A colorful book with blue headphones placed on it. Text overlay: Hispanic Heritage Month Book List

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the history and culture of Hispanic and Latino communities. We have compiled a selection of fiction and nonfiction books about the culture and many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We invite you to celebrate this occasion by immersing yourself in these stories, all available from the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library. 

Arrorro, Mi Nino: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games, BR017011, by Lulu Delacre

Fifteen traditional Latin American nursery rhymes and songs, some with finger-play activities, are presented in Spanish with English translations. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. Belpré Honor Book. 2004.

That girl on TV could be Me!: the Journey of a Latina News Anchor = Yo podría ser esa chica en la Tele!: el Camino de una Noticiera Latina, BR024370, by Leticia Ordaz

Growing up near Sacramento, CA, little Leticia dreams of being a TV newscaster. But no one on TV looks like her. This shy, small-town girl overcomes barriers, like her fear of public speaking, to become the first in her hardworking Mexican family to attend college. Then, starting as an intern, she climbs the ladder, travels to different cities, and reports on a rainbow of stories. PRINT/BRAILLE. For Preschool-grade 2. Spanish Language. 2024.

Nosotros means us: un cuento bilingüe = a bilingual story, BR024376, by Paloma Valdivia

As a mother holds her toddler, they muse over the way their love would translate if they were different animals. But no matter how they change, they will always be "us." This bilingual story is a timeless ode to the unshakable bond between parent and child. PRINT/BRAILLE. For Preschool-grade 2. Spanish Language. 2024.

Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children's Day, Book Day/Celebremos El Dia de los Ninos, El Dia de los Libros, BR019014, by Pat Mora

Children read books in all kinds of places, both indoors and out. Bilingual book in English and Spanish. PRINT/BRAILLE. For preschool-grade 2. 2009.

El Perro con sombrero: a bilingual doggy tale, BR024374, by Derek Taylor Kent

One day, the wind blows a sombrero onto Pepe's head, and people finally start noticing the lonely street dog. He enjoys his newfound fame, but still wishes he had a real family. But now, a jealous cat has a plan to steal Pepe's hat, and all that attention. PRINT/BRAILLE. For Preschool-grade 2. Spanish language. 2023.

Nadarín, DB035844, by Leo Lionni

After all Swimmy's brothers and sisters are swallowed by a tuna and he is left alone in the vast ocean, Swimmy soon discovers an ingenious way to protect himself. For grades K-3. Spanish language. 2017.

Jorge el curioso: (Curious George), DB052885, by H. A. Rey

Curious George is a mischievous monkey. When he goes to the city with the man in the yellow straw hat, Curious George has many adventures. For grades K-3. Spanish language. 1990.

Featherless/Desplumado: Story/Cuento (English/Spanish Bilingual Book), BR016017, by Juan Felipe Herrera

Spina bifida keeps Tomasito in a wheelchair, where he often feels like his featherless pet bird, Desplumado, who cannot fly. But with the bird's help, he finds freedom on the soccer field. Bilingual English/Spanish book. PRINT/BRAILLE. For grades K-3. 2004.

Cangura para todo, DB016174, by Gloria Fuertes

Imagine the surprise of a man and his wife when a kangaroo appears at their door looking for work. Included are the stories of Picassin, the abstract cat, the lame camel, the magic cat, the elephant who had no trunk, and the ostrich who laid an aluminum tractor egg. Spanish language. For grades K-3. 2016.

¡Solo pregunta!: Sé Diferente, Sé Valiente, Sé Tú, DB104863, by Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia and her friends plant a garden, and each one explains how they contribute in his or her own unique way. Commercial audiobook. For grades K-3. Spanish language. 2020.

A crazy mixed-up Spanglish day, DB057402, by Marisa Montes

In California, third-grader Maritza Gabriela Morales Mercado usually speaks Spanish at home and English at school, but she mixes them up when she is upset. Class bully Johnny Wiley teases her about that and about her name, calling her Maritza Pizza. Furious, Gabí comes up with a plan. For grades 3-6. 2003.

Gaby's Latin American kitchen, DB109985, by Gaby Melian

Have you ever tried empanadas? Made cheesy arepas for your family? Or shared homemade, sprinkle-covered chocolate brigadeiros with your friends? Travel the world of Latin America with 70 recipes developed and written by Gaby Melian--all kid-tested and kid-approved by America's Test Kitchen Kids' panel of over 15,000 at-home kid recipe testers. A Spanish glossary, fun personal stories, and a peek into Gaby's own kitchen make this book a delicious win for all young chefs and their families! For grades 4-7. 2023.

A Handful of Stars, BR020968 and DB082133, Cynthia Lord

When her blind dog, Lucky, slips his collar, twelve-year-old Lily meets Salma Santiago, a young Hispanic girl whose migrant family is in Maine for the blueberry-picking season. The two forge a friendship but are confronted with some of the hard truths of prejudice and migrant life. For grades 4-7. 2015.

Sammy Sosa, DB049004, and BR012432, by Carrie Muskat

Biography of the record-breaking baseball player from the Dominican Republic. Sammy Sosa was raised in poverty, but his athletic ability led him to his first professional sports contract at age sixteen. Sosa also became well known for his generosity in helping his family and homeland. For grades 5-8. 2000.

Latino Voices, DB046930, by Frances R. Aparicio

Hispanic Americans express their feelings about home, family, religion, work, and their identity in poems, short biographical pieces, and selections from novels. For junior and senior high readers. 2015.

We are not from here, DB099474, by Jenny Tores Sanchez

When the threats that lurk around every corner suddenly become all too real, three teens--Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña--cross from Guatemala through Mexico in search of a better life. Violence and strong language. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.

Early Latino Ballplayers in the United States: Major, Minor, and Negro Leagues, 1901-1949, BR017463, by Nick Wilson

Author uses archival materials and interviews to highlight the influence of foreign-born Hispanic players on American baseball teams before the major leagues were integrated by Jackie Robinson. Presents profiles of athletes such as José Méndez, Cristóbal Torriente, and Roberto Ortiz. For senior high and older readers. 2005.

Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States, DB078528, by Felipe Fernández-Armesto

History professor examines the Hispanic past of the United States, from Spain's colonization of Puerto Rico in 1505 to the twenty-first-century debate over immigration reform. Encourages the embrace of Hispanic culture and posits that doing so would be to the nation's advantage and enrichment. 2014.

American dirt, DB098146, by Jeanine Cummins

Lydia Quixano Pérez runs a bookstore in Acapulco. When her journalist husband writes an exposé about Javier, the head of the newest drug cartel in the city, her life changes forever. Lydia and her eight-year-old son flee for their lives, hoping to make it to the United States. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

Big chicas don’t cry, DB120811, by Annette Chavez Macias

Four cousins, who were exceptionally close as children, have grown apart and are struggling with their own issues. When tragedy reunites them, will they remember their Abuelita's lessons about family and forgiveness--or is a fifteen-year separation too much to overcome? 2024.

Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America, DBC10435, by Gustavo Arellano

The nationally syndicated columnist and bestselling author of ¡Ask a Mexican! presents a fascinating and tasty trip through the history and culture of Mexican food in this country, uncovering great stories and charting the cuisine's tremendous popularity in El Norte. 2012.

Inés of my soul, DB063696, by Isabel Allende

1580. Doña Inés Suárez chronicles for her daughter the life that made her one of Chile's heroes. She recounts her early years and marriage in Spain, arrival in Peru, and long affair with conquistador Pedro Valdivia, with whom she conquered Chile and founded Santiago. Some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2006.

Brownsville, BR015288 and DBC15014, by Oscar Casares

Nine short stories about poverty, resourcefulness, and the cultural chasm existing in the U.S.-Mexican border town of Brownsville, Texas. Characters confront an array of situations, contradictions, and solutions, from youth learning lessons about money and neighborhood disputes over barking dogs to finding meaning in a depressed world. 2003.

I Can Hear the Cowbells Ring, BR010636, by Lionel G. Garcia

Garcia, whose novels have earned him awards from Southwest and Texas organizations, recalls his childhood in a South Texas Mexican American community during the 1950s. With warmth and humor, he retells family stories he heard from his grandparents and their children. It reveals a town with very human, and often quirky, characters. 1997.

Loosing My Espanish, BR015901, by H.G. Carrillo

Black Cuban American Óscar Delossantos loses his longtime teaching job at a Jesuit school in Chicago. His last lecture to bored students consists of a rambling reminiscence about his family's flight to America, his struggles, and his mother's dementia. Some strong language. 2004.

Par de Reyes, DB022533, by Ricardo Garibay

Two brothers learn to be gunfighters to take revenge on the man who murdered their father. Strong language. Spanish language. 2017.

Hombres de maíz, DB024766, by Miguel Angel Asturias

A rich, colorful allegory by a Nobel Prize-winning author centers on the conflict between Indians and aggressive reformers in Guatemala. Some strong language. Spanish language. 2015.

La importancia de llamarse Daniel Santos fabulación, DB031907, by Luis Rafael Sánchez

The Puerto Rican author presents a fictional account of the life, career, and world of Daniel Santos, the famous Puerto Rican dancer. Santos serves as raw material for the author's creation of a vision of what it is to be Latin American. Strong language. Spanish language. 2017.

Viejo Que le ía novelas de amor, DB046990, by Luis Sepúlveda

In the remote Amazon jungle of Ecuador, Antonio Jose Bolivar Proana, now an old man with few teeth, reads romance novels. He seeks refuge between the pages of his paperbacks while cursing the gringos, politicians, and gold prospectors who have destroyed the colorful jungle of his homeland and corrupted his way of life. Strong language. Spanish language. 2017.

Nueva Narrativa Chicana, DB022516, by Oscar Urquídez Somoza

Ten short stories provide an insight into the Chicano experience, reflecting the history of the Chicano, the plight of the undocumented worker, and the more intellectual and abstract sufferings of being Chicano. Some strong language. Spanish language. 2017.