Seeking out stories representing Latino children is a valuable way to diversify your child's bookshelf. The characters share their experiences growing up with close ties to the culture of their Latin American roots. Spanish words are included throughout, often used to express some of the most important dialect associated with the event or storyline. Children's books with Hispanic characters feature families who come together to celebrate customs associated with their heritage, or may simply share some lessons learned by Spanish-speaking protagonists navigating life.
Readers are treated to a colorful celebration of people coming together to embrace Hispanic Heritage Month. They celebrate by participating in a vibrant parade with representation from countries including Mexico, Columbia, Honduras, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and more. Food, music, and dancing are all part of the festivities which are described with Spanish words throughout. In-depth back pages include a glossary of terms and information about the Hispanic culture.
Children's Picture Books Featuring Hispanic Families
Expand a child's reading time by collecting a variety of books with characters from all different backgrounds. Spanish-speaking protagonists from a variety of countries, including the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, Spain, Cuba, Colombia and many other countries share their experiences with friends and family members. Children's books with Hispanic families take readers into their homes where they enjoy vibrant foods like tacos, tortillas, and empanadas. Many of these stories include bilingual text with both English and Spanish translations that express the values and culture of the people.
Best Kids' Books With Latino Characters
Children born into Spanish-speaking homes with ties to Latin countries will especially love reading picture books featuring characters just like them. They share stories about their tight-knit families joining together to celebrate cultural events like the Carnival and Day of the Dead. Readers learn about the delicious foods they prepare for feasts, including pan de muerto, hallaca, and cola de mono. They share all their everyday experiences using Spanish terms throughout the stories, and describe the emotions, events, and milestones that are part of growing up all from the perspective of being Hispanic. Explore the best kids' books starring Latin American characters whose personalities shine. Next, be sure to read fantastic stories about biracial children whose homes are filled with blended cultures and ethnicities.
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
Kids will be inspired by Sofia's take-charge mentality in this New York Times bestseller. The Hispanic girl walks to school with her grandfather every single day past a dangerous landfill. After he injures his ankle on some trash, the spunky child decides its time to clean up the mess once and for all. She rallies the entire community together to transform the trash pile into a beautiful park. Told in rhyme, this story has a positive message with a bouncy tone to match.
Martina's Muy Bad Day
Everyone can relate to Martina's very bad day from time to time. It's like a grey cloud is hanging over head. Everything that can possibly go wrong, does. Readers won't be able to stifle a giggle as poor Martina falls into a mud puddle, steps on some sticky chewing gum, and even swallows an icky bug. Lucky for her, a loving abuela knows exactly how to transform a bad day into a fun fiesta. A fantastic dual-lingual book with a message about having a positive attitude.
Tia Isa Wants a Car
An award-winning book about the value and loyalty of family within the Hispanic community. Tia Isa is an immigrant who, like many others, does not have a lot of money to even purchase the necessities. She dreams of buying a car so she can take her entire family on a trip. Yet, saving for this big purchase is difficult when funds also are set aside to bring more family members in to the country. A simple, poetic book on the surface is a heartfelt story about love, family, hard work, and struggle.
Abuela
Join Rosalba and her abuela on a magical flight above the rooftops of New York City. A dreamy book filled with Spanish phrases gives children unique perspective of the sites and sounds of the city from a different vantage point. The love between the grandmother and granddaughter is so very sweet to witness as they share a magical experience. Winner of numerous literary awards and distinctions.
No More Señora Mimí
Ana, a little girl with a big heart, is at a crossroads in her young life. Her abuela is coming to live with her family permanently. She will replace señora Mimí as her babysitter. Ana is excited by her grandmother's arrival, yet saddened that her beloved caregiver will no longer be part of her every day life. A gentle story about saying goodbye with soft illustrations conveying the emotional journey of a little one.
Barrio Rising
The inspiring true story of an activist whose mission was to build a park in the heart of Barrio Logan, a Chicane neighborhood in San Diego. The area, once filled with Mexican American families, became transformed into factories and roadways that ultimately displaced the people. The local government had promised a park would be built for the remaining community, but it was soon discovered there were other plans for the land. That was until a brave, angry leader rallied her neighbors together to fight for their rights.
Tamales for Christmas
An amazing story of the love and generosity a grandmother has for her grandchildren. Putting presents under the Christmas tree is something that needs to be planned months in advance. With very little money to spend, the abuela decides to sell her delicious tamales so she can afford gifts for everyone. Her preparations begin in the fall and she doesn't stop until she has made 1,000 dozen, enough for presents and to feed those in need.
Churro Stand
A young mother works to support her family by running a churro stand on the busy New York City streets. Readers are given a rare glimpse at the hard work and perseverance of food street vendors. Two siblings head out to help one morning when storms threaten to ruin their food, and earnings, for the day. Thankfully, with a little creative thinking and problem solving, everything works out.
Carmela Full of Wishes
A story of an immigrant child who finds happiness in the most unexpected place. Carmela joins her brother to run errands for the family- a wish that has finally come true on her birthday. As they make their way through the neighborhood, the little girl takes in the sites including crowded bus stops and fenced off buildings. Upon arriving at the laundromat, she discovers a dandelion. And with this discovery, she learns something unexpected about the power of wishes.
Empanadas for Everyone
A warm and joyful tale about the role of food in creating a sense of community. Carina joins Tía Mimi every Saturday to whip up delicious empanadas. The vibrant mood for the day is set as she strolls through the barrio to her aunt's house, taking in the sounds of the busy streets and music humming through the windows. On one particular day, the little girl has to make the empanadas all by herself, as Tía Mimi is busy working at a local food bank. An ode to the strength of a loving neighborhood where people support each other through difficult times.
Tíos and Primos
A visit to her father's homeland of Honduras fills a little girl with both excitement and trepidation. Armed with only a few Spanish words, she is quickly overwhelmed by a houseful of aunts, uncles, and cousins who are all laughing, telling jokes, sharing stories, and enjoying the reunion. Feeling out of place, she wonders if she will ever connect with her familia. One afternoon she spends some quiet time with her abuela, who teaches her some new phrases, and finds ways to bond without the need to talk.
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Best Picture Books With Diverse Characters
