Hispanic Heritage Month is a perfect opportunity for educators to introduce students to the rich cultural traditions, diverse histories, and significant contributions of Hispanic people. One of the best ways to do this is through literature that opens young minds to new perspectives. Here are seven recommended children’s books by Hispanic authors that are sure to inspire empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation of Hispanic heritage in your classroom.
1. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a mother and her child who immigrate to the United States. Through challenges and discovery, they find strength in their dreams and the power of libraries. Dreamers is a touching narrative that highlights the immigrant experience, fostering empathy in students. It helps them understand the importance of resilience and the joy of finding a place in a new world.
What can I do?: Use this book to discuss the concept of the American Dream, the role of community resources such as libraries, and to inspire students to create their own “dreamer” stories.
2. Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña
Carmela Full of Wishes is a tender look at the hopes and dreams of a child in a working-class Hispanic family. The main character, Carmela, finds a dandelion and makes wishes as she goes about her day. The book provides insight into the everyday lives of Hispanic families, promoting understanding and empathy. It captures the innocence of childhood while subtly addressing socio-economic issues.
What can I do?: Encourage students to discuss their own wishes and dreams. Pair the book with a writing activity where students can write about a day in their lives, highlighting the things they are grateful for.
3. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
This novel follows Esperanza, a young girl from a wealthy Mexican family, whose life changes drastically when she and her mother must flee to California and work as laborers during the Great Depression. Esperanza Rising is a powerful story about resilience, identity, and the migrant experience. It’s a great way to introduce students to the history of Hispanic laborers in the United States.
What can I do?: Use the book to explore themes of social justice, family, and change. Students can engage in discussions about the historical context and even research the life of migrant workers today.
4. Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma feels her name is too long until she learns the story behind each part of it, discovering her connection to family and heritage. This story is a beautiful exploration of identity and the significance of names, encouraging students to appreciate their backgrounds and family histories.
What can I do?: Invite students to share the stories behind their names or create family trees. This can lead to deeper conversations about heritage, culture, and the importance of family connections.
5. My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
Celebrate the vibrancy of a Hispanic community along with Daisy as she rides through her beloved neighborhood with her father. The book celebrates the bond between father and daughter while highlighting the warmth and cultural richness of Hispanic neighborhoods.
What can I do?: This is a great opportunity to discuss the concept of community and belonging. Students can create their neighborhood maps or write stories about their favorite places in their communities and the people they share are them with.
6. Islandborn by Junot Díaz
Lola, a young girl, is asked to draw a picture of the country she left as a baby. With the help of her family and neighbors, she pieces together a vivid picture of her heritage. Islandborn addresses themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience in a way that’s accessible to children. It emphasizes the importance of cultural roots and community.
What can I do?: Encourage students to create art or stories about their heritage or places that are important to them. This book can also be a springboard for discussions on diversity and what it means to belong to more than one culture as well as the value of interviewing and listening to the memories and stories of elders.
7. Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
This is the only non-fiction book in this list and it shares the story of Sylvia Mendez and her family’s battle to end school segregation in California, years before Brown v. Board of Education. It’s an inspiring true story that introduces students to an important but often overlooked piece of civil rights history, highlighting the role of Hispanic Americans in the fight for equality.
What can I do?: Use this book to discuss the history of segregation and civil rights in the United States including the triumphs and contributions of the Hispanic community. Students can research other key figures in the fight for desegregation and present their findings to the class.
We hope you will find that these books help you and your students celebrate Hispanic heritage but also offer opportunities to foster empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of shared humanity in your classroom.
