Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15 of each year. What better way to honor Hispanic culture and history with kids\u00a0than with picture books? We\u2019ve rounded up informative and inspiring books to recognize the wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latine culture \u2014 from biographies to folktales, there\u2019s something great for every young reader amongst these fiction and nonfiction reads.<\/p>\n
no no 9781623544447 Adela\u2019s Mariachi Band<\/i> by Denise Vega, illustrated by Erika Medina <\/p>\n
Adela wants to join her family\u2019s mariachi band, but she can\u2019t play an instrument, and her attempts at dancing end in disaster. Even though she feels discouraged, Adela taps into her creativity and finds a way to participate in her family\u2019s band. This sweet book introduces young readers to mariachi music, Spanish vocabulary, and Mexican culture through rhyming text and vibrant illustrations.<\/p>\n
9781623544560 The Pi\u00f1ata That The Farm Maiden Hung<\/i> by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Sebasti\u00e0 Serra <\/p>\n
Readers of all ages will love this bilingual twist on \u201cThe House That Jack Built.\u201d A farm maiden creates a stunning pi\u00f1ata with help from the farm animals. But can they get it finished in time for a little girl\u2019s surprise party? With Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is a delight to read.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Kids’ Books About Mexican Culture & History<\/a><\/p>\n 9780593462072 Barrio Rising<\/i> by Mar\u00eda Dolores \u00c1guilla, illustrated by Magdalena Mora <\/p>\n After World War II, the Barrio Logan neighborhood in San Diego fell into disrepair, and the beach became overrun with factories and junkyards. The neighborhood came together and staged a land occupation to demand the local government build the park they had promised. This stirring story highlights what people can accomplish when they work together and make their voices heard.<\/p>\n 9780593523582 Mother of Sharks<\/i> by Melissa Cristina M\u00e1rquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz <\/p>\n Shark conservation, STEM, and magic combine in this gorgeous picture book biography set in Puerto Rico. During a visit to the beach as a girl, Meli meets a crab who whisks her away on a fantastical adventure. This experience encourages Meli to study sharks and educate others about the misunderstood creatures.<\/p>\n 9780593111048 My Two Border Towns<\/i> by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza <\/p>\n This beautiful, award-winning picture book is about a young boy who lives near the U.S.-Mexico border. The boy and his dad travel from one country to the other, visit family, run errands, and help friends seeking asylum. It\u2019s available in English and Spanish editions<\/a> and offers young readers a peek into life in a border town.<\/p>\n 9780823453924 Desert Song<\/i> by Laekan Zea Kemp, illustrated by Beatriz Guti\u00e9rrez Hern\u00e1ndez <\/p>\n Young nature lovers will enjoy every word of this lyrical picture book. As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with all types of critters, from cicadas to coyotes. A family sits on their front porch and joins the wild music with their instruments, singing to their ancestors. It\u2019s a gorgeous picture book that celebrates nature, heritage, and music.<\/p>\n 9781623543921 Squawk of Spanish <\/i> by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Romina Galotta <\/p>\n Max only speaks English, and Abuela only speaks Spanish, so they rely on Lorito, the parrot, to bridge the language gap. One day, Lorito isn\u2019t there, so Max tries speaking in Spanish. He is pleasantly surprised by the results. With Abuela\u2019s limited English, they spend a beautiful day baking together. This heartwarming story is perfect for fans of Mango, Abuela, and Me<\/a><\/i> and any young reader who has experienced a language barrier with a relative.<\/p>\n 9781524786625 Across the Bay<\/i> by Carlos Aponte <\/p>\n Spend a day in the life of a young boy in Puerto Rico as he ventures into San Juan to look for his Papi. There, he explores the historic city and takes in the sights. The gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt story celebrate the vibrant culture of San Juan. You\u2019ll want to read this book again and again.<\/p>\n RELATED: Must-Read Children’s & YA Books by Latine Authors<\/a><\/p>\n 9780593645970 Cantora<\/i> by Melisa Fern\u00e1ndez Nitsche <\/p>\n Introduce young readers to Mercedes Sosa, a singer and activist from Argentina. Sosa used her voice to inspire millions of people to fight for a better future. She performed in prestigious venues all over the world, sharing stories through song. Even when her country\u2019s government exiled her, she stayed true to her voice and passion for justice. <\/p>\n 9780593325636 The Perfect Place<\/i> by Matt de la Pe\u00f1a, illustrated by Paola Escobar <\/p>\n Lucas is a perfectionist, so he gets frustrated with the less-than-perfect aspects of his life \u2014 like his small home and his parents\u2019 long work hours. One night, he dreams about a perfect place filled with perfect people but soon realizes that his imperfect life is just right for him. This heartfelt book celebrates the beautiful imperfections that make our lives colorful and meaningful.<\/p>\n 9781984893994 Areli Is a Dreamer <\/i> by Areli Morales, illustrated by Luisa Uribe <\/p>\n Based on the author\u2019s real-life experiences, this picture book shares Areli\u2019s story as a young immigrant from Mexico. Although moving to a new country presented many difficulties, Areli now calls America home. It\u2019s a touching story that any child will love \u2014 especially if they\u2019ve also experienced the growing pains of adjusting to a new place.<\/p>\n