Oct 01, 2024 by The Editors of Fabled Films Press

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by getting to know some of our favorite children’s books by Hispanic-identifying authors for every age group. These incredible reads use and embrace a wide range of cultural traditions and nuanced language to shape their stories for kids. 

I’ll Be the Moon by Phillip D. Cortez (illustrated by Mafs Rodríguez Alpide)
I’ll Be the Moon, a 2024 finalist for the International Latino Book Award for Most Inspirational Children’s Picture Book, follows an immigrant child’s journey crossing the border in the hopes of reuniting with her father. This heartwarming story filled with the vivid colors of the Southwest is available in English and Spanish. (Ages 4-8)

Sí, Se Puede by Julio Anta (Illustrated by Yasmín Flores Montañez)
This graphic novel shines a light on Latino heroes throughout history. Follow a group of Hispanic-American students as they learn about influential rebels, artists, and activists. These include César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and more. (Ages 12+)

Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice by Anna Lapera
Join twelve-year-old Chinese-Filipino-American-Guatemalan Mani Semilla as she uncovers family secrets through hidden letters she finds in her attic. As she discovers why her family really left Guatemala, she learns more about herself along the way. Named one of the Most Anticipated Middle Grade Reads of 2024 by School Library Journal, this coming-of-age story is full of heart. (Ages 10-14)

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza 
A National Book Award Longlist Selection, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky is about Brett, a young boy who feels like he’s losing control of his life. When Brett’s journal gets posted online for everyone to see, he must rely on the people close to him as he finds the courage to face his reality. (Ages 14-18)


PICKS FROM 2023

Ten Little Birds / Diez Pajaritos by 123 Andrés, illustrated by Sara Palacios

Join Andrés Salguero, member of the Latin Grammy Award-winning children’s musical duo 123 Andrés, in this charming bilingual book! Based on the song of the same name, this book brings the lyrics of 123 Andrés to life. Readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations by Sara Palacios (recipient of the Pura Belpré Illustration Honor) and delight at each little bird’s fun and distinct personality. Great for bilingual read-alouds! (Ages 1–3)


They Call Me Güero by David Bowles

Author David Bowles uses his experience as a teacher to create a relatable middle-grade novel about a boy living near the Mexico–US border who writes poetry to grapple with his cultural identity. In the book, people call him Güero because of his red hair, pale skin, and freckles, but beneath the surface, he’s a reader, gamer, and musician. As Güero faces the start of seventh grade, he’ll rely on his heart and smarts—and of course, his poetry! This incredible book has won multiple awards including the 2019 Walter Dean Myers Honor Book for Outstanding Children’s Literature; the 2019 Pura Belpré Honor Book; the 2019 Claudia Lewis Award for Excellence in Poetry; and the 2019 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award. Available in English and Spanish. (Ages 9–12) 

The Moon Within by Aida Salazar

Debut author Aida Salazar tells a story of friendship, family, and growing up in this refreshing middle-grade novel. Meet Celi Rivera, whose life “swirls with questions” as she comes of age, especially when her mother insists on throwing her an ancestral Mexican ritual—a moon ceremony—when Celi gets her first period. Celi must navigate these questions—about her changing body, her first crush on a boy, and her friend’s exploration of gender fluidity—and find the courage to be who she wants to be. Available in English and Spanish. (Ages 9–12) 

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

This critically acclaimed YA novel by Elizabeth Acevedo follows sisters Camino Ross, who lives in the Dominican Republic, and Yahairo Ross, who resides in New York City—both unaware of the other’s existence. When the sisters learn that their father has died tragically in a plane crash, they must face their brutal new reality and confront the family secrets their Papi left behind. 
This book is also available as an audiobook, narrated by the author, who is the Young People’s Poet Laureate for 2022–2024 and an incredible performer. It’s also available in Spanish. (Ages 14–17)

PICKS FROM 2022

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. Available in English and Spanish.  (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) 

 

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