In the late 1960’s, a California congressman proposed a celebration to acknowledge and celebrate those in the Hispanic communities in California, and what they contributed to American history and culture. His initial proposal has since expanded to a 31-day national observance, starting on the day many Latin American countries declared independence from Spain and other European countries, September 15, and ending October 15.
During Hispanic American Heritage Month, we celebrate Hispanic Americans and the contributions they have made to America. This growing population, representing more than twenty different countries, has influenced all aspects of culture, including food and music and holidays, with members involved in all facets of society, including the Supreme Court.
This year’s theme is Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future. Join us in celebration by enjoying some of the books presented below:
Camila the stage star (Camila la estrella del scenario), DB125793 (DB125566 en Espanol), by Alicia Salazar
When Camila tries out for a play, she practices hard to get ready for auditions. So, she's extra disappointed when she doesn't get the starring
role. But as she learns her part and works with the rest of the cast, Camila discovers there is more than one way to be a star. Preschool-Grade 2. 2024
With lots of love, BR024709, by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Rocio and her family move from Central America to the United States, leaving behind their extended family and many happy memories, but
Rocio's Abuela finds a way to send her something special for her birthday.
For Preschool-grade 2. 2024.
Tun-ta-ca-tun: more stories and poems in English and Spanish for children, DBC18410, edited by Sylvia Cavazos Peña
This collection of short stories and poems engages English and Spanish speaking children, enhancing their imagination, creativity, and reading skills while reflecting Hispanic culture in the U.S. Bilingual: English and Spanish. For preschool to grade 2. 2023.
The perfect place, DB120955, by Matt de la Peña
Lucas compares his home life with the supposedly perfect lives of the other students at the private school he attends. For grades 2-4. 2024.
ChupaCarter and the Haunted Piñata, DB122069, by George Lopez with Ryan Calejo
Jorge teams up with his friends Liza, Ernie, and Carter, the fearsome but friendly chupacabra, to solve the mystery behind an old legend about
an evil piñata possessed by a ghost. For grades 4-7. 2024.
Family pictures, DBC26932, stories by Carmen Lomas Garza; as told to Harriet Rohmer; version in Spanish, Rosalma Zubizarreta = Cuadros de familia / cuadros de Carmen Lomas Garza; relatos de Carmen Lomas Garza; escritos por Harriet Rohmer; version en español, Rosalma Zubizarreta
The author/illustrator recounts her life growing up in Kingsville, Texas, and her great dream of becoming an artist. Garza's paintings are "story
pictures" that show the day-to-day activities of life in a traditional Hispanic community from the perspective of a young girl. The bilingual text
reflects Carmen's love of her family and community and shows how her mother's hard work and inspiration helped Carmen reach her dreams.
Bilingual English/Spanish language. For grades 4-7. 2023.
What the Jaguar Told Her (Lo que le contó el jaguar), BR026162 (DB125488 en Espanol), by Alexandra V. Méndez
Jade begins eighth grade in Atlanta and misses her friends and Abuela in Chicago. She walks through a forest where she meets Itztli, a storyteller who shares Mexican tales. As her life changes, these stories become meaningful, helping Jade to learn to be patient and strong as she awakens to an ancient power within her. For grades 5-8. 2025
Relit: 16 Latinx remixes of classic stories, DB119687, by Sandra Proudman, et al
Relit features sixteen original stories by Latinx YA authors that retell classics, myths, and fairytales to highlight the Latinx experience through fantasy and magic. Notable transformations include Pride and Prejudice in space and Frankenstein underwater. Each story shows characters facing love, battles, and grief, inspiring listeners to feel like heroes in their own lives. For senior high and older readers. 2024.
Shut up, this is serious, DB119446 and BR026182, by Carolina Ixta
This young adult debut follows two Latina teens, Belén and Leti, in East Oakland as they face life's challenges. Belén desires a normal life, seeking love and experiences, but struggles with her father's absence, potential dropout, and Leti's unexpected pregnancy. As Belén helps Leti and navigates her own issues, she confronts her depression and questions her future. The story explores themes of friendship, family, and breaking generational cycles to find one's true self. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Pura Belpré Award. For senior high and older readers. 2025.
Burn Down, Rise Up, DB113096 and BR024894, by Vincent Tirado
When an urban legend rumored to trap people inside subway tunnels seems to be behind mysterious disappearances in the Bronx, sixteen-year-old Raquel, and her friends team up to save their city--and confront a dark episode in its history in the process. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Pura Belpré Award. For senior high and older readers. 2024.
Our Migrant Souls: A meditation on race and the meanings and myths of "Latino" (Nuestras Almas Migrantes: Una Reflexión Sobre la Raza y los Significados y Mitos de lo Latino), DB117435 (DB125352 en Espanol), by Héctor Tobar
Héctor Tobar's book examines the Latino identity in the U. S. through personal stories and those of his Latinx students, addressing discrimination and misconceptions while discussing issues like the US-Mexico border and media representation. 2024.
Weedee Peepo: A collection of essays = una colección de ensayos, DBC29105, by José Antonio Burciaga
A bilingual collection of essays that are equal parts social commentary and humor. Some have previously appeared in Texas Monthly, others in
the Hispanic Link News Service. The author sees with the eyes of a reporter and writes with the pen of an artist, making people--Latinos and
non-Latinos alike--laugh. His aim is breaking down the barriers of understanding between our two cultures. English/Spanish language. 1997.
The Boy who Reached for the Stars: A memoir, DB120204, by Elio Morillo with Cecilia Molinari
Elio Morillo's life changes when his mother leaves Ecuador for the U. S. to find a better future for him. His challenging childhood leads him to aspire to space exploration. Overcoming adversity in education, Elio now contributes to human expansion in the solar system and supports innovation in technology and equitable access. 2024.
LatinoLand: A portrait of America's largest and least understood minority, DB120023, by Marie Arana
LatinoLand explores the Latino population in America through interviews and research, showcasing their diversity and rich history. The community encompasses various groups, each with unique cultures. Latinos are racially diverse and range from domestic workers and day laborers to successful artists, corporate CEOs, and US senators and Supreme Court justices. Marie Arana shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding this growing minority. Unrated. 2024.
Nightmare Range: The collected George Sueño & Ernie Bascom stories, DB118335, by Martin Limon; introduction by Timothy Hallinan
Twenty years ago, Martin Limón published his first mystery with Sergeant George Sueño, a Mexican American army detective in 1970s South Korea. This new collection includes Limón's award-winning short stories about Sueño and his partner, Ernie Bascom, published in various magazines but never before in book form. Unrated. 2024.
Financially Lit! The modern Latina's guide to level up your dinero & become financially poderosa, DB121119, by Jannese Torres
This guide, presented by the host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast, offers financial literacy and money management advice for a Latinx audience, addressing gaps in financial discussions in immigrant families. It aims to provide culturally relevant education for greater financial freedom. 2024.
Stealing home: Los Angeles, the Dodgers, and the lives caught in between, DBC12129, by Eric Nusbaum
Dodger Stadium is a historic baseball park in Los Angeles, but its creation involved the destruction of low-income housing for Hispanic families. The Aréchiga family notably resisted leaving their home, leading to conflicts with authorities. In "Stealing Home," Eric Nusbaum recounts the stories of those displaced, the struggles against powerful figures like Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, and how their lives were impacted by these events. 2025.