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Books for Latinx + Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
In the U.S., National Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15th. This is a time for recognizing and honoring the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. We’re proud to highlight some of the influences, achievements, and experiences of the American Latinx community—join the celebration and share these books with young readers this month.
Call Me Roberto! Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos /¡Llámenme Roberto! Roberto Clemente alza la voz por los latinos by Nathalie Alonso, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
This nonfiction picture book — available in both English and Spanish — by MLB.com journalist Nathalie Alonso and award-winning illustrator Rudy Gutierrez shows the emotional highs and lows of Roberto Clemente’s career as he fought racism—from fans, reporters, and other figures in the sport—to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. With English and Spanish words intermingled in the text, this book will inspire young readers as they learn about Clemente’s contributions to Black, Latino, and American history. Four starred reviews!
Learn more about the inspiration behind the book in author Nathalie Alonso’s introduction video and download our free educator guide.
Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock/El Barrilito Mágico de Papá and Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas/Las Magníficas Plantitas Bailadoras de Mamá by Jesús Trejo, illustrated by Eliza Kinkz
Creators Jesús Trejo and Eliza Kinkz both won a Pura Belpré honor for Papá’s Magical Water Jug Clock/El Barrilito Mágico de Papá, a vividly creative picture book featuring the character of Little Jesús as he goes to work with his landscaper dad. This “marvelous portrait of a working-class Latina family” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) is based on Trejo’s childhood and was also recognized with three starred reviews, and named a NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Title, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, and a Chicago Public Library Best Book for Children. New this Fall is Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas/Las Magníficas Plantitas Bailadoras de Mamá, which brings back the mischievous character of Little Jesús and tells the story of what happens when he babysits Mamá’s beloved plants.
Download our free activity sheets for Papá’s Magical Water Jug Clock: Papa Drawing Activity, Van Activity, and a Make Your Own Van Activity
Night Stories: Folktales from Latin America/Cuentos de noche: Relatos de Latinoamérica by Liniers
Critically acclaimed cartoonist Liniers is back with TOON again, following up on the successes of his earlier books like Eisner-winner Good Night, Planet and Batchelder Award Honor-winner Written and Drawn by Henrietta. This time he’s tackling a selection of Latin American folktales in Spanish and transforming them for the modern-day with his signature wit and mastery of the comics medium.
Come Closer Tatita/Tata, Tatita, Tata by Imapla
This moving tale introduces the youngest picture book audience to a girl who misses her grandmother—whom she calls Tata or Tatita, as is traditional in many Spanish-speaking cultures—and yearns to spend time with her. But Tatita is not here any more. The spare, striking illustrations make it ambiguous whether the girl misses her tata because she lives in a faraway place, is ill, or has passed on. Yet this gorgeous, deceptively simple book’s ending makes it clear that no matter what, your tatita lives in your heart, and you can always hold her in your memory.
Download our Come Closer, Tatita Reading Guide.
Dreams of Green: A Three Kings’ Day Story/El Verde De Mis Sueños: Un Cuento De La Tradición De Los Tres Reyes Magos by Mariel Jungkunz, illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodriguez
It’s eleven days after Christmas and Lucía yearns to be in lush Puerto Rico celebrating Día de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, with family and friends. But this year, instead of dancing and singing in the parrandas of her Puerto Rican neighborhood, she is surrounded by cold and silence in snow-blanketed Ohio. How will she ever be able to guide the Three Kings to her new home in the frosty Midwest? This picture book is a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, heartwarming family tradition, and a reminder that we all carry a piece of home with us wherever life may take us.
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