13 Must Have Children’s Books by Latinx Authors

September 15th through October 15th is Latinx Heritage Month. In celebration here are some of our must have favorites.

1. Calling the Doves: El canto de las palomas by Juan Felipe Herrera is a beautiful poetic story of a boy sharing his memories of growing up on various campesinos with his farmworker parents. The illustrations are also beautiful. A book which can be read in English or Spanish.

2. I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story by Janice Levy very much reminds me of my dear abuelo and it has been a joy to read this story to our little one. It is a warm and heart-felt story of a girl mourning the recent passing of her abuelo. Follow the young girl along as she prepares for her abuelo's spirit to find his way back home and celebrate him during the beautiful celebration of Día de los Muertos with her family. A book which can be read in English or Spanish.

3. Playing El juego de la Lotería by René Colato Laínez is a story of a boy who stays with his grandmother over a summer to learn Spanish. An evolving sweet bond develops with his non-English speaking abuela and the game of Lotería. A book which can be read in English or Spanish.

4. Bean Soup by Jorge Argueta is a poetic story to be loved by anyone who can relate to the nostalgia of having a warm pot of frijoles cooking at home. From start to finish, follow the young boy as he shares his recipe for making a pot of beans for his family. A book that can be read in English or Spanish.

5. Book Fiesta Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day by Rafael López is a sweet book to gift to any child who loves to read on El día de los Niños. A story of two children sharing how they celebrate their love for reading - everywhere.

6. Arroz Con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America is a book that can be read in English or Spanish. The beloved rhymes and songs are from: Puerto Rico, México, and Argentina.

7. Bright Star by Yuri Morales is a Spanglish poetic story to children. "I made this book because I want you to know that no matter where you are, where you've come from, or where you are going, you should always be honored, respected, cared for, and loved." - Yuri Morales

8. Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal is a sweet and beautiful story of a young girl who learns from her father why her name became so long and how it was she was proudly named.

9. Ten Little Fingers: Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America is a fun book for children in learning finger rhymes and the movements to songs in both English and Spanish.

10. Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina is a sweet Spanglish story of Mia, a parrot and her abuela who comes to live with her.

11. Abuela by Arthur Dorros is a Spanglish story of a young girl on an adventure with her adoring abuela.

12. Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto is a story for anyone to appreciate who understands the nostalgia of both making and enjoying tamales during the holidays. Follow through this funny story of Maria and her cousins as they search for a lost ring.

13. Dreamers is another poetic and beautifully illustrated book by Yuri Morales. Follow the mother and her infant son from his birth, becoming immigrants to discovering their strengths in spending quality time together at a library.

Happy Latinx Heritage Month from our family to yours!

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