Books open doors. They help children see themselves in the stories they love and learn about the many cultures that make up our communities. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’ve gathered a list of books to enjoy together, featuring Hispanic and Latino authors, characters, and traditions. Many include English and Spanish versions, so you can read in the language that feels most like home. You already share stories, songs, and family memories with your little ones every day, and these books are a fun way to build on that. Read them at bedtime, watch the read-aloud videos together, or pick up a copy at your local library. Each page is a chance to spark curiosity, celebrate culture, and make reading a joyful family moment. 

• • Alma and How She Got Her Name / Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre — This book teaches young children to have pride in their heritage by having pride in their names. 
  • Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural / Sofi y el mágico mural musical — The book is written in English and Spanish, and it celebrates culture through engaging and different forms of art. 
  • Where Are You From? / ¿De dónde eres? — This book focuses on where the main character is from and why it’s important to know this about herself. It’s a great introduction to the concept of home and community. 
  • Leyendas / Legends — Mónica Mancillas presents the stories of sixty inspiring figures in this beautifully illustrated collection, showcasing the multitude of talent within the Latino community.
  • Isabel and Her Colores go to School / Isabel y sus colores van a la escuela — Isabel speaks Spanish and has a hard time feeling comfortable because all of her classmates speak English. With the help of her colores she finds that friendship is a universal language. 
  • In My Family / En mi familia — Carmen Lomas Garza shares illustrations about community and family paired with memories of growing up in Kingsville, TX. 
  • The Coquíes Still Sing / Los coquíes aún cantan — This children's picture book, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017, tells a story of hope and community resilience through the eyes of a young girl named Elena. 
  • Dreamers / Soñadores — Dreamers is a celebration of making your home with the things you always carry: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes, and history.

Book Recommendations from Tandem Partners in Early Learning: A cornerstone of Tandem’s work is the enduring idea that books should reflect children’s lived experiences and introduce them to the lived experiences of others. The titles in this book list highlight Latino characters in a variety of settings, introducing children to different aspects of the Latino experience. 

Hispanic Heritage Book Lists and Resources from Colorín Colorado: These book lists from Colorín Colorado are for children and young adults, and are organized by topic so that they can easily be used all year long. Many books on the recommended lists are bilingual or are available in Spanish.

Hispanic Heritage Month Booklist from Quality Start Los Angeles: Check out these seven titles, linked to read aloud videos, highlighted by Quality Start Los Angeles to help you and your child connect with the celebration of Hispanic Heritage. 

Books that Celebrate Latino Characters and Culture from First Book: First Book’s Latine Characters & Cultures section includes books that spotlight the diversity, histories, cultures, and experiences among those who identify as Latine, Latino, Latina, and/or Hispanic.