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Hispanic Heritage Book Recommendations

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Must-Read Books

As we usher in September, we also welcome the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. A time to honor the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals to our world. This month, which spans from September 15th to October 15th, is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse literary tradition of Hispanic authors. To help you and your family embark on this literary journey, we’ve curated a list of must-read books that celebrate Hispanic culture, history, and the human experience. Whether you’re looking for powerful memoirs, thought-provoking novels, or fun books to read, there’s something on this list for everyone.

For You

When I Was Puerto Rican
The Hummingbird’s Daughter
Brown Enough
Carmen And Grace
The Poet X
Open Veins of Latin America
  1. When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir* by Esmeralda Santiago. Esmeralda Santiago’s memoir is a poignant exploration of her childhood in rural Puerto Rico and her journey to New York City. It’s a touching narrative of cultural identity and the pursuit of the American dream. Amazon LINK*. (Published also in Spanish)
  2. The Hummingbird’s Daughter: A Novel* by Luis Alberto Urrea. Set in Mexico in the late 19th century, this novel tells the extraordinary story of Teresa Urrea, a real-life folk hero and healer known as “The Saint of Cabora”. It’s a mesmerizing blend of history and legend. Amazon LINK*.
  3. Brown Enough* by Christopher Rivas. Brown Enough, part memoir and part social commentary, emerges, asking readers to proudly put their bodies, and their identities, into the conversations of race. Amazon LINK*.
  4. Carmen and Grace* (Curating Edits’ Review) written by Melissa Coss Aquino. Carmen and Grace have been inseparable since they were little girls. Until Doña Durka swept into their lives and changed everything, taking Grace into her home, providing stability and support, and playing an outside role in Carmen’s upbringing too. Amazon LINK*.
  5. The Poet X* is written by Elizabeth Acevedo. This young adult novel-in-verse tells the story of Xiomara, a Dominican-American girl who finds her voice through poetry. It’s a powerful exploration of identity, faith, and the transformative power of words. Amazon LINK*. (Also Published in Spanish)
  6. Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent* written by Eduardo Galeano. Rather than chronology, geography, or political successions, Eduardo Galeano has organized the various facets of Latin American history according to the patterns of five centuries of exploitation. Amazon LINK*.

YA Books

The Making of Yolanda La Bruja
Last Sunrise in Eterna
The Memory Index
  1. The Making of Yolanda La Bruja* (Curating Edits’ Review). Written by Lorraine Avila, for the translated book click HERE. The Making of Yolanda La Bruja is the book this country, struggling with the plague of gun violence, so desperately needs, but which few could write. Here Lorraine Avila brings a story born from the intersection of race, justice, education, and spirituality that will capture readers everywhere. Amazon LINK*.
  2. Last Sunrise in Eterna* (Curating Edits’ Review), written by Amparo Ortiz. Seventeen-year-old Sevim Burgos hates elves, so how did she end up as one of the three teenagers who are invited this year to spend seven days on the secluded island floating off the coast of Puerto Rico to learn the magic of elves? Amazon LINK*.
  3. The Memory Index*, written by Julian Ray Vaca. This Sci-Fi novel takes place in a world that treats memories as currency. There is no cure for the disease that ravages human memories, only artificial recall. Freya Izquierdo a high school senior is a “degen” who needs artificial recall several times a day. Plagued by blinding half-memories that take her to her knees, she’s desperate to remember everything that will help her investigate her father’s violent death. Amazon LINK*.

Image from Bookshop.org for the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month celebration in which you receive 20% off select titles by using code HHM2023.

Children’s Books

De Colores and Other Latin-American Folk Sons for Children
Islandborn
Tito Puente: Mambo King/Rey del Mambo
Separate Is Never Equal
  1. De Colores and Other Latin American Folksongs for Children* by Jose-Luis Orozco, illustrated by Elisa Kleven. Bursting with color and spirit, this collection of Latin-American songs is a tribute to Latino culture. From traditional tunes to rhymes and hand games, De Colores has songs for all occasions and moods. Each song is accompanied by simple musical arrangements, with lyrics in both English and Spanish. Amazon LINK*.
  2. Islandborn* by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa. This book is also printed in Spanish, which you can find HERE*. When Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. Lola comes to understand the truth of her abuela’s words: “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.” Amazon LINK*.
  3. The Hispanic Star Collection* written by Claudia Romo Edelman includes Roberto Clemente*, Selena Gomez*, Sylvia Rivera*, Celia Cruz*, Ellen Ochoa*, and Sonia Sotomayor*. This biography series of phenomenal individuals who have shaped our culture and the world! These books are also available in Spanish. Amazon LINK*.
  4. Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo* written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. In this bilingual picture book biography of musician Tito Puente, readers will dance along to the beat of the mambo king’s life, from Spanish Harlem to the Grammys. Amazon LINK*.
  5. Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation* by Duncan Tonatiuh. Why were the children of Mexican families forced to attend a separate school? Unable to get a satisfactory answer from the school board, the Mendez family decided to take matters into its own hands and organized a lawsuit. In the end, the Mendez family’s efforts helped bring an end to segregated schooling in California in 1947, seven years before the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education ended segregation in schools across America. Amazon LINK*.

Hispanic Heritage Month

This Hispanic Heritage Month, take the time to explore these captivating books that offer insights into the vibrant cultures, complex histories, and diverse experiences of Hispanic and Latinx communities. Whether you’re of Hispanic descent or simply interested in broadening your literary horizons, these recommendations are sure to enrich your reading list and deepen your understanding of this incredible heritage.

In addition to reading these books, consider hosting book club discussions, attending author talks, or even sharing your own thoughts and recommendations on social media to engage with others during this celebratory month. By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through literature, we can foster a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx individuals and continue to promote cultural understanding and unity. So, pick up one of these books and embark on a literary journey that celebrates the beauty of Hispanic culture and heritage.

Curating Edits

At Curating Edits we support BookShop.org’s commitment to independent bookstores. BookShop.org is celebrating Latinx & Hispanic authors and Latinx-owned and Hispanic-owned bookstores across the United States. Disclosure: The SALE ends Sunday, October 16th at 11:59 PM PST.

In addition to providing a Bookshop.org option for ordering books, we will also provide a link to AMAZON. Where you can shop for your books and other must-haves on your lists.

This blog post includes affiliate links, to read more about our policy click HERE.