Let’s honor Latinx history and heritage by reading a diverse group of authors, and poets who have helped shape literature and culture. This week we are honoring the cultures and contributions of people with ancestors from across the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Spain.
Across the Bay by Carlos Apontes
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father.
Along the Tapajós by Fernando Vilela
When siblings Cauã and Inaê relocate from their riverside village to higher ground during the rainy season, they discover they have left their pet tortoise behind and sneak back on a nighttime journey to rescue him.
Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats by David Bowles, illustrated by Shane Clester
Cousins Malia, Ivan, and Dante are visiting their aunt Lucy for the summer. But on their way to Gulf City’s water park, they get lost on 13th Street. Only it’s not a street at all. It’s a strange world filled with dangerous beasts!
The Cot in the Living Room by Hilda Eunice Burgos, illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro
A young Dominican American girl in New York City moves from jealousy to empathy as her parents babysit children whose families work the overnight shift.
Danza! Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México
by Duncan Tonatiuh
Celebrates the life of the dancer and founder of el Ballet Folklórico de México as well as the cultural history of dance in Mexico.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
A picture book autobiography that traces the journey the author and her son made in 1994, when they immigrated from Mexico to the United States.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression.
From My Window by Otávio Júnior, illustrated by Vanina Starkoff
A boy describes the building, people, weather, games, and activities he can observe from his window in a favela, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. A vibrant and diverse celebration of urban community living, brought to life by unique, colorful illustrations that juxtapose brick buildings with lush jungle plants.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things.
Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
Lupe needs an A in all her classes to meet her favorite pitcher, Fu Li Hernandez, who’s Chinacan/Mexinese just like her. But, to her horror, they are doing square dancing in gym this semester.
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
When Mia’s Abuela comes to live with Mia and her family, she helps her learn English while Mia learns Spanish, both with the help of a parrot named Mango.
Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Puerto Rican-American performer, writer, rapper Lin-Manuel Miranda was launched to global superstardom when “Hamilton” hit the Broadway stage, but it was “In the Heights,” a musical about a Hispanic-American community in Washington Heights, New York, that earned him his first Tony. He has since gone on to win multiple Grammys, an Emmy, the Pulitzer Prize, and Oscar nomination for a variety of works. Miranda is also an outspoken advocate for Puerto Rican-American and Latinx rights.