10 Children’s Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
Hispanic heritage is worthy of celebration any time of the year. Whether you are Hispanic or simply interested in Hispanic culture, reading children’s books to your kids is an amazing way to teach them about diversity and inclusion.
In this article I will share the best children’s books that celebrate Hispanic Heritage so that you can immerse your children into the beauty that is this culture. I found incredible books that celebrate inclusivity and encourage diversity. Within the Latin culture there are many other subcultures just like the US. That’s why I chose several sub-categories so that you can choose from a list that fits what you’re looking to teach your kids or students. But first, a little more on what Hispanic Heritage means.
Hispanic Heritage
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the U.S. Nonetheless, any day is a good day to celebrate the Hispanic culture!
But why do we celebrate Hispanic heritage? To honor the cultural richness of Spanish-speaking peoples and to celebrate their history and contributions.
Hispanic subgroups reflect great differences in ethnicity, culture, origin and encompass the racial spectrum, including Spanish-speakers who are white, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American. Because there is so much diversity in the Hispanic culture, it’s important to reflect that diversity in the books we teach and read.
10 Children’s Books That Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
I’ve compiled a list of the best children’s books by Hispanic authors for your home or school library. Whether you’re looking for a picture book or a chapter book, you’re sure to find a wonderful story with Hispanic representation.
For a list of free children’s books in Spanish, check out this blog post. If you’re looking for audiobooks, try this Audible book. Regularly reading Spanish books is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary and achieve fluency. Let’s get started!
Celebrating Diversity
1.¡Al Furgón! by Henri Meunier
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 5 and up
Price: $18.93 for Hardcover
This short book is about a young boy who watches a police officer stop different looking people and then send them to a van. It’s a powerful way to teach kids about intolerance and how illogical it is.
It’s a simple story that opens a door to discuss complex issues like white privilege and racism with kids so that they can be aware and be more accepting of others as they grow up.
2. Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 4 to 8
Price: $15.99 for Hardcover. $11.99 on Kindle
This book deals with the question that many people of color face and don’t know exactly how to answer. A grandfather offers heartfelt answers to this question that many young readers need to hear. ¿De dónde eres? is a fantastic book about whether you can tell where someone is from based on how they look.
3. Te Quiero Tal Y Como Eres by Grete Garrido
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 3 to 7
Price: $13.37 for Paperback
In this heartfelt book, a group of colorful monsters love each other for exactly who they are and not how they look. The title translates to “I Love You Just The Way You Are,” and it encourages kids to accept each other no matter what. It addresses tolerance, acceptance, and diversity. The author does a wonderful job at focusing on the monsters’ strengths rather than their weaknesses and differences.
Latin American Traditions
4. Mice And Beans by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 7 to 9
Price: $6.79 for Paperback. $17.83 for Hardcover
This book is about Rosa Maria who lives in a small house with a small yard. She has a big family, and she loves to cook meals for them. As Rosa María prepares for her youngest grandchild’s birthday party, she realizes that several items in her kitchen are missing.
The book is about uncovering the clues that reveal a family of mice that are also preparing for a birthday party of their own. This is a lovely picture book for kids to enjoy!
5. Mango, Abuela and Me by Meg Medina
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 5 to 8
Price: $16.99 for Hardcover. $7.99 for Paperback. $0.99 on Kindle
Mia moves to the city with her parents and abuela. She helps her grandmother learn English, and her grandmother helps Mia learns Spanish. The book is about bridging the gap between generations and cultures.
When Mia sees a parrot in a pet shop and gets an idea so that she can communicate better with abuela. It’s an enchanting tale that speaks loud and clear about how love connects us all.
6. A Birthday Basket for Tia by Pat Mora
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 3 to 8
Price: $5.98 for Hardcover. $5.95 for Paperback
The Hispanic community is all about familia. In this book, it’s Tía’s birthday and Cecelia wants to surprise her great-aunt with a special present. But what could it be? The book will keep you guessing. With the help of her cat, Chica, Cecilia plans the perfect surprise, and Tía has a special surprise for Cecilia, too!
The Afro-Latino Experience
7. Bad Hair Does Not Exist! By Sulma Arzu-Brown
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 3 to 13
Price: $12.95 for Paperback
This is a book with an anti-bullying message that encourages respect for all individuals. The term pelo malo (bad hair) is often—wrongly—used to describe curly or thick hair.
It’s wonderful to read and discuss this topic so that kids accept each other despite their differences in appearance. The book’s purpose is to empower all children and give them alternative ways to describe hair in a respectful way.
8. My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia by Monica Brown
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 5 to 8
Price: $7.96 for the Hardcover. $15.15 on Kindle
Celia Cruz was a sensational Afro-Latina musician from Cuba who took the industry by storm. The Spanish-speaking world adores her catchy and fun songs.
My Name is Celia gives young readers a look into her life. Learn how this legendary artist created music that encouraged inclusivity and acceptance.
Latin American History
9. A Kid’s Guide to Latino History by Valerie Petrillo
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 7 to 9
Price: $16.39 for the Paperback. $10.49 on Kindle
Learning history is a fascinating way to expand a child’s world. A Kid’s Guide to Latino History features more than 50 hands-on activities, games, and crafts that explore the diversity of the Latino culture. It teaches kids about the experiences, people, and events that have shaped Hispanic American history.
10. I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids by Gabi García
Where to get it: Amazon and bookstores
For ages: 2 to 6
Price: $19.99 for the Hardcover. $12.27 for the Paperback. $6.99 on Kindle
What kids tell themselves matters! The way parents and teachers speak to kids has a huge impact on their mental health because it becomes their inner dialogue.
This children’s book encourages kids to tap into their inner strength with affirmations. The affirmations reflect the beautiful diversity we find in our world and remind kids of their resilience. This book is an ideal addition to your home library.
Why Spanish for Kids?
Using children’s books is a wonderful way to learn about the Hispanic world. But why Spanish? It currently ranks among the top five most commonly spoken languages in the world. By knowing Spanish, your child will communicate more easily with those around them. Due to its popularity, there’s a strong chance that your child will encounter people who speak the language at school, on the playground, or in the community. With even a basic understanding, they can start and carry conversations that enrich their lives.
What’s more, the Hispanic culture is full of colors, flavors, and sounds that kids love! Learning Spanish opens your child’s eyes to a world beyond their front door. It encourages conversations around diversity, culture, and respecting others. It also opens the door to a rich repository of Spanish music, film, and literature! Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy to become a Spanish-speaking family today!
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