Six Must-Have Children’s Books by Latinx Authors You Need to Add to Your Reading List
Representation is key for children because seeing a person with a similar background, story, and lifestyle makes a long-lasting impression.. Facing a lack of representation in books, television, toys, shows, and more — these Latinx authors are taking charge and through these books and illustrations, are giving the younger generation relatable stories and characters that are long overdue.
Whether you’re looking for books for your little one, a loved one, or looking to donate to a local library, these six books should be at the top of your list. Read on to explore the world of dreamers and Latinx history.
Little Heroes of Color by David Heredia
Age: Preschool
Language: English
Seeking inspiration and education? Little Heroes of Color introduces 50 men and women of color of various races and ethnicities that have helped shape the world we currently live in. Learn about leaders such as Toussaint Louverture and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, alongside many more with the bright bold colors and text ready to capture the attention of all readers.
These heroes have broken the boundaries in politics, science, art, and more while facing hardship and adversity. Little ones will know that no matter your background, you too can make a positive impact on the ever-changing world!
Dominican author and illustrator David Heredia is a jack of all trades. Not only is Heredia an author, he is also a seven-time award-winning animator, public speaker, and entrepreneur. After noticing a lack of representation for his children in the arts, Heredia took matters into his own hands and created his book.
Following the success of the book, Heroes of Color LLC was born to create multicultural content including books and animated videos to help promote inclusiveness inside and outside of the classroom setting. Heroes of Color Inc. (a non profit) was also formed which focuses on providing arts programs, scholarships and other community development opportunities .
Islandborn by Junot Díaz and illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Age: 5-8 Years
Language: English and Spanish
Tracing it back to where it all started. Junot Díaz brings to light the life of many immigrant children with fictional character Lola, a curious Afro-Carribean girl, as she traces back her Domincan roots in his book, Islandborn. At school, Lola is tasked with an assignment by her teacher only to realize she has no memories of her first home, causing her to question life in the Domican Republic under Trujillo. By asking questions, learning her heritage, and understanding her new life — Lola is able to grow as a person. This book will have you inspired to question and learn your culture and heritage.
After moving from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey, Junot Díaz eventually became a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winner. He is also co-founder of VONA - Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation, which has helped 2,500 writers from around the world to expand advance their craft while remaining true to their writing, traditions, culture, and more.
Leo Espinosa is an award-winning illustrator and designer from Bogotá, Colombia. Espinosa’s work is found internationally at gallery shows, in animations and in publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times. . Espinosa received the Pura Belpré Honor Book award from the American Library Association for his illustrations in Islandborn.
Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History, Sé Audaz! Sé Valiente!: 11 Latinas que hicieron historia en los Estados Unidos by Naibe Reynoso and illustrated by Jone Leal
Age: 5-8 Years
Language: English and Spanish
It’s all about courage and empowerment when it comes to the stories of these 11 Latinas who have paved the way and made their mark in their respective fields, from medicine to sports. Interested in learning about the first female Surgeon General in the U.S? Follow along Antonia Novello’s journey! What about the first Latina to win an Oscar? Follow Rita Moreno’s journey! Readers will be captivated by the biographies of these leading women through the rhyming versus written by author Naibe Reynoso. Feel ready to take on the world as these women have made way for future generations to take charge and make history once again.
Mexican-American children’s book author Naibe Reynoso is an Emmy award-winning journalist, producer and host. Whether it’s on pen and paper or right on your television screen, Reynoso has covered a multitude of topics due to her bilingual background both nationally and internationally. She is also owner of Con Todo Press, a publishing company that aims to fill the gap in the industry by celebrating underrepresented communities, Latinx leaders, and their stories.
Jone Leal is a Venezuelan illustrator who specializes in illustrating both women and children’s stories as well as mental health issues and awareness. After finding a love for the arts at 5 years old with her father, Leal has worked alongside various authors to bring life to the stories with her artistic abilities.
¿De dónde eres?: Where Are You From? By Yamile Saied Mendéz illustrated by Jaime Kim
Age: 4-8 Years
Language: English and Spanish
How exactly do we answer the question: Where are you from?The truth is, there’s no simple answer and we learn this alongside a little girl who turns to her abuelo for answers. Rather than providing her with a simple answer she’d expected to give her classmates, her abuelo opens her eyes and gives her an unexpected yet better answer than the one she had been searching for. ¿De dónde eres?: Where Are You From? shares the importance of various themes including identity, acceptance, and home.
For those who don’t know how to answer such a vague question, for those who have yet to know where they come from, for those who have felt out of place — the journey of this granddaughter and her grandfather provides a sense of relief as the answer to this question is layered and complex with a beautiful response just waiting to be found and shared.
Argentine-American Yamile Saied Mendéz is a Pura Belpré Award winning author. In addition to writing picture books, she dabbles in all genres including young adult and adult romance. She is also a graduate of VONA (sound familiar to any of you?) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children’s and Young Adult program. Mendéz is also a volunteer in the Musas’ mentorship program and Pitchwars.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Age: 4-8 Years
Language: English and Spanish
Author Yuyi Morales defies all stereotypes by showing the power that immigrants bring and hold. Readers celebrate and navigate finding a new home with the things you have: history, resilience, and hopes and dreams. Her book Dreamers, allows for children to learn about the realities of finding a home in the unknown with a timeless story filled with illustrations and symbolism. Each reader will feel empowered knowing their strengths can show power in any circumstance, no matter where they go.
Yuyi Morales is an author and illustrator from Veracruz, Mexico. After moving to the United States in 1994 with her husband and son, Morales felt out of place due to the language barrier and the lack of family around her. Her mother-in-law took her son to the library and that inspired Morales to become the author she is today.
Reading to her son was the way Morales learned English, and she used the illustrations from books to help guide her along the unfamiliar words. Feeling inspired, Morales enrolled in courses and grabbed the nearest paint brush to get to work. She would eventually win a Pura Belpré award and become the first Latina to be a Caldecott recipient.
¡Qué montón de Tamales! By Gary Soto illustrated by Ed Martinez
Age: 4-8 Years
Language: English and Spanish
Grab a blanket and get cozy as we transport to the cold crisp Christmas air with Maria in ¡Qué montón de Tamales! To celebrate nochebuena, Maria and her mother prepare tamales, but things soon go awry after Maria loses her mother’s ring in the masa. Instead of telling her mother the truth, Maria and her cousins come up with an elaborate plan to eat their way to the ring before anyone finds out.
Will they be able to get the ring in time? Go alongside Maria and her family as they spend time together carrying out lifelong traditions on their nochebuena and see if you share any of the same festivities!
Poet, novelist and memoirist Gary Soto is the son of Mexican-American parents who spent his childhood working in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley. Soto’s work is inspired by his life as a Chicano and over time he’s received numerous awards and accolades including: The Discovery-The Nation Prize, California Library Association’s John and Patricia Award, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. In 1999 he was honored with the Human and Civil Rights Award from the American Education Association, the Literature Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and the PEN Center West Book Award.
Read Any of the Above or Know of Other Latinx Children’s Books? Let Us Know!
We’re inspired by the stories these Latinx authors, publishing houses and illustrators that are creating books for future generations to feel empowered by their history and background If you, a friend or a family member are looking for more books to read by Latinx authors, go browse and buy from some of the Latinx-owned bookstores in our business directory, including Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, NY and Veoleo (maker of Bilingual board books). Have any suggestions for children's books? Share them with us in the comments below or on Instagram.
Authored by Bianca Alvarez.