7 Children's Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting award-winning author and illustrator, Yuyi Morales. Morales was born in Xalapa, Mexico, the city of flowers and springs. After migrating to the US in 1994, she struggled with English and loneliness in a culture foreign to her but found solace in public libraries, where she read children's books with her son and discovered a renewed interest in stories and art. She is now the author and illustrator of many books for children, including the New York Times bestseller Dreamers, Niño Wrestles the World, and she is a six-time winner of the Pura Belpre Medal for an outstanding work of literature for children that best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience. Her most recent books are Bright Star and Lucero.
Although Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th- October 15th, teaching your children about people of all different races and cultures is important year-round.
Dreamers
Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes and history. Great for kids ages 4 years and older.
There's also a Spanish-language edition, Soñadores, that's available as well.
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
Read the Pura-Belpre award-winning picture book about the story of civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez. Perfect for a slightly older audience, ages 6 years and older.
My Abuelita
My Abuelita is a sweet story of the relationship between a grandmother and her grandchild. A true celebration of family, imagination and the power of storytelling.
Sand Sister
A magical story about Paloma, a little girl who longs for a sister to play with. When she draws a girl in the sand that comes alive, she understands the joys of having a sibling. Great for parents looking to get their little one excited about a new baby on the way.
Floating on Mama's Song
A story of family, music and the importance of happiness. When Anita’s mom stops doing the thing she loves, singing, she works to find a way to bring her beautiful voice back.
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book
Using both Spanish and English words to get ready for the party, Grandma Beetle cleverly delays her trip and spends her birthday with a table full of grandchildren and her surprise guest. This spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture is the perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish to all young readers.
Los Gatos Black on Halloween
Under October’s luna, monsters of all kinds: las brujas, los muertos, and los esqueletos, are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. This fun bilingual Halloween poem introduces young readers to a spooky array of Spanish words that will open their ojos to the chilling delights of the season.
