Celebrating Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month with New Picture Book Releases
Every year, we celebrate Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month in September and October. HHM/LHM celebrates the history, cultures, and contributions of immigrants or people with ancestors from Spanish-speaking countries. It also celebrates the independence of several Latin American countries.
This collection of books by Hispanic/Latine creators includes all types of topics and themes for every kid! We know that celebrating culture through storytelling is the best way to help our children feel seen and open their hearts and minds to other lived experiences.
Which books are you hoping to add to your collection?
You can shop for and donate all of these incredible books on Bookshop.
Tío Ricky Doesn't Speak English / Tío Ricky no habla inglés
Author: Maritere R. Bellas | Illustrator: Jayri Gomez | Publisher: 'Lil Libros
Meet Enrique, a bilingual boy who finds speaking Spanish a chore…until he discovers it’s the superpower he needs to save his uncle―and the day!
Knock, knock! Tío Ricky is in town and he needs his nephew Enrique’s help! He doesn’t speak any English, so his nephew has to translate for him at the store, the post office, and the bank. But speaking Spanish feels like such a chore...until Enrique finds himself in a situation where his bilingual skills become life-saving. Enrique soon discovers that speaking two languages isn’t just helpful―it’s powerful, and it can strengthen family ties in ways he never imagined. It’s a heartwarming story in English and Spanish that shows you don’t need a superhero cape to be a hero! Parents will adore this bilingual English-Spanish hardcover as it spotlights a nephew-uncle relationship in which language barriers know no boundaries. As well, this book showcases the genuine importance of speaking two languages, encouraging bilingualism in our future generations, and the power behind translation, especially between multigenerational individuals.
Popo the Xolo
Author: Maritere R. Bellas | Illustrator: Jayri Gomez | Publisher: 'Lil Libros
An emotionally resonant, visually stirring picture book illustrated by Pura Belpré Award–winning Abraham Matias, exploring life, death, and celebrating loved ones for children navigating grief.
Inspired by the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play by guiding those who have passed on in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.
A House in My Barrio
Author: Paola Santos | Illustrator: Olivia Sua | Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Mamá Elena always knows just what to do when someone needs help. Whether it’s by cooking a delicious meal or simply by lending an ear, she keeps her community together. And because of her warmth, her home is young Manuel’s favorite.
But when Mamá Elena suffers a fall that leaves her bedridden, the barrio changes overnight. Missing Mamá Elena and her house, Manuel is determined to help lift her spirits. In a selfless act of organizing, he gathers his neighborhood so they can give back all the love and support Mamá Elena has shown them.
Mi Escuela is My School
Author: Laurenne Sala | Illustrator: Zara Gonzalez Hoang | Publisher: Candlewick
Meet under el gran árbol, where children rush to be first in line and say “buenos días” to all their teachers. File into the salón de clases, where the students sit at a big table to make cards and crafts. Follow the class to la biblioteca, where one child wishes she could spend a night in the cozy chairs, breathing in the magic of books, books, books! Whether it’s banging the bongos in la clase de música or shouting with joy en el recreo, enjoying lunch at la mesa del almuerzo or wielding paintbrushes in la clase de arte, a day en la escuela leaves kids tired and happy—and looking forward to another one mañana.
My Sister's Quinceañera
Author: Delia Ruiz | Illustrator: Elisa Chavarri | Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
A little girl feels left out at her sister’s quinceañera, until she realizes the joy of celebrating her big sister—and that she'll get to have her own quinceañera one day! With Spanish woven throughout and back matter created by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, this heartfelt, bilingual picture book is a tribute to family and tradition.
In Case of Las Moscas
Author: Jackie Morera | Illustrator: Mariana Ruiz Johnson | Publisher: Make Me a World
A tiny misunderstanding snowballs into a wild adventure in this playful picture book that pokes gentle fun at what's lost in translation between Spanish and English.
When Diego hears Abuela preparing “por si las moscas," in case of the flies, alarm bells go off in his mind and he preps his schoolmates for an epic attack of winged insects. Except. . . some phrases don't translate literally.
What follows is a zany adventure filled with tactical meetings at recess, combat training in gym class, and keeping watch from the highest point of the playground, with illustrations that incorporate English and Spanish, and enough silliness for readers to enjoy in whatever language they speak.
Menudo Sunday
Author: Maria Dolores Aguila | Illustrator: Erika Meza | Publisher: Dial Books
Sundays are the best: that’s when a little girl and her mamá, abuelitos, tías and primos all gather together to eat yummy menudo, a traditional Mexican soup. But when playtime with the cousins and family dogs gets out of hand and Abuelito Esteban’s special bowl of menudo breaks, everyone has to pitch in to make a new batch! Through all the menudo mishaps and sneaky snacks for perritos with wagging tails, young readers will giggle as they learn to count from 1-15 in Spanish and English. Bonus materials at the back of the book include a glossary of Spanish words, a note from the author, and tips for hosting your very own Menudo Sunday!
Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers
Author: Steena Hernandez | Illustrator: Melissa Castillo | Publisher: Beaming Books
Lupita's big ballet recital is approaching. The music is perfect. Her ballet moves are strong. But her peachy pink ballet slippers don't match her skin tone. Lupita searches for the right pair only to discover it will take hard work--and messy measures--in order for her shoes to dance with her.
Inspired by the author's own experiences as a Latina dancer, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers is a charming story filled with determination. The final few spreads teach readers about the history of ballet slippers as well as the crucial changes the industry has seen for dancers of all races and ethnicities.
Finding My Wave
Author: Alexandra Katona | Illustrator: Sara Palacios | Publisher: Beaming Books
One early morning, Mia and her abuela head to the ocean to surf. But Mia's tummy is churning wildly. Will she finally be able to make it past the whitewash? The way the waves are crashing makes her feel very small, and she admits to her grandmother that she's afraid. "It's OK to be scared, mi amor," her abuelita says. "Become friends with your fears and they turn into courage."
And so, with Lita's guidance and a newfound bravery, Mia is finally able to pop to her feet on the board. "¡Wepa!" her abuela cheers as Mia glides through the water, her heart leaping out of her chest. It's unlike anything in the world, and now she's ready to find the next wave and the next.
Lowrider for Sale
Author: Laura De La Cruz | Illustrator: Vanessa Morales | Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Gabi knows that Papi’s lowrider, Pico Nights, is more than a car. It’s a family scrapbook on wheels—a treasure trove of memories for her, Papi, and Abuelo Chucho. It chauffeured Gabi’s cousin to her quinceañera, rolled through years of Fourth of July parades, and was detailed most Saturday mornings by Gabi, Papi, and Abuelo.
So when Papi places a FOR SALE! sign on Pico Nights, Gabi tries everything she can to save their beloved car.
While Gabi offers her own money, organizes a community fundraiser, and even enters Pico Nights in a car show to try and combat the inevitable, she comes to realize that even though their time with Pico Nights may not last forever, the memories they’ve made in it will.
When Papi Says I Love You
Author: Delia Ruiz | Illustrator: Carlos Velez Aguilera | Publisher: Charlesbridge
When Papi, who is always busy working at el rancho, asks Maricruz to jump in the truck with him to go get groceries for Mami, she grabs the list and sprints! During the drive, they wave to the people in their community and enjoy each other's company. But when they make a turn down a particularly bumpy road, they lose their grocery list. Fortunately, an unexpected friend shows up to save the day!
Inspired by the author’s own truck rides with her father through a ranch in Mexico, Ways Papi Says I Love You connects the love languages between a father and daughter and shows the many ways love can be expressed and received.
Written and illustrated by a Latine duo, Ways Papi Says I Love You is available in English and in Spanish.
