Looking for an exciting way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your child? Reading can be an excellent way to celebrate the month. Books improve young readers’ literary skills and expand their imagination. As a parent, you bond with your little ones while exploring Hispanic culture together. Below are our best picks for experiencing Hispanic heritage through books.
Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte
Across the bay is a captivating picture book that celebrates Hispanic culture. The book tells the story of a young boy named Carlitos. While living happily with his mother, Abuela, and cat, Carlitos faces the urge to leave his small hometown of Catano for bustling Puerto Rico to look for Papi.
He sets off on a ferry with his father’s picture in hand. The book is dotted with interesting characters, including playful cats, costumed musicians, and Jolly Pirageros. In the city, he encounters different shades of skin and different life perspectives.
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Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña
When the clock strikes midnight on her birthday, young Carmela’s wish of being old enough to accompany his big brother on errands comes true. Seven-year-old Carmella enjoys scootering through fields with her brother in tow. One day, an unfortunate thing happened; Carmella falls off her scooter and loses her dandelion wish. Devastated, her brother takes her to a place that fulfills her wishes beyond her wildest dreams. Her father is finally coming home! This book makes for a great read during Hispanic Heritage month.
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Turning Pages by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre
Turning pages is a picture book autobiography that captures the life of the first Latina Supreme Court justice. Sonia is born into a family of Spanish-speaking immigrants from Puerto Rico. Books open new possibilities for Sonia. Books help her deal with her diabetes diagnosis at age 7 and her father’s death at age 9. While attending a Catholic high school, bible stories introduce her to morality, and while at Princeton University, Law books are her guide to justice. Likewise, this is it if you’re looking for a book to stir preschool reading!
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I am Frida Kahlo by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
Beautifully written and powerfully captivating, I am Frida Kahlo is every young reader’s dream. Written by a famous Mexican painter, it offers unique insights into Hispanic heritage. It covers important events in the life of Frida, including childhood memories as a Hispanic. It also teaches young readers about virtues by highlighting some of Frida’s personal beliefs. If your preschooler loves comic-style book illustrations powered by facts, this is the best gift to buy them for Hispanic heritage month.
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La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
The Queen is determined to help her son find a good wife. This is a challenging task, as the Queen wants nothing short of perfection for her son. A fair maiden presents herself outside the Queen’s castle to try her luck.
The Queen introduces a test to see whether this maiden is fit to marry her son. The prince, who is already in love with the maiden, beats the Queen at her own game. Inspired by Peru’s vibrating art, the pictures of the characters make it a good pick for Spanish preschool reading.
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Explore Hispanic Heritage with Your Kids this Month!
Celebrate the rich history and incredible contributions of Hispanic culture this month. From tales, songs, or picture books, there’s so much to explore and learn. Likewise, these books are a great way to keep in touch with Hispanic roots and attain a wider life perspective.
