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