September is Hispanic Heritage Month. What better way to

honor Hispanic culture and history with kids  than with picture books?

We’ve rounded up informative and inspiring books to recognize the

wide range of voices and stories within Hispanic and Latino culture —

from biographies to folktales, there’s something great for every young

reader amongst these fiction and nonfiction reads. 

1. Areli is a Dreamer

by Areli Morales, illustrated by Luisa Uribe 

Based on the author’s real-life experiences, this picture book shares Areli’s story as a young immigrant from Mexico. Although moving to a new country presented many difficulties, Areli now calls America home. It’s a touching story that any child will love — especially if they’ve also experienced the growing pains of adjusting to a new place 

2. Sing with Me:

The Story of Selena Quintanilla

by Diana López, illustrated by Teresa Martínez 

Music lovers will enjoy reading this inspiring biography of Selena Quintanilla. Everyone has to start somewhere, and Selena began her singing career at quinceañeras and other small venues. As her popularity grew, so did the platforms — until she could fill entire

stadiums with adoring fans 

3. Across the Bay

by Carlos Aponte 

Spend a day in the life of a young boy in Puerto Rico as he ventures into San Juan to look for his Papi. There, he explores the historic city and takes in

the sights. The gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt

story celebrate the vibrant culture of San Juan.

You’ll want to read this book again and again. 

4. My Papi Has a Motorcycle

by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña

Daisy Ramona loves her daily motorcycle rides with her papi around their Southern California town. There are so many familiar faces and sights in their community, from their librarian shopping for groceries to the lively murals around town that celebrate their Mexican-American history. Daisy also can't help but notice the changes in her community - but she knows what (and who) she can hold on to through times of change.  

5. Mango, Abuela, and Me

by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez  

Mia is thrilled when her grandmother, who has always lived far away, comes to stay with Mia and her family. Mia soon finds out her Abuela (grandmother) doesn’t speak English, but over time they teach one another their native languages and form a close bond. Families will love reading the English and Spanish words that make up this sweet cross-generational story about a young girl getting to know her grandmother.  

6. I am Frida Kahlo

by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos 

Young readers will learn about Frida’s

childhood, struggles, and artistic journey

in this easy-to-digest nonfiction book.

By incorporating herself, Mexican culture,

and history into her paintings, she set herself

apart and became a beloved icon in the art world.  

7. Alama and How

She Got Her Name

by Juana Martinez-Neal  

Young Alma is learning to write her name, and what a name it is! Alma Sofia Esperanza José

Pura Candela - try fitting that on a single line.

When Alma asks her father why she has so

many names, he responds by bringing to life

the stories of Alma's ancestors, like her grandmother Sofia, who loved books, and her grandfather José, who made beautiful art. Alma learns her cultural roots through her namesakes, and comes to love every part of her name.   

8. Islandborn

by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa 

In Islandborn, a young girl goes on an imaginative quest to rediscover the island she immigrated from but can no longer remember. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Lola's family celebrates their culture every day through food, music, and stories. But Lola doesn't understand why they had to leave, or what it means that she can't remember her birthplace. Her family and friends share their memories and histories, both beautiful and complex, helping Lola see that she's part of both worlds.   

9. Just Ask!

by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael Lopez

In this encouraging picture book, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor uses her own experience as a child diagnosed with diabetes to write a story about kids who have all different challenges. As the children work together to build a community garden, they get to know each other — and how they are different — by asking questions. Sotomayor encourages readers to do the same, and to embrace the things that make us wonderfully unique.   

10. Waiting for the Biblioburro

by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra  

In this picture book, readers meet a young Colombian girl named Ana who loves reading but doesn’t have access to new books. Luckily, librarian Luis Soriano arrives in her village with plenty of books in tow — on the backs of two (appropriately named) donkeys, Alfa and Beto. A simple story, based on a real-life traveling librarian, that incorporates Spanish words throughout the text

and reminds us of the universal value of reading.