Sept 15- Oct. 15 is Latinx/ Hispanic Heritage Month ~ and while it’s important to read and share Latinx and Hispanic stories all year long, this is a month dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Latinx/ Hispanic voices. I’m celebrating with the best way I know how: by sharing all the best children’s book recs, bookish crafts, and interactive read alouds that feature the Latinx and Hispanic community.

Books

Fiction Latinx Books

Below I’ve highlighted some of mai favorite NEW RELEASE FICTION titles with Latinx representation in honor of Latinx Heritage Month. Click on the individual titles, or Click Here for the full list of FIction Latinx titles (including new and old favorites) to add to your own libraries!

Only a Trenza Away by Nadine Fonseca // Every night, Xiomara’s father lovingly braids her hair, and as he does so, they embark on imaginative adventures through storytelling. In one tale, her braids transform into sturdy vines for jungle swinging, while in another, they become jump ropes for lively double Dutch games. However, as Xia contemplates her readiness for real-life challenges, such starting a new school, without her father’s assistance, she wonders if the strength she needs might already be woven into her braids.

Yenebi’s Drive to School by Sendy Santamaria // Shares a young girl’s experience crossing the border every day to go to school. The story is based off the author’s own experience.

How to Speak in Spanglish by Monica Mancillas // Sami loves using both English and Spanish, often blending them to speak in Spanglish. I However, not everyone appreciates Spanglish; his grandmother prefers Spanish at home and English at school, and his homework can’t be in Spanglish. Initially, Sami feels perplexed and irritated by these constraints. Yet, with the encouragement of his family, friends, and neighbors, Sami comes to understand that his unique identity should be celebrated and embraced.

A River of Mariposas by Mirelle Ortega // A young girl aspires to recreate the splendor of her land’s historic mariposas amarillas (yellow butterflies) using paper. However, nature interferes with her plans. Through life’s magic and the power of rain, something even more beautiful than her paper butterflies emerges. Inspired by the author’s memories of a hurricane diverting the butterfly migration near Veracruz, Mexico, this tale beautifully portrays the essence of imagination and the unexpected beauty it can bring.

La Mariachi by Isabel Estrada // Tuchi longs to join in and play with the school’s mariachi band, but it’s the 1970s and in her community, mariachi is only for the boys. When Tuchi stumbles across her nana’s guitarrón, Nana teaches her to play in secret. Will Tuchi be ready for the big audition?

La Guitarrista by Lucky Diaz // Canta discovers a discarded guitar, which brings her closer to realizing her dream of becoming a rock star. Despite the guitar being damaged and her lack of knowledge in playing it, Canta remains determined and unstoppable in pursuing her musical aspirations.

A Gift from Abuela by Cecilia Ruiz // Abuela cherishes Nina from the start and saves money for a special treat. When challenges arise, her dream seems impossible, but their time together and their love prove to be the greatest gift.

Only for a Little While by Gabriela Orozco Belt // When her dad loses his job, Maribel and her family move in with Tía Carmen. Maribel and her sister aren’t sure how to feel about the move, but Papi reassures them it’s only temporary. Despite the challenges of sharing a room and a bustling house, they find joy in playing with cousins, enjoying lively mealtimes, and cozy bedtime moments.

An Ofrenda for Perro by Judith Valdes B. // Benito is devastated when his beloved dog, Perro, dies. However, during the Day of the Dead celebration, by crafting a personal altar for Perro, Benito comes to realize that his love for his cherished companion and the joy Perro brought him will endure.

Nonfiction Latinx Books

Learn more about significant Latinx moments in history, and important Latinx figures through these nonfiction books. Check out the Full List of Latinx NONFICTION Here.

Crafts

Check out these bookish craft templates inspired by some of mai favorite Latinx picture books.

*Click on the Images for Craft Templates.*

Or check out this bundle for all 4 crafts:

Interactive Read Alouds

Plus, read along with MaiStoryBook YouTube for interactive, shared-reading read aloud adventures where I ask questions throughout the story, point out main themes and ideas, and introduce vocabulary to keep little learns engaged and participating throughout the story. I’ve curated a collection of Latinx Interactive Read aloud videos for you to read along and learn with me this month.

Click here to read along with MaiStoryBook’s Latinx/ Hispanic Heritage Month Playlist, or click on the image-link below to read along to the individual titles.

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I hope you found some reading recommendations to add to your own shelves and share with your littles. Please comment below and share any other Latinx Titles  to add to this themed collection.

*~Also, I’d love to  see and hear about your own reading adventures you are having to share inclusive and diverse experiences and stories with your children, so please share your story times below in the comments –Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email . I’d love to hear from you!~*

Plus, checkout out MaiStoryBook’s Interactive Read Aloud Video Playlist of Diverse Reads here.

*~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*

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