4 Children's Books to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month
Sep 22, 2023 by The Editors of Fabled Films Press
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 and one way to celebrate is to read books written by Hispanic-identifying authors. To get you started, we've put together a list of books we recommend for various age ranges that teach kids the importance of language, culture, identity, and belonging.
I'm Hungry! / ¡Tengo hambre! by Angela Dominguez
Born in Mexico and a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree, Angela Dominguez has created a cute bilingual picture book that's sweet enough to eat! Following a chatty bluebird and an indecisive T. Rex, who can't decide what his next meal should be, this book introduces readers to basic Spanish and English food vocabulary. (Ages 2-4)
Do I Belong Here?/ ¿Es este mi lugar? by René Colato Laínez
Award-winning children's book author and Salvadoran immigrant René Colato Laínez has teamed up again with Mexican illustrator Fabricio Vanden Broeck to explore the experiences of newcomers in schools and affirm that yes, they do belong! With beautiful acrylic-on-wood illustrations depicting children at school, René's bilingual kids' book follows a Salvadoran immigrant which tells an important story that will resonate with all kids who want nothing more than to belong. (Ages 4-8) Merci Suárez Can't Dance by Meg Medina
Currently the Young Ambassador for Young People's Literature and of Cuban descent, Meg Medina is back with a sequel to her Newery Medal-winning novel series Merci Suárez. This book follows Merci as she tackles seventh grade and the trials of friendship and family. The Suárez family is back in a touching, funny story about growing up and discovering love's many forms, including how we learn to love not only others but ourselves as well. (Ages 9-12)
¡Ay, Mija! by Christine Suggs
In this bilingual, inventive, and heartfelt debut, graphic novel talent Christine Suggs explores a trip they took to Mexico to visit family, embracing and rebelling against their heritage and finding a sense of belonging. By exploring the impact of colonialism on both Mexico and themselves, they find their place in their family while starting to feel comfortable with their mixed identity of being half-Mexican and queer. (Ages 12 and up)