The Hispanic community has a profound and positive influence within the United States. It’s a beautiful culture, and there is so much to learn about it.
Here is a list of 15 Hispanic heritage books ranging from early readers to upper elementary that can help you introduce Hispanic heritage and language to your children.
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Early Readers
Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales :: This simple and beautifully illustrated picture book can introduce your children to the artist Frida Kahlo.
This book is also bilingual and incorporates some of her artwork into the illustrations.
Bebé Goes Shopping by Susan Middleton Elya :: This bright picture book follows a mischievous baby’s adventure at the supermarket with his mother. This book teaches simple Spanish words and phrases and has bright, unique artwork. It includes a Spanish to English glossary.
Elena’s Serenade by Campbell Geeslin :: This book follows the journey of a little girl who wishes to become a glassblower in Monterrey, Mexico. She meets helpful animals, and finds a way to show her father that she has a magical gift and can achieve her dream.
The Fiesta Dress: A Quinceañera Tale by Caren McNelly McCormack :: A little sister gets overlooked as her older sister prepares for her quinceañera, the celebration of turning 15 years old. This book introduces readers to simple Spanish words while also teaching the tradition of quinceañeras.
The Princess and the Warrior: A Tale of Two Volcanos by Duncan Tonatiuh :: This book shares the Mexican legend of two volcanoes. It follows Princess Izta and her warrior love, Popoca, as they find each other, face betrayal, and ultimately become the Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes.
Señorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer :: Take a journey with the monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico, and meet the people and places they encounter along the way in this bilingual book that highlights the forests and people of Mexico.
Elementary Readers
Day of The Dead by Tony Johnston :: This bilingual, bright, and bold picture book shares Day of The Dead traditions. It follows a family as they make preparations to honor their loved ones who have passed on. This is a simple read but does a great job explaining the traditions of Day of the Dead.
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales :: This book is a stunning work of art that shares the story of a mother and child as they migrate to America. This book includes the real-life story of the author’s journey to America, and how she found the power of books and art.
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Grandma’s Chocolate by Mara Price :: This is a sweet, bilingual picture book about a girl learning about her ancestry from her grandmother who is visiting from Mexico. The grandmother shares the history of chocolate and touches on the Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs.
Growing Up With Tamales by Gwendolyn Zepeda :: In this bilingual book, a girl looks forward to growing up and gaining the responsibility of making tamales for her family’s Christmas tradition. This is a sweet story of siblings, and teaches the Hispanic holiday tradition of tamale making.
Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales :: This simple, bright, and lighthearted story follows a creative boy as he wrestles great opponents and even his little sisters. It is a great introduction to lucha libre, which is Mexican-style professional wrestling.
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Paletero Man ¡Que Paletero tan Cool! by Lucky Diaz :: This book tells the story of a child searching all over the city for the paleta man, but when he finds him, he realizes he forgot his money. Enjoy as the whole community comes together to help him get his tasty treats in this bilingual book.
Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage by Tracey Kyle :: Join Pepe as he attends his first Hispanic Day parade. He’s excited to share his culture and identity with his friends who have their own unique Hispanic ties. Celebrate the food, music, and dance from many Latin American countries.
Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes by Juan Felipe Herrera :: This is a collection of Hispanic and Latino American people who have made wonderful accomplishments in arts, politics, and science all while struggling with the injustices of discrimination. The book features Rita Moreno, Luis W. Alvarez, and Cesar Chavez.
