These stories are kid-tested and perfect for getting back into the reading groove now that summer’s over
Whether you’re a parent looking for representative board books for babies, cool chapter books for your kids, or an ally seeking more diverse kids’ books, we have you covered. These Hispanic children’s books are a joy to read at any time of the year, and since September is Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to add some to your family bookshelf.
Board Books & Books for Babies and Toddlers
Be Bold, Baby: Sonia Sotomayor
$10
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This installment of the ‘Be Bold Baby’ kids’ book series will introduce little kids to Sonia Sotomayor. Celebrate pivotal moments in the career of the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in US history. Ages: Baby-3
La Vida de Selena
$7
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Singer/Songwriter Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers in the late 20th century. In this kid’s book, you little will learn about Selena’s contributions to the music and fashion industry, interspersed with fun facts about her everyday life. Ages: Baby-4
Hello Friend/Hola Amigo
$7.50
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Join Latin Grammy Award-winning 123 Andrés in this celebration of friendship. Based off of the hit song from the duo, this bilingual, diverse book will get little hands clapping along to the bouncy rhythms. Ages: 2-4
Pin Pon
$11
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Part of the Canticos Nursery Rhymes collection. Susie Jaramillo brings the classic Mexican nursery rhyme of Pin Pon to life in this sturdy book about manners and hygiene. Ages: Baby-5
Epic Picture Books
Growing an Artist
$10.50
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Juanito is excited for today: he gets to help Papi at his landscaping business! Not only does he learn the ins and outs of how physically demanding the job is, Juanito gets the opportunity to try his hand at design. A true story from John Parra, an award-winning artist whose father was a landscaper, this story gives an inside glimpse into the beauty of the career. Ages: 4-8
Strong Mama
$12
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Peloton instructor Robin Arzón celebrates the special bond forged through sweat during pregnancy in this picture book illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda. Together with abuela, abuelo and the rest of her family, Mama tells the story of nine months of hard work with her new baby. Ages: 4-8
Where Are You From?
$11
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In this award-winning diverse picture book, a girl and her Abuelo explore the answer to the deceptively simple question, ‘Where are you from?’ Parents will love the lyrical language and themes of self-acceptance. Children will be pulled into a vibrant imaginary world of hurricanes and tiny singing frogs. Ages: 4-8 years
Alma and How She Got Her Name
$13
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What’s in a name? For Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, her name is a gateway to family history. The warm images and lovable character provide a jumping-off point to discuss your children’s names and the names of those around them. Ages: 4-8 years
Julian Is a Mermaid
$10
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Julian’s life is forever changed on the day he sees the brilliant costumes and colorful hair of Coney Island Mermaid Parade participants riding home on the subway. This epic book for kids proves that anyone can be a mermaid. Ages: 4-8 years
Starring Carmen!
$9
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Every night Carmen puts on performances for her adoring family. Just one production has seventeen songs. Her parents find it exhausting, while her brother would like to be part of the show. Is the family stage really big enough for two? Carmen isn’t so sure. Ages: 5-7
Tia Isa Wants a Car
$7
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Tia Isla wants to take the whole family to the beach. In this tale of family love and reunification, Medina weaves an easy-going tale of a family working toward a long-range goal. Ages: 3-7 years
Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda and His Muse
$8.50
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A celebratory story inspired by poet Pablo Neruda’s poem “Ode to the Onion.” This kids’ book takes young readers through diverse emotions with the help of Matilde Urrutia (Neruda’s muse) and her garden. Ages: 4 – 8 years
Islandborn
$11
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Lola’s abuela tells her “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.” In this lyrical tale from Pulitzer Prize-winner Junot Díaz, Lola learns what it means to belong to a place even if “you left before you could start remembering.”
Ages: 5 – 8 years
I Know the River Loves Me (Yo Se Que El Rio Me Ama)
$12
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See the beauty in the world through the eyes of Maya, a person with a deep connection to a river and the ecosystem around it. A gentle story filled with love and respect for the environment. Ages: 5-8 years
Separate Is Never Equal
$12.50
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Seven years before Brown vs. Board of Education, the Mendez family sued the California school board for the right to send their children to the neighborhood school. Incorporating interviews with Sylvia Mendez and court documents, Tonatiuh tells the riveting tale of the family that helped end segregation in California schools. Ages: 6-9 years
Galapagos Girl
$4
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Discover the beauty of the Galapagos Islands through the eyes of Valentina. Inspired by the life of biologist Valentina Cruz, whose family was among the first to permanently inhabit the islands, this picture book lovingly depicts the plants and animals she has sworn to protect. Ages: 4-8 years
Chapter Books
Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez
$11
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Do you know who Roberto Alvarez is? In 1931 in Lemon Grove, California, this young man took up a case against his local school board as they attempted to segregate Mexican American students. In a much-earned victory, Roberto’s case is considered the first where an immigrant community used the court system to fight injustice. Ages: 7-10
Tumble
$17
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Addie Ramirez is a huge luchador fan and is more than surprised when a journey to find the father and family she’s never met brings her face to face with famous luche libres––who end up being her family! As he grapples with the offer of her stepfather to adopt her, Addie learns the true meaning of family and how to work through challenges together. Ages: 9-12
Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene
$11
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Sofía comes from a family of dancers, but she just doesn’t have the feet to become a professional like her parents. As a Cuban-American fifth grader, she’s learning to navigate her own worldview, understand who she wants to be in life and what it means to be an immigrant family. Emma Otheguy’s coming of age novel addresses racism and so much more that will keep young readers riveted. Ages: 9+
Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs
$15
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New from Disney Hyperion, this chapter book introduces readers to soon-to-be princess Solimar, a Mexican heroine on the brink of her Quinceañera and her official coronation. When she visits a nearby magical forest on the eve of her big day, she discovers she has the magical gift of foretelling the future, which proves to be a blessing and a curse. Written by Newbery Honor Medal winner Pam Muñoz Ryan. Available Now. Ages 8-12.
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa
$10
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An epic adventure-style book in the vein of Tristan Strong and Percy Jackson, this story weaves myths and magic of the Dominican Republic into a hero’s quest narrative. Written by Julian Randall, the book addresses a topic few history books cover: the Trujilo dictatorship of the Dominican Republic and the many people who were forced to flee their beloved country. Inspired by Julian Randall’s own family history, the novel is written from the point of view of Pilar, a 12-year-old girl whose own cousin went missing during the dictatorship. When Pilar attempts to learn her cousin’s fate, she is magically transported to Zafa: an island rich with beautiful creatures and sinister monsters, and the most feared of them all, El Cuco, the terrifying Dominican boogeyman. Pilar must face them all in order to rescue her cousin from the island’s prison. Kids will cheer for Pilar’s success and learn about the historical events that impact not only the history of the Dominican Republic, but also the history of the United States and the immigrant experience. Ages: 8-12.
What If a Fish
$18
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Eddie Aguado has never left Minnesota. With his father deceased and his mother unwilling to talk about him, young Eddie has a hard time feeling connected to his half-Colombian heritage. In this whimsical story about intergenerational family, Eddie discovers that building an identity is a bit more complicated than he thought. Ages: 8-12 years
The Moon Within
$8
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Celi Rivera’s mother wants her to have a moon ceremony when her first period arrives. Celi promises she will NOT participate. A sensitive, empowering exploration of what it means to teeter on the cusp of puberty by a diverse Latinx cast. Ages: 8-12 years
Red Umbrella
$9
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This is the story of 14-year-old Lucía Álvarez. Her parents, afraid of Fidel Castro’s revolution, send her to Nebraska, accompanied only by her little brother. Based on historical events, this chapter book touches on family and the true meaning of home. Ages: 8-12 years
Stef Soto, Taco Queen
$6
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More than anything else in the world, Stef Soto wants her father to get a normal job and quit working the family taco truck. But when circumstances threaten the family business, Stef discovers that being known as the Taco Queen isn’t so bad after all. An epic chapter book about identity and what’s truly important. Ages: 8-12
Gabby Garcia’s Ultimate Playbook
$18
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When baseball all-star Gabby Garcia moves to another school, it looks like her championship streak is headed for a strikeout. But Gabby has a play-by-play plan to save the day. What could possibly go wrong? A humorous chapter book filled with fun sports facts and a lot of heart. Ages:8-12
Red Panda and Moon Bear
$12
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Villains beware: RP and MB fight crime and look for adventure all before their parents get home from work. A graphic novel with siblings that love each other? Yes, please! Ages: 9-12
Merci Suarez Changes Gears
$8
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Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal. Sixth-grader Merci Suarez isn’t like the other kids in her private school in Florida. She’s a scholarship student. Instead of spending her weekends on a boat like the other kids, she performs community service to help pay for her free tuition. A sensitive coming of age chapter book that perfectly encapsulates the joy and uncertainty of the middle school years. Ages: 9-12
Running
$11
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When 15-year-old Mariana Ruiz’s father runs for president, the added media scrutiny of her Cuban-American family causes her to notice that he isn’t the man she thought he was. What do you do when you don’t agree with your parents’ political views, and the world is watching you? Ages: 12 & up
Sanctuary
$11.50
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By a co-founder of the Women’s March. 16-year-old Vali is an undocumented immigrant on the run in a near-future America where everybody is microchipped and tracked. Her goal: to reach the sanctuary state of California before it’s walled off from the rest of the country. Ages: 12 & up
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