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Celebrate Hispanic-American culture and language in this Showcase featuring English, Spanish, and bilingual books for children and young adults. This month we highlight books that explore the rich cultural treasures of the Latino experience in America as well as books in Spanish or bilingual formats that present both Hispanic and American cultures to children of all backgrounds.
These books are available at your local bookstore. Check the ABA's directory of member bookstores for a bookseller near you. You may also purchase these books at BookSense.com.
Note: Showcase titles are selected by the books' publishers, who provide cover art, interior art, and descriptive information.
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Becoming Naomi León
by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Ages 9-12.
(Scholastic Press)
When Naomi Soledad León Outlaw's mother reappears after seven years of being gone, all sorts of questions are stirred up, & Naomi is challenged to discover who she really is. |
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Before We Were Free
by Julia Alvarez. Ages 12 & up.
(Laurel Leaf/Random House Children's Books)
From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl's struggle to be free. This paperback is also available in Spanish. |
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Cactus Soup
by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Phil Huling. Ages 4-8.
(Marshall Cavendish Children's Books)
"A savory stew to serve alongside traditional versions of the classic tale." —Booklist, starred review
"Kimmel serves up the familiar Stone Soup story with a Mexican flavor in this retelling set in northern Mexico during the time of the Mexican Revolution. . . . A good choice for those seeking variants of Stone Soup, or books with Mexican themes." —Kirkus Reviews
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César
¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, illustrated by David Díaz. Ages 8-12.
(Marshall Cavendish Children's Books)
An NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
An ALA Notable Children's Book
Tómas Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award Nominee
"This powerful biography in poems relates incidents in the life of César Chávez with insight and a sense of wonder. Diaz's softly beautiful and illuminating illustrations add much to this already rich celebration of César's life and legacy." —Kirkus Reviews |
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Doña Flor
A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart
by Pat Mora, illustrated by Raúl Colón. Ages 4-8.
(Knopf Books for Young Readers)
Featuring Spanish words and phrases throughout, as well as a glossary, Pat Mora's story, along with Raúl Colón's glorious artwork, makes this a treat for any reader, tall or small. |
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En Ingles, por Supuesto
by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Dasha Ziborova. All ages.
(Gingerbread House)
Light-hearted and humorous, treats of the larger, timely issue that native-speaking people sometimes underestimate the talents, dignity, and humor of newcomers, often with preposterous results. |
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Esperanza Rising
by Pam Munoz Ryan. Ages 9-14.
(Scholastic Press)
This is a riches-to-rags story based on the experiences of Ryan's grandparents: one who was born into wealth in Mexico and the other who labored in the fields of California. |
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A Gift of Gracias
The Legend of Altagracia
by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal. Ages 5-8.
(Knopf Books for Young Readers)
This story of an imigrant family from Spain and their struggles to make it in a new community is also availible in Spanish. |
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El Peso de una Misa
Un Relato de Fe
by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi. All Ages.
(Gingerbread House)
When a widow begs stale bread in return for offering her participation in the royal wedding Mass, a miracle converts the hearts of a once-cold kingdom. |
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Qué nervios
El primer día de escuela
by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love. Ages 5-8.
(Charlesbridge Publishing, Inc.)
"Funny and insightful . . . a nifty surprise ending that is a delight." —Booklist
The perennial bestseller is now available in Spanish. |
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