12 Children’s Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 of each year. It is a great time to honor Hispanic culture and history with kids. Below are 12 informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within the Hispanic and Latin culture.  In this list, you will find everything from biographies to folktales, and there’s something for every age!

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

This book presents a beautiful story on a girl who wanted to play drums and had to go against cultural norms to do so. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongos but she had to keep quiet and practiced in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. This book integrates literature, art, history, civil rights, and music in one lesson. A great read for any family with young children.

Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History Naibe Reynoso

This book highlights 11 Latinas who excelled in their professions and made U.S. History by accomplishing something that hadn't been done before in various fields including medicine, science, sports, art and politics. It presents true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinas in rhyming verses. Young readers from Kindergarteners to elementary school kids will easily follow their journey to success.

Gracias • Thanks Pat Mora

In this adorable book, a young boy talks about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. The book’s vivid illustrations are full of details that appeal to children. It is a bilingual book simple for Kindergarteners to older children.

The Piñata That the Farm Maiden Hung Samantha R. Vamos

In this fun and stunningly illustrated storybook, a farm maiden prepares a piñata from scratch with help from a boy, horse, goose, cat, sheep, and farmer. This fun bilingual story makes learning the Spanish easy. Children as young as preschoolers will enjoy this book!

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes Juan Felipe Herrera

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics.  Gorgeous portraits complement each biography. This book comes with timelines and famous quotes, and is ideal for children 8 and older.

Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Tracey Kyle

Take a closer look at Hispanic culture with this fictional children’s book. The story follows Pepe, a Mexican-American child. Readers are brought into Pepe’s excitement as he dresses in native Mexican costumes and joins his friends at the Hispanic Day Parade. Vivid illustrations keep children engaged, and easy-to-learn Spanish words are mixed in to give children an introduction to the language.

Desert Song Laekan Zea Kemp

This beautilly written book will transport you to another place filled with soft music, slower pace, and nature's rhythms. The text is poetic, like a song, and the illustrations are gorgeous. This book is also about family and ancestors, and how they stay connected through time, not just to our loved ones but to our surroundings as we are one with nature. Children 4 and up will enjoy this book.

Esperanza Rising Pam Muñoz Ryan

This chapter book transports children back to the 1930s. Esperanza is the daughter of a wealthy Mexican landowner, but when he dies, her mother flees with her to California. The book uses poetic language to explore the challenges that faced Mexican-Americans during the Great Depression. Children will see how Esperanza overcame challenges and found the true source of happiness.

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

This book features 11 women from Latina America that have made an impact in science, sports, arts, and more. Each spread features a brief biography of the woman and a fun illustration. The text is written in both English and Spanish. The women who are featured show children how different background and life stories can all lead to success. We recommend reading this one with early elementary kids,

Adela's Mariachi Band Denise Vega

This adorable children’s story shares the love for Mexican music. It follows along with Adela and her family's Mariachi Band. 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, Adela knows that practice makes perfect, but can she find a way to be part of the band in the meantime? This read-aloud book is perfect for preschoolers and older children.

Abuela Arthur Dorros

Follow the heart-warming story of a young girl and her grandma, her abuela. The pair take a delightful journey while flying high above the streets of New York City. As the story is told, Spanish words and phrases are seamlessly added into the narrative. The book features detailed illustrations and a sense of adventure that will capture any child’s attention. It is a great book if you have preschoolers and kindergarteners at home!

Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México Duncan Tonatiuh

Jump into the life of dancer Amalia Hernández with this picture book and learn about another art form: dance! See what inspired Amalia to dance and the events that led her to create her own dance company, el Ballet Folklórico de México. Duncan Tonatiuh’s Mixtec-inspired illustrations in the book are full of detail and unique colors and patterns. It’s a beautiful celebration of Mexican arts and culture.

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