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September 15 is a significant date in history, marking the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month. Beginning in 1968, September 15 through October 15 is a period to honor the contributions that Hispanic and Latinx Americans have had on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. September 15 also marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The independence days of Mexico and Chile also fall in the month of September, on the 16th and 18th, respectively.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, our amazing educators have compiled an all-ages book list of stories and resources that explore the diverse Hispanic/Latinx experience in the United States.
We also encourage our community to mark their calendars for the Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books and Authors, kicking off on September 30. More information is coming soon!
Please enjoy the below selections, and keep an eye out for more suggestions from our librarians throughout the year.
Picture Books
Across the Bay, by Carlos Aponte
Sharuko: Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello, by Monica Brown
Arrorró, Mi Niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games, by Lulu Delacre
Turning Pages, by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre
Carmela Full of Wishes, by Matt de la Peña
Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña
Milo Imagines the World, by Matt de la Peña
Islandborn, by Junot Diaz
Abuela, by Arthur Dorros
La Princesa and the Pea, by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself, by Margaret Frith, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal
Mango, Abuela, and Me, by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales
¡Todos a Celebrar! A Hispanic Customs and Traditions Alphabet Book, by Ma. Alma González Pérez
My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero
Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto
Separate is Never Equal, by Duncan Tonatiuh
Chapter Books
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish (10+), by Pablo Cartaya
Juana and Lucas (series, 5–8), by Juana Medina
Merci Suárez Changes Gears (9–12), by Meg Medina
The First Rule of Punk (8–12), by Celia C. Pérez
Becoming Naomi Leon (8–12), by Pam Muñoz Ryan
My Year in the Middle (8–12), by Lila Quintero Weave
Young Adult
The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo
Before We Were Free, by Julia Alvarez
The Go-Between, by Veronica Chambers
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, by Meg Medina
Sanctuary, by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sánchez
Non-Fiction
Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics, by Frederick Luis Aldama
Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina, by Raquel Cepeda
My Time Among the Whites: Notes From an Unfinished Education, by Jennine Capó Crucet
An African American and Latinx History of the United States, by Paul Ortiz
Latino USA: A Cartoon History, by Ilan Stavans
Other Good Reads
Preserving Latinx History Through Vintage Photos (NY Times), by Isabelia Herrera
Hispanic vs. Latino vs. Latinx: A Brief History of How These Words Originated (Remezcla), by Yará Simón
How Do Latinos Really Feel About Hispanic Heritage Month? (Remezcla), by Yará Simón