Children's Book Suggestions | Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

A few recent favorites (and a couple of under-the-radar gems) for readers age 0-14. Bilingual books are noted in the recommendation and links to Spanish editions have been included whenever available.

Updated August 22, 2023
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Oregon City Public Library
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Alma and Her Family/Alma Y Su Familia
Martinez-Neal, Juana.
Paper Book
Meet Alma's family . . . in two languages! The beloved star of the Caldecott Honor Book Alma and How She Got Her Name appears in a series of joy-filled bilingual board books featuring words and simple phrases in English and Spanish. I play with my cousins. / Juego con...

A spin-off of the award-winning picture book Alma and How She Got Her Name (Bilingual Board Book Age 0-2)

The last cuentista
Higuera, Donna Barba
Paper Book
Winner of the John Newbery Medal Winner of the Pura Belpré Award From Pura Belpré Award winner and Newbery Medalist, Donna Barba Higuera--a brilliant journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us...
And now for some award-winning science fiction about the power of storytelling! (Young Teen Fiction Age 10-14)
Mexikid : a graphic memoir
Martin, Pedro
Paper Book
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER * An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico "One of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it."-...

And if you're more of a Sisters fan (because road trips!), Mexikid might be right up your alley. (Young Teen Graphic Novels Age 10-14)

La última cuentista
Higuera, Donna Barba
Paper Book
Winner of the John Newbery Medal Winner of the Pura Belpré Award From Pura Belpré Award winner and Newbery Medalist, Donna Barba Higuera--a brilliant journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us...
Gustavo, the shy ghost
Drago, Flavia Z.
Paper Book
A #1 New York Times bestseller! This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season -- or anytime. Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through...

If you enjoy Gustavo, be sure to try Leila the Perfect Witch and Vlad the Fabulous Vampire, too! (Picture Book Age 3-7)

El español es la lengua de mi familia
Genhart, Michael
Paper Book
An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish. As a boy prepares for his school's Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he...
Papá's magical water-jug clock
Trejo, Jesús
Paper Book
★Kirkus Reviews★Publishers Weekly★School Library Journal A 2024Pura Belpre Honor Award, American Library Association International Latino Book Award HonorableMention In Mexican American comedian Jesos Trejo's debut picture book, a...

A stand-up comedian tells a true story from his childhood about a time when he took something his dad said a little too literally. (Picture Book Age 4-8)

Gustavo : el fantasmita timido
Drago, Flavia Z.
Paper Book
This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season -- or anytime. Conoce a Gustavo. Él es un fantasma y como a cualquier ser paranormal le encanta hacer lo que le es normal: atravesar...
Twin cities
Pimienta, Jose
Paper Book
FOUR STARRED REVIEWS . A critically acclaimed graphic novel with rave reviews about this timely story featuring middle school twins living on the Mexico-US border and trying to discover exactly who they are - together or apart. "Transcendentally good."-Kirkus Reviews, starred...
Finding your place in middle school is hard. Doing it when your twin is attending school in another country is harder. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Age 10-14)
Federico and the wolf
Gomez, Rebecca J.
Paper Book
Clever Federico outsmarts el lobo in this fresh and funny Mexican-American take on Little Red Riding Hood. With his red hoodie on and his bicycle basket full of food, Federico is ready to visit Abuelo. But on the way, he meets a hungry wolf. And now his grandfather bears a striking...

A fun take on a classic with vibrant illustrations! (Picture Book Age 3-7)

La guitarrista
Diaz, Lucky
Paper Book
From the creators of Paletero Man--Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz and celebrated artist Micah Player--comes a story about a tenacious girl who achieves her wildest dreams with a little help from her community and a broken guitar....

For aspiring rock stars and fans of Paletero Man, one of our Summer Reading 2023 prize books. (Picture Book Age 4-8)

Papá's magical water-jug clock
Trejo, Jesús
Paper Book
★Kirkus Reviews★Publishers Weekly★School Library Journal A 2024Pura Belpre Honor Award, American Library Association International Latino Book Award HonorableMention In Mexican American comedian Jesos Trejo's debut picture book, a...
Ghost squad
Ortega, Claribel A.
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! Coco meets Stranger Things with a hint of Ghostbusters in this action-packed supernatural fantasy. For Lucely Luna, ghosts are more than just the family business. Shortly before Halloween, Lucely...

Get ready for spooky season with this Afro-Latine ghost story set in St. Petersburg, FL! (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

Barefoot dreams of Petra Luna
Dobbs, Alda P.
Paper Book
2022 Pura Belpré Honor Book NYPL Best Book of 2021 Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection NPR Best Book of 2021 Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican...

The combination of Mexican history and desert survival story will hook fans of I Survived. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)

A crown for Corina
Kemp, Laekan Zea
Paper Book
A charming story about a girl who learns a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown, from two Pura Belpré award-winning creators. Today is Corina's birthday, and she's excited to wear the biggest crown with the most...

Insight into a beautiful tradition! Consider pairing this with a Frida Kahlo biography to learn more about the traditions behind the artist's colorful flower crowns. (Picture Book Age 4-8)

El Cucuy is scared, too!
Higuera, Donna Barba
Paper Book
A boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that's rooted in Mexican folklore Ramón is a little boy who can't sleep. He is nervous for his first day at a new school. And El Cucuy is the monster who lives in Ramón's cactus pot. He...

In addition to being a Newbery-winning novelist, Donna Barba Higuera writes charming picture books for younger readers as well! (Picture Book Age 4-8)

Gato guapo
Denise, Anika
Paper Book
Laugh and count along with this lively cumulative romp told in a lyrical blend of Spanish and English by Pura Belpré Honor-winning author Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrator Zara Gonzalez Hoang! Nine kittens follow Gato Guapo around, but when it's time to count them, one by one, they...

A delightful bilingual book about a handsome cat and his gatitos that seamlessly switches between Spanish and English. (Picture Book Age 3-7)

Reina Ramos works it out!
Otheguy, Emma
Paper Book
"A sparkling tale starring a resilient young protagonist" --Kirkus (starred review) Reina Ramos Works It Out is a Level Two I Can Read story about Reina Ramos, a loyal friend whose high-spirited antics sometimes cause chaos, but who always finds a way to make things right....

A fun series for beginning readers (Easy Reader Level 3, Age 5-8)

Spanish is the language of my family
Genhart, Michael
Paper Book
An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish. As a boy prepares for his school's Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he...
A Spanish spelling bee story inspired by the author's mother's childhood experiences of not being allowed to speak Spanish at school. (Picture Book Age 4-8)
Reina Ramos encuentra la solucion
Otheguy, Emma
Paper Book
This popular Level Two beginning reader title about Reina Ramos dressing up for wax museum day at school is now available in Spanish translation. This Spanish-language book can be enjoyed by fluent Spanish speakers as well as those learning the language, whether at home or in a classroom. ...
Team up
Raúl the Third
Paper Book
"Fantastically fun! Kids will drink in every imaginative detail in El Toro's wild world!" --Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series From New York Times bestselling, three-time Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Raúl...

Great for fans of Elephant & Piggie and luchadores by the inimitable Raúl the Third! His Little Lobo series of picture books are also worth checking out. (Easy Reader Level 2 Age 5-8)

Dia de Muertos: Numeros : A Day of the Dead Counting Book
Tonatiuh, Duncan.
Paper Book
From award-winning and beloved author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes this celebratory bilingual picture book centering on a Día de Muertos ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar), constructed annually to honor the memory and welcome the spirit of a loved one. The book uses a counting structure, from one...

Duncan Tonatiuh's illustrations inspired by pre-Columbian Mixtec art are one-of-a-kind! He has so many good books that it was hard to choose just one for this list. (Picture Book Age 3-7)

Twins vs. triplets : back-to-school blitz
Torres, Jennifer
Paper Book
David Suárez gets stuck in the middle of a prank war when the neighborhood twins and triplets compete to rule the school. This is the first book of this hilarious, highly illustrated early chapter book series. David can't wait to go back to school and get far away...

While Oregonians are more familiar with her books for older readers, like this year's OBOB pick Flor and Miranda Steal the Show, this early chapter book series is great for kids just moving into longer stories. (Bridging Fiction Grades 2-4)

Sal & Gabi break the universe
Hernandez, Carlos Alberto Pablo
Paper Book
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence by Carlos Hernandez, winner of the 2020 Pura Belpré Award. "I love this book in every possible universe! With a surprise on every page and two of the most cosmically awesome, vividly unique...

Great for fans of Doctor Who and the Marvel multiverse! Be sure to check out some other Rick Riordan Presents series, including Paola Santiago and the River of Tears and The Storm Runner (Young Teen Fiction Age 10-14)

Nuestra América : 30 inspiring latinas/latinos who have shaped the United States
Vourvoulias, Sabrina
Paper Book
As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent...

A great introduction to an amazing array of people. If you discover someone you want to learn more about, try a full-length biography, too! (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-12)

Ugly Cat & Pablo
Quintero, Isabel
Paper Book
From the 2015 winner of the ALA William C. Morris Award comes a humorous chapter book series about a not-so-attractive cat and his well-dressed mouse friend.Ugly Cat is dying for a paleta, or ice pop, and his friend Pablo is determined to help him get one by scaring a little girl who is enjoying a...

A charming early chapter book (and sequel!) from the author of the amazing My Papi Has a Motorcycle. (Bridging Fiction Grades 2-4)

Falling short
Cisneros, Ernesto
Paper Book
Ernesto Cisneros, Pura Belpré Award-winning author of Efrén Divided, is back with a hilarious and heartfelt novel about two best friends who must rely on each other in unexpected ways. A great next pick for readers who loved Ghost by Jason Reynolds or The First Rule of Punk by Celia...
A great middle school sports story by an author some of you may have discovered when he did a virtual author visit for the Oregon City School District in 2021. (Young Teen Fiction Age 10-14)
Nuestra America : 30 Latinas/Latinos inspiradores que han forjado la historia de los Estados Unidos
Vourvoulias, Sabrina
Paper Book
As the topic of immigration continues to dominate headlines, it becomes more important to educate young readers on the history of other cultures, specifically the incredible contributions made by Latinos in America. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will open a permanent...
Feu?cho y Pablo
Quintero, Isabel
Paper Book
From the 2015 winner of the ALA William C. Morris Award comes a humorous chapter book series about a not-so-attractive cat and his well-dressed mouse friend.Ugly Cat is dying for a paleta, or ice pop, and his friend Pablo is determined to help him get one by scaring a little girl who is enjoying a...
Red Panda & Moon Bear
Rosello?, Jarod
Paper Book
Two Latinx kids battle supernatural threats to their working-class neighborhood with the power of science, magic, and a pair of very special hoodies. Red Panda and Moon Bear are the defenders of their community! Together, these brave siblings rescue lost cats, scold bullies, and...

Real world superhero siblings fightin' monsters and stuff in their Miami neighborhood! (Children's Graphic Novel Grades 3-5)

Miss Quinces
Fajardo, Kat
Paper Book
Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural tradition. Sue just wants to spend the summer reading and...
To quince or not to quince? A great choice for middle school age fans of Raina Telgemeier. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Age 10-14).
Srta. Quinces
Fajardo, Kat
Paper Book
Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! Sue solo quiere pasar el verano leyendo y haciendo cómics en el campamento con sus amigos, pero en lugar de eso se embarca con sus padres y sus dos hermanas...
Book of questions : selections = Libro de las preguntas : selecciones
Neruda, Pablo
Paper Book
A New York Times Best Children's Book of 2022 A Marginalian (fka Brain Pickings) Favorite Book of 2022 A New York Times Bestseller!A USBBY Outstanding International Book of 2023 A 2023 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing...

An illustrated version of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's poem, "Book of Questions" in both Spanish and English. (Children's Nonfiction Age 5-12)

The tree of hope : the miraculous rescue of Puerto Rico's beloved banyan
Orenstein-Cardona, Anna
Paper Book
The true story of a beloved banyan tree and a community that fought to save it in the wake of Hurricane Maria. On the tropical island of Puerto Rico, there was an ancient banyan tree. His enormous twisted trunk rose up beside the San Juan Gate. Long roots hung from his wide...
If a hurricane knocks you over, may you have friends who help you pick yourself up again. (Children's Nonfiction Age 4-8)
Whiskers, tails, and wings : animal folktales from Mexico
Goldman, Judy
Paper Book
Judy Goldman retells animal folktales from five indigenous groups in Mexico--the Tarahumara, Seri, Huichol, Triqui, and Tseltal. Each story is followed by information about the featured culture, enriching readers' understanding of the diverse peoples who make up Mexico. Fabricio...

A great introduction to some of Mexico's most enchanting folklore traditions. (Children's Nonfiction Age 8-11)

Chunky
Mercado, Yehudi
Paper Book
In this full-color middle grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working class Mexican...

A super funny memoir about trying to figure out what you're good at when sports just aren't your thing. (Young Teen Graphic Novel Age 10-14_

Stella Diaz has something to say
Dominguez, Angela
Paper Book
In her first middle-grade novel, award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez tells a heartwarming story based on her own experiences growing up Mexican-American. Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a...
A gentle elementary school story with Amber Brown vibes. Be sure to check out Angela Dominguez's picture books, too! (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)
Cuba in my pocket
Cuevas, Adrianna
Paper Book
From Pura Belpré Honoree Adrianna Cuevas is a sweeping, emotional middle grade historical novel about a twelve-year-old boy who leaves his family in Cuba to immigrate to the U.S. by himself, based on the author's family history. "I don't remember. Tell me everything,...

A kid's-eye view of a significant time in Cuba's history. (Children's Fiction Grades 3-5)


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