5 Must Read Children’s Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
5 Must Read Children’s Books for Hispanic Heritage Month:
Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to share Latinx literature with your children.
Children’s books have become increasingly diverse over the last few years but many children still do not have access to enough written word that speak to their experience. Diverse books are extremely important for children to have access to. Our recommended books include titles that help youngsters explore the experiences and identities that help to shape their culture. After exploring our 5 must read picks you may be interested in exploring Multicultural Children’s Book Day.
We chose these titles because they promote reading, self esteem, friendship and are also super fun and engaging. So read on and celebrate both Hispanic culture and the creative Authors that are bring these stories to life.
Kid Congeniality’s 5 Must Read Picks:
Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star (Ages 3-7)
Written by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo & Pat Zietlow
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda.
Lupe Lopez is a celebrity in her school because she is the first kid in kindergarten to start a rock band. Now she’s entering first grade ready rock reading! But despite her best efforts, words when in sentences don’t make sense to her. Stuck in “Group A” with the kids who can’t read, she becomes the object of a bullies mockery. Will her beloved band, and her confidence, survive the sting of defeat? No spoilers here but let’s hope Lupe realizes that a true rock star is someone who never gives up.
Written and illustrated by Erika Meza
A little girl and her lion have a one-of-a-kind friendship in this vibrantly illustrated tale by Erika Meza. This story of overcoming fear and friendship is fun and inspiring.
This girl feels like she can do anything when she is with her big, bold companion. But one day the girl discovers that even lions sometimes get afraid. Can she summon the strength to be his lion when he needs her? Follow along as this child discovers her unexpected courage and self esteem. A fantastic quote from Carrie Fisher hooked me from the title page.
Alma and How She Got Her Name (Ages 4-8)
This book earned author Juana Martinez- Neal the 2019 Caldecott Honor. Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks she has too many names. But when she learns the origins of each of her six names, everything changes! Alma realizes that she will have a story to tell about her own name someday.
Dreamers (Ages 4-8)
Written by Yuyi Morales
This beautiful picture book is the memoir of a mother and child who discover many new things while navigating life in a new world. It’s a story about family and the gifts migrants bring along with them when they leave their homes. The book includes an autobiographical essay about the author’s journey from Mexico to Texas with her two month old son.
Elena Rides (Beginning Readers)
Written by: Juan Medina
Bonus Book:
Special Mention to a book that was published back in 2009. Justice Sotomayor went to my alma mater Cardinal Spellman HighSchool and we could not be prouder of her #everywherewego
Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx (Ages 4-8)
Written by Jonah Winter
Illustrated by Edel Rodriguez
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina Justice appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009. In this bilingual book, we learn about Sotomayor’s childhood in the Bronx. Her upbringing was filled with love yet humble. Through her determination, bravery and commitment to justice, she became the trailblazer we all know today.