Children’s & YA Books by
Latine Authors
by Sarah Mangiola
Each year, we celebrate Latine Heritage Month — also referred to as Hispanic Heritage Month — between September 15 and October 15. These children’s and YA books written by Latine authors provide the perfect way to mark the month.
Featuring a wide variety of titles for kids of all ages, including picture books, middle grade & chapter books, and young adult reads, these stories recognize Latine contributions to the world of children’s literature and are great for reading at any time of year. Share these books with little and big kids alike.
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Picture Books
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A Gift from Abuela
Available from:Niña and Abuela are best friends and love each other very much. One day, she learns that Abuela saved for years to buy her a special gift. But an unexpected economic downturn in Mexico City made the money irrelevant, so Niña and Abuela create a better gift together. This bittersweet picture book is an excellent reminder that quality time and loving relationships are more important than money.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Nosotros Means Us
Available from:In this beautiful bilingual story, a mother and her toddler imagine that they are a variety of animals. “If I were a bear, you would be a cub. If I were a sheep, you would be a lamb.” But no matter where their imagination takes them, what always stays the same is the love that they share. This fantastic bedtime read lovingly showcases the unconditional bond between a parent and their child.
(Ages 3 – 5)Also available from: -
Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena
Available from:Magic, sugar, and a fiesta create a delectable story that children will love to read during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, the spun-sugar ornaments in a bakery come to life and throw a party. When they accidentally destroy the Nochebuena cake, the ornaments must act fast to save it before Christmas morning.
(Ages 3 – 6)Also available from: -
Across the Bay
Available from:Embark on a journey through Old San Juan with this picture book following Carlitos, who lives in Puerto Rico with his mother, abuela, and Coco the cat. As Carlitos travels across the bay in search of his father, he'll learn the true meaning of family and home in this beautiful story.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
How to Speak in Spanglish
Available from:A bilingual child gets frustrated when using Spanglish confuses both the English and Spanish speakers in his life. This funny and sweet picture book is an excellent representation of what it’s like to grow up in a multilingual family.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Lord Help Me
Available from:Twelve-year-old budding singer Emme Muñiz shares her experience with prayer in this lovely picture book. The author guides us through her own daily prayers — from the little things like getting along with siblings to the bigger things like saving the sloths — and provides families with ways to embrace their faith in everyday life.
This title is also available in Spanish: Dios Ayúdame
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Areli Is a Dreamer
Available from:In this biographical picture book, a DACA Dreamer recalls her journey from Mexico to New York as a child and the reality of living as an undocumented immigrant. Areli's parents left Mexico for the United States when she was just a baby, but finally, as a kindergartner, they call for her to join them. Life in New York is very different, and as an "illegal," Areli worries she'll be sent away from her family. But she works hard, learns English, and soon grows to love her new home.
This title is also available in Spanish: Areli Es Una Dreamer
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
My Papi Has a Motorcycle
Available from:This story about the love between a father and daughter centers on Daisy Ramona as she zooms around her ever-changing neighborhood on the back of her papi's motorcycle. Though her community is constantly changing, she knows that one thing will never change: the love between Daisy and her papi. Zeke Peña provides brilliant images to complement this story.
This title is also available in Spanish: Mi papi tiene una moto
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Love
Available from:The Newbery Medal-winning author's celebration of love explores all the ways we are brought together by this universal bond. A wonderful bedtime read-aloud, this story reminds little ones just how much they are cherished.
This title is also available in Spanish: Amor
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Turning Pages
Available from:This picture book-autobiography tells the story of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice. Her story delves into her own inspiration, which she found in books. Books helped her cope, dream, and believe that anything is possible.
This title is also available in Spanish: Pasando páginas
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Islandborn
Available from:All of the kids at Lola's school are from some place else, so when their teacher asks them to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, everyone is very excited. Everyone, that is, besides Lola. Lola's family came from The Island, but she can't remember it. With the help of her family and friends, Lola comes to realize that just because you don't remember something doesn't mean it isn't apart of you.
This title is also available in Spanish: Lola
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Imagine
Available from:Poet Juan Felipe Herrera encourages little ones to imagine what they can be — citing that if he taught himself to read and write and ended up as the United States Poet Laureate, anything is possible. This uplifting — and at times, magical — poem is accompanied by stunning illustrations from Caldecott Honoree Lauren Castillo.
This title is also available in Spanish: Imagina
(Ages 5 - 9)Also available from:
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Chapter Books and Middle Grade
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Juana and Lucas
Available from:Growing readers are sure to fall in love with Juana, the spunky heroine of the Juana and Lucas series. This first book introduces us to Juana, who loves her dog Lucas (of course!), living in Colombia, and drawing. What she hates includes wearing school uniforms and learning English. This hilarious series is continued in Juana and Lucas: Big Problemas.
(Ages 5 - 8)Also available from: -
Paola Santiago and the River of Tears - A Paola Santiago Novel Book 1
Available from:Percy Jackson fans will love this spooky ghost story filled with legends, monsters, and adventure. Paola grew up hearing her mother’s stories of a ghost woman who haunts the riverbank, dragging anyone she finds into the murky depths. When her friend goes missing, Paola must face the possibility that the legends are true.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Silver Meadows Summer
Available from:When Carolina’s family picks up and moves from Puerto Rico to upstate New York, she feels like a fish out of water. A new friend and an abandoned cottage make the transition easier, and Carolina soon feels like she belongs in her new home. This beautifully written novel is perfect for anyone who has had to move to a new place.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Lotería
Available from:Set in the culturally rich landscape of Oaxaca City, Mexico, this fantastical story about fate and free will is utterly captivating. A game of chance between Life and Death leaves Clara's life hanging in the balance. With each turn of a card, Clara faces new challenges, all the while traveling to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pazos in search of her missing cousin. Deeply rooted in magic and Mexican mythology, Lotería is storytelling at its finest.
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Available from:This 2019 Newbery Medal winner is a middle grade must-read. Everything changes when Merci Suárez enters sixth grade. As scholarship kids at their private school In Florida, Merci and her brother don't have the same privileges as some of their classmates. When a new boy at school is assigned to be Merci's Sunshine Buddy, she becomes the target of fellow student Edna Santos' jealousy. And with things getting worse at home as her grandfather's health deteriorates, Merci is left to figure out things on her own in this compelling coming-of-age story.
This title is also available in Spanish: Merci Suárez se pone las pilas
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
They Call Me Güero
Available from:Navigating seventh grade can be tough for any kid. Dealing with friends, school, and (gulp) girls is plenty for one kids’ plate, but for Güero living in a border town, those issues can be even more heightened. Luckily, Güero finds an outlet through writing poetry. This book, all told through verse, is a lovely depiction of this time in life, but also about embracing one’s cultural heritage and celebrating traditions.
This title is also available in Spanish: Me dicen Güero
(Ages 8 – 12)Also available from: -
The First Rule of Punk
Available from:The first rule of punk is being yourself, but that's hard to do when it seems to alienate those around you — including the queen bee of your new school and your own mother. Twelve-year-old Malú loves rocking out, and when she assembles a band that feels right, she'll do anything to preserve it — including fight against the school administration. Readers will love hearing about how Malú finds her place while growing up.
This title is also available in Spanish: La primera regla del punk
(Ages 8 - 12)Also available from: -
Mexikid
Available from:Humor and adventure await young readers in this graphic memoir. Pedro and his family squeeze into their Winnebago and drive to Mexico to pick up their legendary Abuelito. Although Pedro isn’t thrilled about the trip, it has several surprises in store for him, including an unexpected connection with Abuelito.
(Ages 10 - 14)Also available from: -
Tight
Available from:Torrey Maldonado's insightful middle grade read tackles right and wrong as readers get to know Bryan. Bryan feels tight in different ways — mostly the good kind: like how he feels about friends with no drama and reading comic books. But lately, he's been hanging out with his new friend Mike, who is causing him to become wound tight with his spree of rule breaking. As things get pushed further and further, Bryan will have to rely on one of his favorite comic superheroes for help to remind him that he has the power to do the right thing.
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora
Available from:A modern-day David and Goliath tale, Arturo Zamora finds himself in an all-out battle to save his abuela’s restaurant, get the girl, and make his family proud. Throughout the story, readers will fall in love with this ode to boyhood, enjoy the rich descriptions of a vibrant city, get a major craving for Cuban food, and find a determination to stand up against any bullies they face.
This title is also available in Spanish: El épico fracaso de Arturo Zamora
(Ages 10+)Also available from: -
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish
Available from:Eighth-grader Marcus Vega is big for his age — we're talking six feet tall, 180 pounds big. And when a fight at school leaves him facing suspension, his mom decides it's time he and his younger brother spend some time with their relatives in Puerto Rico. But Marcus knows his dad, who left 10 years ago, is somewhere on the island, and he's determined to find him in this moving middle grade read.
(Ages 10+)Also available from:
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Young Adult
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Flirting with Fate
Available from:Ava gets caught in a storm the night her Nana passes away. As a result, Nana’s special blessing misses Ava and lands on a stranger instead. Now, she must befriend the boy, retrieve the blessing, and set Nana’s spirit free — without falling in love. YA romance lovers will adore this swoon-worthy novel!
Also available from: -
Ballad & Dagger
Available from:If you love music, magic, and adventure, don’t miss this exciting series opener from the award-winning author of the Shadowshaper Cypher series. The island where Mateo was born sank into the ocean years ago, and he grew up in Brooklyn. When he witnesses a murder and ancient secrets surface, Mateo must use his newly discovered powers to end a war that has raged for eons.
Also available from: -
The Wicked Bargain
Available from:Devils and magic and pirates — oh, my! This breathtaking Latine fantasy novel features a transmasculine nonbinary teen with extraordinary magical powers. When el Diablo comes to claim their father’s soul, Mar must choose to give up their own soul or abandon their father to his fate. With the help of two unlikely allies, Mar harnesses their magic and prepares to tackle el Diablo head-on.
Also available from: -
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Available from:Julia is not a perfect Mexican daughter. That was her sister Olga's role, until she tragically died. But then Julia begins to discover that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought she was, and as she investigates alongside her best friend Lorena and first love Connor, Julia discovers more about this seemingly impossible standard she's expected to live up to. A heartbreaking and thought-provoking novel, Sánchez refreshingly writes Julia like a real, angst-filled teen.
This title is also available in Spanish: Yo no soy tu perfecta hija mexicana
Also available from: -
Sanctuary
This YA novel set in the near future highlights immigration and xenophobia. In the year 2032, citizens are microchipped and tracked by the government — making it nearly impossible to live in America as an undocumented immigrant. Vali's family are undocumented, and when her mother's counterfeit microchip starts malfunctioning, they have to flee Vermont for California, which is a sanctuary state. But with danger at every turn, getting there won't be easy. This haunting novel may be set in the future, but its message is eerily familiar.
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Living Beyond Borders
Available from:It is so important for today’s teens to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. In Living Beyond Borders, readers get to explore twenty stand-alone stories, essays, poems, comics, and more from authors all writing about what it means to be Mexican American today. Looking at how others have bridged the gap between these two very distinct cultures is an invaluable resource to showcase the struggles, traditions, and hope that this community of young readers experience every day. A very powerful read!
This title is also available in Spanish: Más allá de la frontera
Also available from: -
Before We Were Free
Available from:Heavily influenced by Julia Alvarez’s own life experiences, Before We Were Free tells the story of Anita de la Torre, a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo’s dictatorship. It's 1960, and most of Anita's family has fled to America in search of a better life. Her family that is left is terrorized by secret police due to their suspected opposition to Trujillo’s rule. And in order to survive, Anita must gather all her strength and courage to flee.
This title is also available in Spanish: Antes de ser libres
(Young Adult)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2023.