Hispanic Heritage

Abuela
Author: Arthur Dorros
While riding on a bus with her grandmother, a little girl imagines that they are carried up into the sky and fly over the sights of New York City. Ages 3 - 7


Baseball in April and Other Stories
Author: Gary Soto
This Hispanic author writes about things that happen to all kids- Little League, karate lessons, embarrassing relatives and boyfriend/girlfriend troubles. Ages 9-12


Bebé Goes Shopping
Author: Susan Elya
In this rhyming story with some Spanish text, Bebé is very busy putting groceries into a cart when mama isn’t looking. Ages 5-8


Becoming Naomi León
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
When Naomi’s absent mother resurfaces to claim her, Naomi runs away to Mexico with her great-grandmother and younger brother in search of her father. Ages 9-12


Book Fiesta! Celebrate Children’s Day/ Book Day
Author: Rafael López
April 30th is El día de los niños, or Children's Day. In this bilingual story, learn facts about Mexico's annual celebration of children and the book fiestas that are often included. Ages 3 - 9


Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred
Author: Samantha R. Vamos
A cumulative tale of a farm maiden who, aided by a group of animals, prepares "Arroz con Leche," or rice pudding. Includes recipe and glossary of the Spanish words that are woven throughout the text. Ages 4 - 7


Chato’s Kitchen
Author: Gary Soto
To get the "ratoncitos," little mice, who have moved into the barrio to come to his house, Chato the cat prepares all kinds of good food: fajitas, frijoles, salsa, enchiladas, and more. Ages 4 - 8


Confetti Girl
Author: Diana Lopez
Sixth-grader Lina struggles as she deals with her best friend’s selfish behavior, as well as the loss of her mother.


Diego Rivera: His World and Ours
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
An introduction to the life, career, and influence of the Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Ages 5 - 9


Dreamer
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
A fictionalized biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who grew up a painfully shy child, ridiculed by his overbearing father, but who became one of the most widely-read poets in the world. Ages 9 - 12


Esperanza Rising
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the Great Depression. Ages 9-12


Frida
Author: Jonah Winter
This a beautiful picture book biography of the artist: Frida Kahlo. When polio kept her bedridden for nine months, drawing saved her from boredom. When a bus accident left her in unimaginable agony, her paintings expressed her pain and depression--and eventually, her joys and triumphs. Ages 7 - 11


How Tía Lola Came to Stay
Author: Julia Alvarez
Ten-year-old Miguel is at first embarrassed by his colorful aunt, Tía Lola from the Dominican Republic but when she arrives after his parents’ divorce, he learns to love her. Look for the other books in this delightful series. Ages 9-12


I, Juan de Pareja
Author: Elizabeth Trevino
This Newbery winner is based on the true story of an African slave who was an assistant to the famous Spanish painter Velazquez. Although slaves were prohibited from painting, Juan de Pareja and Velazquez developed a relationship of friendship and trust. Ages 9-12


Jimmy the Greatest
Author: Jairo Buitrago y Rafael Yockteng
Jimmy lives in a small Caribbean town where there's not a whole lot to do. Fortunately though, there is a boxing gym, and one day the owner, Don Apolinar, suggests that Jimmy start training. Ages 6-8. E BUITRAGO


Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book
Author: Yuyi Morales
Señor Calavera, the skeleton, arrives at Grandma Beetle's door, ready to take her to the next life. After helping her count, in English and Spanish, as she makes her birthday preparations, he changes his mind. A good choice for your Day of the Dead or Halloween celebration. Ages 6 – 10


Just in Case; a trickster tale and Spanish alphabet book
Author: Yuyi Morales
As Señor Calavera prepares for Grandma Beetle’s birthday, he finds an alphabetical assortment of unusual presents, but with the help of Zelmiro the Ghost, he finds the best gift of all. Ages 6-9


Kitchen Dance
Author: Maurie J. Manning
Two sleepy children sneak out of their beds to watch as their parents, who love each other very much, break into a dance while washing the dishes. Ages 3 – 7. E MANNING


Lola's Fandango
Author: Anna Witte
After learning how to dance a style of flamenco known as the fandango, Lola plans a surprise for her mother's birthday.


Manana Iguana
Author: Ann Paul
It’s fiesta time, but when Iguana needs help with preparations, her friends Culebra, Tortuga and Conejo all have excuses to avoid helping out. Ages 5-8


Mice and Beans
Author: Pam Munoz Ryan
All week long Rosa Maria makes preparations for her granddaughter Catalina’s seventh birthday, while her unwanted houseguests, the mice have party plans as well. Ages 5-8


My Colors, My World= Mis Colores, Mi Mundo
Author: Maya Christina Gonzalez
Maya, who lives in the dusty desert, opens her eyes wide to find the colors in her world, from Papi's black hair and Mami's orange and purple flowers to Maya's red swing set and the fiery pink sunset. Ages 4 – 7. E GONZALEZ SPANISH ENGLISH


My Little Car= Mi Carrito
Author: Gary Soto
Teresa shows off her shiny, new pedal-powered low-rider car, a gift from her grandfather. Later she neglects the car but her abuelito helps her to make it shine like new. Ages 5-8


My Name is Celia/ Me llamo Celia
Author: Monica Brown
A bilingual picture book biography of Celia Cruz, The Cuban-Born Queen of Salsa. This first-person narrative tells of the life of Celia Cruz in lyrical text and bright illustrations. Ages 7 – 10


Quiet Place
Author: Sarah Stewart
The story of young immigrant Isabel, who misses her family and friends back in Mexico while decorating a large box as a place of quiet contemplation and encountering new experiences, including a first snowstorm and a kind teacher. Ages 4 – 10. E STEWART


Return to Sender
Author: Julia Alvarez
Tyler’s father is injured and the family is forced to hire migrant Mexican farm workers to keep from losing their Vermont farm. Tyler knows the workers are illegal and that this is against the law. Mari, one of the daughters of the migrant workers, is not technically American, but doesn’t feel Mexican either. Mari’s mother is missing and she fears what the la migra (immigration officials) will do to her family. This touching story beautifully presents the complex issue of two families forced to break the law in an attempt to provide for their families. Ages 9 - 12


Señor Cat’s Romance and Other Favorite Stories of South America
Author: Lucia Gonzales
A collection of popular folktales from Argentina, Cuba, Columbia, Nicaragua and Mexico featuring the clever Uncle Rabbit, the foolish Juan Bobo, and the trickster Tío Conejo. Ages 5-8


Shadow of a Bull
Author: Maia Wojciechowska
Eleven year-old Manola Olivar is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a famous Spanish bullfighter, but he has his own dreams. How can he preserve his family’s honor and still be true to himself? Newbery Award. Ages 9-12


Storyteller’s Candle/ La velita de los cuentos
Author: Lucía González
The true story of New York City's first latina librarian: Pura Belpré. In this story, Ms. Belpré introduces the public library to Spanish speaking immigrants living in El Barrio. A fitting tribute to the namesake of the annual Pura Belpré Award. Ages 6 – 10


Tía Isa Wants a Car
Author: Meg Medina
Tía Isa wants a car: a shiny green car the same color as the ocean in the country of her girlhood. Tío Andres laughs. “Don’t be ridiculous! You’re not a rich queen!” With the help of her niece will she is able to save enough money to buy her dream? Ages 6 – 9


Tiny Tortilla
Author: Arlene Williams
Juan Carlos discovers that, with the right touch, he can transform some special tortilla dough into unexpected shapes.


Tomás and the Library Lady
Author: Pat Mora
While helping his family in their work as migrant laborers far from their home, Tomás finds an entire world to explore in the books at the local public Library.


Waiting for the Biblioburro
Author: Monica Brown
One morning Ana wakes up to the sounds of hoof beats. It’s the Biblioburro bringing books to this remote Columbian village! The two burros, Alfa and Beto are loaded with books the children can borrow. Ages 5 - 8


What Are You Doing?
Author: Elisa Amado
Before he leaves on his first day of school, Chepito plays outside and encounters many different people in his neighborhood who are all reading, and each person has a different response when Chepito asks them 'Why'


What Can You Do With a Paleta?
Author: Carmen Tafolla
A young Mexican American girl celebrates the paleta, an icy fruit popsicle, and the many roles it plays in her lively barrio. Ages 3 - 7


Zapato Power
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Freddie finds a mysterious package outside his apartment containing sneakers that allow him to run faster than a train, and inspire him to perform heroic deeds.