Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with this Family Friendly Reading List

Every year from September 15 to October 15, the cultures, contributions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans are celebrated nationwide through National Hispanic Heritage Month. This observation began in 1966 as National Hispanic Heritage Week and expanded into a month-long celebration in 1988 when it was enacted into law.

September 15 marks the anniversary of the independence of five Hispanic countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile’s independence days also fall during this month-long celebration.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated across the country with festivals, art shows, conferences, and so much more. Take time this month to explore the rich contributions Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to making our country a stronger and more equitable place.

Greentrike proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month! To honor this month and champion learning, we created this list of books exploring the diversity of Hispanic heritage.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Follow Alma as she learns the history of her very long name and the legacies her family members have left behind. This discovery story is a great conversation starter for children who may be curious about their own family histories or names.

Where Are You From? Written by Yamile Saied Menez and Illustrated by Jaime Kim

When a young girl isn’t sure how to answer questions about where she’s really from, she turns to her abuelo for help. Instead of giving her a direct answer, he takes his granddaughter on a lyrical journey and teaches her valuable lessons on identity, home and self-acceptance.

Paletero Man Written by Lucky Diaz and Illustrated by Micah Player

Tag along with our narrator as he searches his neighborhood for Paletero José on a hot summer day. When the ice pops he craves are finally within reach, the worst thing happens – our narrator realizes his money is gone! Find out who lends a helping hand in this story of generosity, kindness and delicious treats.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

This picture book memoir celebrates the many gifts migrants bring with them when they leave their homes. Through a richly illustrated and symbolic text, author Yuyi Morales reminds readers of the dreamer in each of us and drives home lessons of resilience and championing personal history. An autobiographical essay on the author’s own experience and a list of books that have inspired her are also included.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match Written by Monica Brown and Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Marisol McDonald likes polka dots, peanut butter and jelly burritos, and refuses to be put in a box by a world that thinks she doesn’t match! Follow Marisol as she works through what it means to be a biracial, Peruvian-Scottish-American girl who loves herself exactly the way she is.