This booklist features titles written by and about members of various Hispanic communities. Stories of Hispanic experiences are significant because they allow children to see themselves in stories and know the people behind the words are similar to them. It means that not only is the story important, but also who tells that story.
Carmela Full of Wishes(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Del)
On her birthday, Carmela gets to go on a fun adventure with her big brother where she tries to figure out what the perfect wish is. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Paletero Man(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dia)
Paletas for one! Paletas for all! Come and get your ice pops on a hot day while seeing the beauty of kindness and a community that cares for each other. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Med)
Saying goodbye is hard, especially when it's to your best friend. Enjoy this book that celebrates the enduring power of friendship. Recommended for ages 4–7.
The Piñata That The Farm Maiden Hung(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Vam)
It may take a village to raise a child but it takes a whole farm to make and raise a piňata and you can come along for the adventure too. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Par)
A son gets to go to work with his dad and discovers the impact his dad has and how beauty, art, and nature can work together. Recommended for ages 4–8.
La Princesa and the Pea(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ely)
A Latino take on the story of a protective mother, a smitten prince, and a might-be-princess. Will true love prevail? Recommended for ages 4–8.
Julián Is A Mermaid(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Lov)
A celebration of being yourself unapologetically and finding beauty in the world, yourself, and others. Join Julián as he becomes a mermaid. Recommended for ages 4-8.
A Song of Frutas(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Eng)
Experience the bond between a young girl and her abuelo as they sing of the fruits he sells on the streets of Cuba. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Lola Out Loud(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Tor)
All it takes is one brave voice to lead the way and stand up for what is right! Follow along as Lola finds how to use her voice for good! Recommended for ages 4–8.
The Three Billy Goats Buenos(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ely)
A fun and bilingual twist on the classic story! Read along as the Three Billy Goats Buenos try to figure their way over the bridge while avoiding being eaten by the grumpy giante. Recommended for ages 4–8.
My Name Is Cool(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Sac)
As a kid with 10 names, Little Antonio is proud of each and every one. Join him as he goes to school for the first time and shares each one. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Where Are You From?(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Men)
There is deep power in knowing where you are from. One little girl asks the important question to her abuelo and gets an answer she wasn't quite expecting. Recommended for ages 4–8.
Our Celebración!(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ely)
It's time to celebrate! Dance through the street, listen to the music, and watch the parade go by as you soak up a lovely summer day and learn some Spanish while you are at it! Recommended for ages 4–8.
With Lots of Love(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Tor)
Experience the bond of a little girl named Rociol and her grandmother as she moves away. Even when we are homesick or far away from the people and places we care about, love finds a way to span the distance! Recommended for ages 4–8.
El Eclipse Total de Néstor López(Español Juvenil - ESPAÑOL J Cuevas)
Nestor Lopez discovers he has a secret ability to communicate with animals after moving to a new town with his mother and grandmother. When animals start mysteriously disappearing and his grandmother becomes the prime suspect, Nestor investigates and learns about a tule vieja—a witch who can absorb animal powers during a solar eclipse. With the next eclipse approaching, Nestor must use his extraordinary ability and help from new friends to catch the tule vieja and save his new community. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice(Juvenile Fiction - J Lapera)
Twelve-year-old Manuela “Mani” Semilla grapples with the challenges of adolescence while feeling caught between her Chinese-Filipino-American and Guatemalan identities. As she uncovers hidden letters from her late Tía Beatriz, Mani embarks on a journey of self-discovery that ignites her passion for activism against the harassment faced by girls at school. This poignant coming-of-age story explores the power of voice and heritage, encouraging young readers to embrace their identities and stand up for themselves and others. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
Frizzy(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Ortega Frizzy)
Marlene, a spirited Dominican girl, battles her greatest foe: the hair salon. As she endures the weekly ritual of straightening her curly locks to fit societal standards of "good hair," Marlene embarks on a heartfelt journey of self-acceptance, aided by her supportive Tía Ruby and best friend Camila. This vibrant graphic novel beautifully explores themes of identity and the power of embracing one's true self, frizz and all. Recommended for ages 8–12.
Mañanaland(Juvenile Fiction - J Ryan)
Young Maximiliano Córdoba embarks on a courageous quest to uncover the truth about his missing mother and the family legacy of guardianship. Guided by the enchanting tales of his Buelo, Max discovers an underground network that aids those fleeing danger, leading him to confront his fears and the reality of his own identity. This book is for you if you need some adventure, hope, and to be reminded that tomorrow holds the promise of new beginnings. Recommended for ages 7–12.
Isla to Island(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Castell Isla to Island)
Isla to Island follows the journey of a young girl named Isabel, who leaves her beloved home in Cuba to start anew in the United States in the late 50’s. As she navigates the challenges of displacement and cultural identity, Isabel discovers the strength of her roots and the warmth of community, ultimately learning that home is not just a place, but a feeling. Through stunning illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, Alexis Castellanos captures the resilience of the immigrant experience and the beauty of finding one's place in the world. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN 921 Martin Mar)
Come along on a hilarious and heartfelt road trip as Pedro journeys from California to Mexico with his large Mexican-American family to bring home his legendary grandfather, Abuelito. Through a series of misadventures and laugh-out-loud moments, Pedro navigates the chaos of family dynamics while uncovering rich stories of his heritage and the complexities of identity as a child of immigrants. This graphic memoir is a celebration of family, culture, and the bonds that connect us across generations. Recommended for ages 9 & up.
Iveliz Explains It All(Juvenile Fiction - J Arango)
Iveliz is a witty and insightful seventh-grader who is doing her best to navigate the complexities of middle school while grappling with her family's expectations and her own identity. As she tackles issues like friendship, cultural heritage, and her own mental health, Iveliz learns to embrace her voice and the power of self-expression. This novel in verse will resonate with anyone striving to find their place in a world filled with challenges and change. Recommended for ages 10–14.
My Brigadista Year(Juvenile Fiction - J Patterson)
Be transported to revolutionary Cuba in the 1960s through the eyes of a young girl named Lora. As she joins the Literacy Brigade, Lora embarks on a transformative journey to teach reading and writing to rural communities, confronting her fears and discovering her own strength along the way. This poignant coming-of-age tale beautifully intertwines personal growth with the spirit of social change, highlighting the power of education and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
The Last Cuentista(Juvenile Fiction - J Higuera)
Petra Peña embarks on a harrowing journey as Earth faces destruction from a comet, forcing her and a select group of people to seek refuge on a new planet. After awakening from stasis centuries later, Petra discovers she is the only one who remembers the rich stories of her past, including the cherished tales from her abuelita. While a totalitarian Collective seeks to erase all memories of humanity's history she must fight to preserve her heritage, share her cuentos, and navigate a world that threatens to forget its roots. Recommended for ages 10 & up.
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say(Juvenile Fiction - J Domingu)
Stella is shy and trying to navigate the challenges of friendship and self-expression as she enters a new school year. With her best friend in another class and a fear of speaking up, she struggles to find her voice, especially when a new boy captures her attention. This charming tale is filled with humor and heart, and celebrates the journey of embracing one’s identity while integrating simple Spanish vocabulary for a delightful bilingual experience. Recommended for ages 7–10.