Honor

Read about how to use 200+ done-for-you teaching slides for Hispanic Heritage Month .

How to Use Hispanic Heritage Month Person of the Day Slides

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to items that I’ve used and enjoyed. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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20 kids’ books to read during Hispanic Heritage Month

These books highlight exemplary Latinx figures who have contributed to US history.

By Naibe Reynoso Updated September 11, 2023

Although I went to school in multicultural Los Angeles, I don’t remember ever reading about (much less doing a book report on) a prominent Latino during my elementary school years. When I eventually became a mother, I wanted to make sure my children grew up proud of their Mexican-American heritage , but I struggled to find children’s biography books featuring Latinx leaders. Latinos make up almost 20% of the entire U.S. population, but many of our heroes are not highlighted in books.

Related: 6 diverse children’s books you should have on your bookshelf

That is why I decided to use all of the skills I learned as a journalist for over 25 years to write children’s books that filled that gap, so that not only my kids, but other Latinx children can learn and read about leaders from their own community. As a result, in 2018 I created Con Todo Press , a publishing company that highlights Latinx leaders and celebrates our culture. During Hispanic Heritage Month , many classrooms and families are eager to learn more about the valuable contributions Latinos have made not only to our country, but to the world.

Below I am highlighting some of the books I have written to fill that gap, as well as other books written by Latinx authors or illustrators that highlight Latinx leaders.

Children’s books for Hispanic Heritage Month

Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas Who Made U.S. History

This non-fiction rhyming book features 11 Latinas who achieved greatness in various fields such as medicine, science, sports, and politics. Dolores Huerta, Selena, and Sonia Sotomayor are featured along with 8 additional outstanding women.

Grandes Dreamers

Grandes Dreamers celebrates the hardships and milestones of 12 women born in the United States.

Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U.S. History

Fearless Trailblazers highlights 11 Latinos who made history in their respective fields including science, sports, the arts and politics. Cesar Chavez, Fernando Valenzuela and Jean-Michel Basquiat are among those featured.

Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers

Latinitas features 40 powerful women who we have to come to recognize in the United States today.

Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World

This bilingual rhyming book features 11 women from Latin America who are now known throughout the world because of their contributions in their respective fields. Celia Cruz, Frida Khalo and Rigoberta Menchu are among those featured.

Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States

This book features 30 Latinxs figures throughout history and their incredible passage to changing the cultural, social, and political character of the United States.

Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo

This colorful book follows the story of Tito Puente, from a little boy who dreamed of having his own band one day to becoming the Mambo King.

The Spirit of Chicano Park

The Spirit of Chicano Park follows Bettie and Bonky’s discovery of a historical and magical park rooted in community struggle and transformed into a place of cultural history.

Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics

Through poems, this book celebrates the achievements of Latinos from many different countries and from many different backgrounds.

Turning Pages: My Life Story

Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this children’s book tells her own story from the perspective of her as a young girl who loved books.

L is for LATINX

Get ready to learn the ABCs with a Latin twist! Through engaging text and colorful illustrations, you will meet 26 amazing individuals from all over Latin America.

A Girl Named Rosita

“A Girl Named Rosita” follows the story of Rita Moreno, a proud Puerto Rican superstar who is known worldwide for her acting, singing, and dancing.

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

“Separate Is Never Equal” centers on Sylvia Mendez and her family’s struggle to end segregation just seven years before the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education would take place.

The Life of / La Vida De Dolores

The Life of/La Vida de Dolores follows Dolores Huerta, the civil rights activist’s journey to becoming a leading voice in the farmworkers movement.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln

The true story of piano prodigy Teresa Carreño who eventually played the piano for two U.S. presidents.

For kids ages 6-10, this book features Roberto Clemente, the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Queen of Tejano Music: Selena

A colorful and vibrant picture book that depicts the life of iconic singer Selena Quintanilla.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

A picture book biography of one of the most significant and inspiring figures in library history. Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.

Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello

A bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru’s ancient cultures.

Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet

The story of Mexican American chemist Mario Molina who helped solve the ozone crisis of the 1980s.

 A version of this post was published September 20, 2021. It has been updated.

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22 Kids Books for Hispanic Heritage Month That Will Introduce Them to a Wonderful Rainbow of Cultures

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A time to celebrate the rich history, incredible contributions, and kaleidoscope of cultures, Hispanic Heritage Month happens every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Initially created in 1968 to be a weeklong celebration, it was expanded into a monthlong commemoration to honor numerous customs, traditions, and heritages.

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the Spanish-speaking diaspora all over the U.S., highlighting the diverse beauty of the community. One way to commemorate this month in your own household is to immerse yourself and your children in the cultures through the written word. And there are some truly amazing children's books out there by Hispanic and Latinx authors that are worthy of your time and money. Whether you're looking for a book for your littlest listeners to YA novels to entrance your teens, there's a book out there for you.

The books on this list are books that your family will cherish during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.

Independent ‘Chicano Jr’s Mexican Adventure’ by Raúl Jiménez

Chicano Jr. is an American-born kid with a rich Mexican culture that he is proud of. In this book, he will visit the birthplace of his heritage for the very first time and can't wait!

Your little one will join Chicano Jr. on his adventure in this bilingual tale of discovering where his lineage comes from.

More: 25 Diverse Toys That Celebrate Inclusivity

Cuento de Luz 'Juanita: The Girl Who Counted the Stars' by Lola Walder and Martina Peluso

Sometimes the stars align just right, especially after spending night after night trying to catch a little of their magic by counting them as they move across the sky.

Juanita loves cooking, especially crunchy, crispy maize tortillas. She comes from a family of women who weave beautiful fabrics, and while she loves and appreciates their art, they are not her passion. But when her mother becomes sick, what else could she do to help the family? Maybe, she can help by doing what she loves.

Cuento de Luz 'The Color of Your Skin' by Desireé Acevedo and Silvia Alvarez

The beauty of a diaspora is in its diversity. The Color of Your Skin explores the Latinx community and just how amazing it is by celebrating the differences and similarities of its people. The colors of skin, the texture of hair, the shade of eyes are all different, but all critically valuable to the Latinx diaspora.

Neal Porter Books 'The Little House of Hope' Terry Catasus Jennings and illustrated by Raul Colon

When a family moves to a new country, they often become a touchstone for the community. New immigrants come and stay, learning how to be a part of this new place. In The Little House of Hope, Esperanza's family does just that. Yes, it can be challenging, but it's also such a beautiful story of Latinx heritage.

Peachtree Teen 'The Ghosts of Rose Hill' by RM Romero

From the very first page you are transported into a stunning world where ghosts are very real, and so are their histories.

Ilana, a biracial Jewish-Latina lives in Prague with her family. She dreams of becoming a violinist, but is torn because her family wants her to choose something more practical. In her struggles, she discovers an abandoned Jewish cemetery, and is greeted by one of its most vocal inhabitants. What transpires between them, and another ghost is a beautiful entwining of Jewish and Latinx cultures, told in devastatingly gorgeous prose.

Wheat Penny Press 'Say It With Me (Dilo Conmigo)' by Nancy S. Torres

Dilo conmigo ... s ay it with us. This book is a tender exploration of how we teach our children to think about themselves, written in beautiful dual-language Spanish and English prose.

Say it With Me by Nancy Torres is a beautiful introspective picture book that benefits the parent as much as the child.

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 'Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics' by Margarita Engle

This is a middle-grade poetry book filled with the stories of Hispanic people who made their mark on history.

Beautifully written and illustrated, Bravo! by Margarita Engle doesn't shy away from hard topics like racism and abuse but manages to do it in a way that is digestible for middle schoolers.

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers 'Carmela Full of Wishes' by Matt de la Peña

Who doesn't remember the first taste of freedom from parental supervision? In Carmela, Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña, readers follow Carmela on her birthday as she is finally allowed to go with her brother through their neighborhood. They interact with friends and discover the small joys of growing up.

Chronicle Books ‘Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes’ by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Tortillas are round and quesadillas are triangular, but what shape is an ice cream cart? Your tot will love learning their shapes with Latinx-inspired objects and foods. With rhyming text and darling illustrations, your kiddo will be a shape expert.

Take the shapes learned in the book to the real world by celebrating Latinx food in your own life, to cement these shapes into your baby's mind.

Puffin Books ‘Too Many Tamales’ by Gary Soto

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Maria is making tamales with her mama. When her favorite cousins come over to gather for Christmas Eve, Maria sneaks away to try on her mama's shiny diamond ring.

Suddenly, all of the cousins realize that the ring is lost in the tamales and they have to depend on their appetites to eat themselves out of trouble.

Neal Porter Books ‘Dreamers’ by Yuyi Morales

Based on Yuyi Morales’ own experience as an immigrant, Dreamers celebrates the glorious and brave journey immigrants make and the incredible gifts they give to their new homes.

Highlighting the importance of hope, this book will help open up the conversation about immigration in a gentle and heartfelt way. Filled with eye-catching illustrations, the story reminds readers that we are all dreamers in search of a better tomorrow.

LB Kids ‘Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses’ by Jen Arena

Everyone wants to give the baby besos, and after reading this bilingual board book, you'll want to give your little sweetie one, too. A perfect way to introduce your tot to simple Spanish words that they can practice on their own, this will be your little one's favorite bedtime story.

Pow! Kids Books ‘Lucía the Luchadora’ by Cynthia Leonor Garza

In Lucía’s mind, she is a playground-defending superhero and has the cape to prove it. But when a boy tells her that girls can't be superheroes, Lucía feels like she isn't as mighty as she thought. When she comes home pouting, her abuela reminds her that she comes from a long line of valiant and triumphant luchadoras, Mexican women of the lucha libre tradition.

Lucía heads back to the playground with a new costume and restored confidence, knowing that her superpowers have been handed down to her from her fearless ancestors.

Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers ‘If Dominican Were a Color’ by Sili Recio

From the people to the intricate pieces that create a vivid culture, the Dominican Republic is colorful and vibrant. A celebration of a magnificent heritage, this children's book will give your little one so much appreciation for this dynamic island.

Walden Pond Press ‘Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble’ by Anna Meriano

Leonora Logroño has just discovered a huge family secret about her mom and her four aunts — they’re brujas! That explains why they won't let her help out with baking the treats for the big Día de los Muertos festival.

Once Leo finds out that she is a bruja by birth, she decides that she is going to sharpen her spell-casting skills without the help of her family. Your tween will have to read the book to find out if her spell is a supreme work of magic or a total mess.

Henry Holt and Co. ‘All the Way to Havana’ by Margarita Engle

While driving through the beautiful streets of Cuba, a boy and his family take in all of the vibrant sights. From the hip-swaying sounds to the alluring aroma of fresh food, there is so much for your kiddo to experience through the eyes of the family as they make their way to Havana.

Scholastic Press ‘Esperanza Rising’ by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza is born into privilege and loves the life she lives on her family's Mexican ranch. From servants to an endless rotation of fancy, frilly dresses, she has the dream life — that is, until a tragedy completely turns her life upside-down. After fleeing to California with her mother, she has to reconcile her new life on a farm labor camp during America's Great Depression.

As if financial troubles and living in a strange land isn't hard enough, Esperanza's mom is sick and a protest has broken out demanding better work conditions. She has to decide what to do for herself and their future.

‘Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas Who Made U.S. History’ by Naibe Reynoso

Some of the greatest discoveries, advances, and inventions in America can be attributed to Latinas. With a fun rhyming pattern, this book will introduce your kiddo to these incredible trailblazers. Written in both English and Spanish, your child can enjoy the title both ways.

Candlewick Press (MA) ‘Alma and How She Got Her Name’ by Juana Martinez-Neal

In her opinion, Alma thinks that she has far too many names. How many people can you think of who have six different names?

When she asks her daddy about it, he teaches her about her many namesakes. A wonderful tale about heritage and family, it turns out that Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela is the perfect name after all.

Clarion Books ‘Kitchen Dance’ by Maurie J. Manning

Something has woken up a little girl from her sleep. Along with her baby brother, they head downstairs to take a look, and to their surprise, they find their mom and dad swaying to music and dancing in the kitchen. With lyrical poetry, every page in this book is upbeat and bright.

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Children's Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

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23 beautiful kids' books to celebrate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month, TODAY is sharing the community’s history, pain, joy, and pride. We are highlighting Hispanic trailblazers and rising voices. TODAY will be publishing personal essays, stories, videos, and specials throughout the month of September and October. For more, head here.

Children's views begin to take shape on a parent's lap, reading stories that reflect their own experiences and expand their imaginations to the world beyond.

So it's important to seek out children's books representing the breadth of the Latino experience to engage and inspire readers throughout the year — and all years of childhood and adolescence.

We asked bestselling children's authors to choose their favorite books honoring Hispanic Heritage Month for all ages. Our panelists are Meg Medina , the Newbery award-winning author of "Merci Suárez Can't Dance"; Caldecott honoree Yuyi Morales , author of "Bright Star"; #DignidadLiteraria co-founder David Bowles , author of "My Two Border Towns"; and Pura Belpré Award-winning poet Margarita Engle , author of "A Song of Frutas."

Picture books

"your mama," by nonieqa ramos and jacqueline alcántara.

"Your Mama," by NoNieqa Ramos and Jacqueline Alcántara

"This is a celebration of the modern mother-daughter relationship. It’s poetry. It’s hiphop. It’s love and humor on every page that speaks to everything from making costumes for school plays to road trips and participating in marches together. A fabulous and intoxicating read," Medina says.

"My Shoes And I," by René Colato Laínez and Fabricio Vanden Broeck

"My Shoes And I," by René Colato Laínez and Fabricio Vanden Broeck

"There is a bilingual edition now of this book, and I could not be happier. Mario receives new shoes on Christmas. They are to bring Mario to Mamá, who lives in the USA. It is a long trip from El Salvador, but Mario trusts that his shoes will take him where he needs to go. Every time I read this book I keep cheering for the shoes to not give up, to be healed again and again so that Mario can make it to Mamá’s arms safe and sound. I have read 'My Shoes and I' to my friends many times, and every time my voice trembles with the emotions of such an uncertain and dangerous journey to reunite with people we love," Morales says.

"Dreamers," by Yuyi Morales

"Dreamers," by Yuyi Morales

"By far my favorite picture book of all time is 'Dreamers,' by Yuyi Morales, also published in Spanish as Soñadores. In a poetic voice that flows, she shows the arrival of an immigrant mother and child as they adapt to life in the U.S. by falling in love with the library. This book makes my mind sing," Engle says.

"Bright Star," by Yuyi Morales

"Bright Star," by Yuyi Morales

"Yuyi’s inimitable voice and art combine to tell a moving story about the borderlands: their flora, fauna, and people," Bowles says.

Parents Moms launch bilingual children's book company for the littlest Latino readers

Graphic novels, "nightlights" series, by lorena alvarez.

"Nightlights" series, by Lorena Alvarez

"Sandy is an artistic soul who attends a strict Catholic school in Bogotá, Colombia, where her sketching talents and daydreaming are usually seen as obstacles to her learning," Medina says. "This two-book series follows her into the reaches of her imagination to consider everything from who can cast power over your self-esteem to what your role is in protecting the environment. The illustrations are based in surrealism, and the plot lines are similarly dreamlike. I found them a blend of beautiful and slightly scary, perfect for older elementary school readers."

"Lowriders Blast from the Past," by Cathy Camper and Raúl The Third

"Lowriders Blast from the Past," by Cathy Camper and Raúl The Third

"Whenever I read one of the Lowrider stories, I find myself immersed in a world so fantastic, I wish it were real and I could live there. Characters El Chavo Flapjack (an octopus), Lupe Impala (an impala), and Elirio Malaria (a mosquito) are not only artists with very impressive talents, they are also friends! Bajito y suavecito—I love to ride my imagination low and slow with these books," Morales says.

"Red Panda and Moon Bear," by Jared Roselló

"Red Panda and Moon Bear," by Jared Roselló

"Red Panda and Moon Bear (available in Spanish as 'Panda Rojo y Osa Lunar') by Jared Roselló is unique, creative, fun, and Cuban-American in the most offbeat way imaginable. I will admit to having read fewer graphic novels than other types of books, but this one caught my attention," Engle says.

"Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story," by Lilliam Rivera and Steph C.

"Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story," by Lilliam Rivera and Steph C.

"A compelling look at the US immigration situation from the perspective of a future hero, drawing on Mesoamerican myth in stunning ways," Bowles says.

Chapter book or middle grade

"stella díaz" series, by angela dominguez.

"Stella Díaz" series, by Angela Dominguez

"Angela Dominguez has created an irresistible heroine in Stella Díaz, a plucky girl who nurses her passions for art and for ocean creatures. She struggles with shyness, friends, schoolwork, and – most relatable to school-age readers – time management. The illustrations throughout add to the overall charm," Medina says.

"The Poet Slave Of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano," by Margarita Engle and Sean Qualls

"The Poet Slave Of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano," by Margarita Engle and Sean Qualls

"Juan Francisco Manzano was born enslaved, but that can't extinguish his fire for poetry. I first read this book some 15 years ago, and I have loved it since like no other. Margarita wrote this story in short and concise verses, and I often find myself caught in single words that punctuate the most telling sentiments of Manzano’s story," Morales says.

"Land of the Cranes," by Aída Salazar

"Land of the Cranes," by Aída Salazar

"I love 'Land of the Cranes,' by Aída Salazar. This verse novel, also published in Spanish as 'La Tierra de las Grullas,' offers a combination of beautiful poems, metaphors of in the form of bird legends, and a clear view of an undocumented family’s ordeal at the border. It is an honest, yet ultimately hopeful portrayal of life for children who live in constant fear of ICE and the detention camps," Engle says.

"Efrén Divided," by Ernesto Cisneros

"Efrén Divided," by Ernesto Cisneros

"This debut middle grade novel paints a beautiful picture of the loving relationship between mother and son, against the haunting realities of a mixed-status Mexican American family," Bowles says.

Young Adult

"we are not from here," by jenny torres sanchez.

"We Are Not From Here," by Jenny Torres Sanchez

"This novel stayed with me for weeks. This lyrical and heart-wrenching story puts a lens on the difficult realities of young people attempt to migrate north from Central America. The writing is haunting, and the author makes no attempt to soften any blow. This is a novel that will open so much conversation, both about our continuing crisis at the border and about the craft of writing," Medina says.

"Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide," by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña

"Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide," by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña

"Such a magnificent book to tell the story of Gabriela Iturbide, one of the most iconic Mexican photographers (she is still alive). The story is a dynamic first person narrative, where photographs give place to scenes rendered in drawings with such a cinematic feeling. I love how this book illuminates the mind and heart of an artist," Morales says.

"The Poet X," by Elizabeth Acevedo

"The Poet X," by Elizabeth Acevedo

"As soon as I read 'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo, I started telling people that everything about verse novels would change from that point forwad. The poems are so beautiful, and the style so impactful, that I expect every Latinx/Latine teen who reads it will want to run out and join the Poetry Out Loud movement immediately, competing for college scholarships while portraying their own cultural backgrounds," Engle says.

"Summer of the Mariposas," by Guadalupe García McCall

"Summer of the Mariposas," by Guadalupe García McCall

"The odyssey of five Mexican American sisters into Mexico with a corpse is understandably creepy, but also poignant and funny," Bowles says. "Supernatural adventure of the very best kind!"

"Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers," by Juliet Menéndez

"Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers," by Juliet Menéndez

"This is a terrific title to highlight powerful Latinas from all walks of life, from science and the judiciary to the arts and social justice. Each single-page entry centers the woman as a child, which is such a powerful message to young readers. All leaders begin somewhere, and often the roots of their success were visible when they were kids," Medina says. "What achievements await today’s young Latinx readers?"

"The Distance Between Us: A Memoir," by Reyna Grande

"The Distance Between Us: A Memoir," by Reyna Grande

"In this book Reyna tells her own story starting with her childhood in Mexico, waiting for her parents (who are on a journey to “El Otro Lado”) to make good their promise to take her and her siblings to the US where the family will finally be together. Every page of this book made my heart ache, which made Reyna’s triumphs feel even more significant and inspiring," Morales says.

"Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello/ Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello," by Monica Brown and Elisa Chavarri

"Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello/ Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello," by Monica Brown and Elisa Chavarri

"'Sharuko' means Brave in Quechua. Available in Spanish under the same title, Monica Brown’s detailed biographical picture book about the Indigenous Peruvian archaeologist Julio Tello makes us wonder why we haven’t heard of him before. This book offers an authentic historical marvel, both more interesting and more meaningful than the usual impersonal approach to archaeology," Engle says.

"Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua," by Gloria Amescua and Duncan Tonatiuh

"Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua," by Gloria Amescua and Duncan Tonatiuh

"Gloria Amescua deftly reveals the life of an important Indigenous model and activist, exposing young readers along the way to the influential language, culture and history of the Nahua people of Mexico," Bowles says.

Books by our panelists

"merci suárez can't dance," by meg medina.

"Merci Suárez Can't Dance," by Meg Medina

This follow-up to Medina's Newbery Medal-winning "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" finds Merci in seventh grade, faced with a boy she likes, a bossy classmate, and a looming school dance, despite her lack of rhythm. With her grandfather's memory problems worsening, she'll need new help finding her rhythm.

"My Two Border Towns," by David Bowles and Erika Meza

"My Two Border Towns," by David Bowles and Erika Meza

A boy and his father take a Saturday trip to the Other Side, across the Rio Grande, where they see favorite relatives and indulge in favorite foods, but also encounter refugees stuck between countries and dream of the day when friends from the Other Side can visit them, too.

Inspired by children crossing the U.S. border from Mexico, Morales wrote this story of a whitetail fawn following her mother in search of care. The simple text lets children know they are bright stars who will be loved and protected until they can imagine a better future.

"A Song of Frutas," by Margarita Engle and Sara Palacios

"A Song of Frutas," by Margarita Engle and Sara Palacios

On a family visit to Cuba, the girl at the heart of "A Song of Frutas" helps her Abuelo in a lively competition with other vendors to sell Frutas, and wishes he could visit her home.

Kids' books The best children's books for all readers, from picture books and chapter books to young adult.

For more of our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, tune into TODAY All Day’s special, “Come with Us: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month,” hosted by Tom Llamas. Watch Wednesday, Sept. 29, at 12:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST at TODAY.com/allday .

Lisa Tolin (she/her) is a contributor to TODAY. Her debut picture book, " How to Be a Rock Star,"  illustrated by Daniel Duncan, published in 2022. Previously, she was head of special projects for TODAY and supervising health editor for NBC News Digital, and held various roles for The Associated Press, including East Coast lifestyle and entertainment editor. 

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10 Bilingual Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Reading with our kids is a great way to celebrate our unique Latino culture and language. It’s also a great opportunity to recognize the important contributions Hispanic-Americans have made to our country. Today I’ve rounded up some of my favorite bilingual picture books to help you and your little ones celebrate our Latino culture and history through fun and inspirational stories — from simple board books to biographies — that will also help your little ones learn our Spanish language. Read on!

Some of you may or may not know that I often review bilingual books for Common Sense Media — a trusted online resource for entertainment and technology recommendations for families, including children’s book recommendations. Below is a list of 10 great bilingual picture books I’ve recently had the great pleasure of reviewing. These are texts that I’ve carefully examined and read with my own kids. I highly recommend these to families looking for quality bilingual picture books to share with their kids. I think you’ll love these as much as we do!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP BILINGUAL BOOKS FROM MY AMAZON STORE!

Why Read in Spanish?

Raising bilingual kids isn’t easy! I know. Even as a bilingual educator myself, I struggle with this. I don’t always speak Spanish at home. Sometimes my kids resist the Spanish conversations. Often times it’s just easier for us to speak English to each other. Can you relate? But there is one thing that I always make sure to do with my kids — that’s read in Spanish. Be it a bilingual picture book, or a full on Spanish story book, reading is something we enjoy doing together. It’s a fun way to learn new vocabulary in Spanish, practice Spanish literacy, and just simply celebrate our Latino culture. Plus, I think you’ll all agree with me that reading with our kids is one of the best ways to build great parent-child relationships . Here’s a great list of bilingual picture books to celebrate Hispanic heritage and get your kids to read in Spanish!

Here are 10 Great Bilingual Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

One is a piñata: a book of numbers , by  roseanne greenfield thong  and illustrated by john para.

This lively picture picture book makes counting fun for little kids, with tons of Spanish words and a detailed glossary of Spanish vocabulary at the end of the book. This story helps kids discover a fiesta of numbers in the world around them. They learn to count from one to ten in two languages and pick up a wealth of Spanish vocabulary along the way. Includes rich illustrations and fun-to read rhyming texts that little ones will enjoy. For more details, read my complete book review here .

Our Celebración! , by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Ana Aranda

A festive rhyming book that weaves in Spanish words and features a large parade with fantastic floats, marching bands, fire engines, and more. The story is told mostly in English but kids will pick up many Spanish words along the way. A glossary can be found in the back of the book to help kids learn the 50 Spanish words they’ll encounter in the story — including a helpful pronunciation guide. It’s a festive story book about a community celebration and families will enjoy reading this one together. Learn more details about it by reading my full review of Our Celebración!

¡VAMOS! Let’s Go to the Market! , by author-illustrator Raúl the Third 

This beautifully illustrated picture book brings an old comic book feel and tells the story of a busy border town market. It immerses little readers in Latin culture and every page is filled with loads of details, colorful illustrations, plus a great collection of simple Spanish words and phrases for little kids to learn and practice. What’s nice is that when the main character, Little Lobo, speaks in Spanish, you’ll find the English translation at the bottom of each page. In addition, the helpful glossary at the back of the book translates all 98 Spanish words included in this book. It’s an engaging comic-book-like text that your kids will enjoy reading! Learn more about it by reading my review of ¡VAMOS! Let’s Go to the Market!

Tortillas are Round / Las tortillas son redondas , by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and illustrated by John Parra

This lively bilingual picture books draws kids into Latino culture as they learn about the world of shapes all around them. It includes colorful illustrations and fun-to-read rhyming texts that introduce kids to Spanish vocabulary. Each page also includes a Spanish translation of the full text. This is a great story for parents and kids to read together as they practice their Spanish language skills. Many of the objects featured in this picture book are Latino in origin, giving Mexican American families and Latinos in general a great opportunity to explore their native culture in a fun way. Read more of my thoughts on this fun bilingual picture book by checking out my full book review of Tortillas are Round / Las tortillas son redondas .

Te amo, sol – Te amo, luna/ I Love You, Sun – I Love You, Moon , by Karen Pandell and illustrated by  Tomie dePaola

This is a colorful little board book that’s perfect for the youngest of readers. It teaches Spanish and English words, as well as simple concepts that little ones will understand. It’s a simple story of kids exploring their surroundings and connecting what they see to Spanish and English vocabulary. Toddlers, especially, will enjoy reading this text as repetition makes it fun for them to read along and learn new Spanish and English words. It’s an adorable little board book and you can read more about it in my full review of Te amo, sol – Te amo, luna/ I Love You, Sun – I Love You, Moon

How Are You? / ¿Comó estás? , by author-illustrator  Angela Dominguez

This simple but attractive bilingual picture book tells the story of new friends and explores feelings expressed through language. Two endearing giraffes befriend an ostrich and despite their obvious differences, plus an apparent language barrier, the new friends are able to successfully communicate and express their emotions through words. It’s an easy to follow picture book that speaks the universal language of friendship but will teach young readers a bunch of new phrases in Spanish and/or English. It’s a fun read for kids and families and you can learn more about it in my full review of How Are You? / ¿Comó estás?

Señorita Mariposa , by Ben Gundersheimer and illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero

This fantastic bilingual books is filled with rhymes that tell about the extraordinary journey of a monarch butterfly. I personally love that this colorfully illustrated picture book introduces kids to the butterfly life cycle and explains their annual migration as a way to foster consciousness about the importance of protecting our planet. Kid-friendly fonts make it easy to follow the text on each page as little readers practice reading skills in two languages. An author’s note at the back of the book includes tons of facts about the life of monarch butterflies. A great story to share in two languages and you can learn more about it by reading my full review of Señorita Mariposa .

The Boy Who Touched the Stars / El Niño Que Alcanzó las Estrellas , by José M. Hernández and illustrated by Steven James Petruccio

What better way to celebrate our Hispanic history and culture than through an inspiring memoir told in two languages. This wonderful picture book tells the real story of José, a U.S.-born son of migrant farmworkers, who didn’t speak English until he was 12 but swore he’d realize his dream of becoming an astronaut. José faces many challenges throughout his life but goes on to achieve his ultimate dream of becoming an astronaut through his dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It’s a powerful story for kids and families to read together as it encourages young kids to pursue their own dreams.

I love that this book shares such an important message and gives Latino kids the opportunity to identify with important stories within our American history, most specifically the important contributions made by Latinos. The end of the book also provides brief bios in Spanish and English for both the author José M. Hernández and illustrator Steven James Petruccio. Learn more about this inspiring biographical story told in English and Spanish by reading my full review of The Boy Who Touched the Stars / El Niño Que Alcanzó las Estrellas .

My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders / Mis Zapatos y Yo: Cruzando Tres Fronteras , by René Colato LaÍnez and illustrated by Fabricio Vanden Broeck

This is poignant bilingual picture book inspired but the author’s own journey across three borders while traveling to the United States as a young boy. Each page is beautifully illustrated and brings to light the experiences of many young children and their families who travel from Central America to the United States in search of a better life. Considering recent outrage and nonstop news and social media coverage about conditions at the border, it’s been difficult knowing just how to talk to kids about immigration and news of family separation . This book can serve as a great conversation starter for families to talk about what it’s like for immigrant kids crossing the border into the United States. It’s also an excellent story to read with immigrant children who may relate to similar experiences, or for others who may be curious about what it’s like to cross the border into the U.S. This story beautifully illustrates some of the challenges that immigrant kids face as they journey across the border, why they leave home, and what they hope for when coming to a new country.

Short sentences, repetition, running metaphors, and sound effects make this and engaging story for kids to read in Spanish and English. After all, immigration is very much part of our Hispanic Heritage and we need our kids to understand that as we celebrate this month. To learn more about this timely story, check out my full review of My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders / Mis Zapatos y Yo: Cruzando Tres Fronteras

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln,  by Margarita Engle and illustrated by  Rafael López

Although not a bilingual picture book, this beautiful historical story is well worth a read. It tells an important and inspirational story of a little girl’s bravely, her musical talents, and her important contribution towards equality in the arts. It’s based on the true story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy whose family came to America from Venezuela during the Civil War. Teresa’s story is part of our Hispanic Heritage as she quickly became known as the “Piano Girl” here in the United States, playing enormous theaters alongside great orchestras, and eventually becoming a famous pianist who was later invited to the White House to play for Abraham Lincoln and his entire family.

This is a fantastic story to share with bilingual kids as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, especially for those young readers who may need a little inspiration or be uncertain of how their unique talents can have a great impact on others, especially as Latinos growing up in the United States. Read more about Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played for President Lincoln by reading my full book review on Common Sense Media .

My hope is that you will read and love each of the stories in these bilingual picture books to celebrate Hispanic heritage as much as we do! Reading in Spanish is not just a great way to celebrate our culture. It’s also a great way to continue building bilingual literacy, support your kids as they learn a new language , and also learn some important lessons from our Hispanic-American ancestors. Espero que los disfruten! Happy reading!

Don’t forget to “Pin” this handy list of bilingual picture books so you can reference it later!

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Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Books

Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at The New York Public Library and honor the cultures and contributions of people with ancestors from across the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain. From September 15 to October 15, explore our book lists for kids, featuring bilingual and monolingual titles in español and English. Plus, all month long, celebrate Latinx literature, experience, and storytelling with multilingual programs, resources, storytimes for kids, and more!

Representation matters. Whether it's in fictional stories using an author's own voice or acknowledging those who have made history, Hispanic heritage can be explored in many different ways. Below are some English-language picture book titles that celebrate the different cultures that make up a heritage that crosses seas, lands, and borders.

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by Lucky Díaz, illustrated by Micah Player

book | e-book

On a hot day, nothing is better than a refreshing paleta, but what happens when our narrator finds himself out of dinero?

Coquí in the City

by Nomar Perez

book | e-book | e-audiobook

In San Juan, Miguel brought his frog Coquí everywhere, from shops to dinners.But when his family tells him he has to leave him behind some things have to change.

Carmela Full of Wishes

by Matt De la Peña, illustrated by Chris Robinson

It’s her birthday and Carmela is finally old enough to run some errands with her older brother. On her path she comes across a dandelion that leads her to reflect.

by Lulu Delacre

Luci is a girl born without a shadow, her mamá says "no, one notices." But others do, follow Luci as she goes on a journey to stand up for herself and be brave.

A New Kind of Wild

by Zara González Hoang

Ren lived in a little white house surrounded by greens and his growing imagination. Until the day he didn’t, a story about moving, and seeing things in a different light with a little help from a friend.

Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla (ebook)

by Diana Lopez

Follow the true story of a beloved tejana singer that followed her dreams as a child to later become a music and design icon.

Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers

by Juliet Menéndez

book | e-book

Follow how 40 leading Latinas from all along the Americas and the Caribbean became the influential leaders that they are today.

7 Facts About Hispanic Heritage Month

How this annual celebration came to be—and how you can take part.

For more than 30 years, Americans have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 each year—though the country has officially recognized the importance of the Hispanic community’s many contributions to the cultural fabric of America going all the way back to the late 1960s. Here are some facts about how this annual celebration came to be, and how you can take part.

A celebration of Hispanic heritage was first formally recognized in 1968.

Hispanic heritage month was introduced by california congressman george e. brown., it was originally founded as hispanic heritage week., hispanic heritage month begins on september 15—a date that holds an important meaning., hispanic heritage month takes place over two months., many of the country’s most important cultural institutions and agencies, including the national park service, celebrate hispanic heritage month., the law library of congress has an entire website dedicated to hispanic heritage month..

The civil rights movement of the 1960s led to increased awareness of underrepresented groups in America, and in June 1968, the United States government began considering how to best formally recognize the contributions of the Hispanic community to America’s history and culture.

On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48 , which allowed President Lyndon B. Johnson to make a presidential proclamation to formally honor Hispanic heritage by marking September 15 and September 16 as the beginning of what was then known as National Hispanic Heritage Week.

Rep. George E. Brown of California was the person who originally introduced the idea of paying tribute to Hispanic heritage in June 1968. Brown represented East Los Angeles and a portion of the San Gabriel Valley, areas of the state with large Hispanic populations. Brown saw an opportunity to celebrate the culture and recognize its contributions to the United States.

While Johnson’s proclamation was a victory for the Hispanic community in terms of creating an annual celebration, initially it was just a single week, not a whole month, that was carved out for these events. Nearly 20 years later, in 1987, Esteban Torres—who represented California's 34th congressional district between 1983 and 1999—introduced H.R. 3182, a bill seeking to expand the festivities from one week to one month. Torres explained that he and his supporters “want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the country, a legacy that includes artists, writers, Olympic champions, and leaders in business, government, cinema, and science.”

Though Torres was unsuccessful in getting his own bill passed, its main purpose and sentiments were shared by Senator Paul Simon of Illinois, who submitted his own bill that would amend the original Public Law 90–468 to account for an extended celebration. Simon had more luck with his bill, which was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988.

In the early 19th century, rebellions broke out across Central America as more and more citizens openly opposed Spain’s centuries-old sovereignty over the region. Fortunately, it didn’t lead to an all-out war: Instead, respected leaders and other community representatives from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua convened in Guatemala City in 1821 to devise a plan. On September 15, they formally declared freedom from Spain in a document called the Act of Independence. Those five countries now celebrate September 15 as Independence Day.

Hispanic Heritage Month is unique in that it occurs in two different calendar months . It begins every year on September 15 and extends through October 15. Beyond the five countries that celebrate Independence Day on September 15, Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 16, and Chile’s falls on September 18. By lasting 30 days, the month encompasses these holidays as well as the Mexican celebration of Dia de la Raza on October 12.

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, you’re in luck. A wide range of cultural institutions host a variety of activities and events in honor of the occasion. You can participate in educational webinars held by the National Archives, attend events at the Smithsonian’s museums, and much more. The National Park Service shares ideas for honoring Hispanic Heritage Month in the outdoors and has a rich archive of stories about people and the places they influence.

If you’re interested in the political history of how Hispanic Heritage Month came to be, and how it has changed since its initial founding in 1968, the Law Library of Congress hosts a website that maintains copies of the various laws, proclamations, and other legal documents related to this annual celebration.

Discover More Fun Facts for Hispanic Heritage Month:

A version of this story ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2024.