Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 – October 15. If you’re wondering why this observation starts in the middle of a month, September 15 is the independence anniversary for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico’s independence day is September 16, and Chile’s is September 18.
Below you’ll find a list of wonderful middle grade children’s books to read at home or in the classroom. As always, I encourage you to use special months like Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month to amplify the study of history and cultures that should be done all year round.
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Non-fiction chapter books about Latino and Hispanic heritage
Borderlands and the Mexican American Story by David Dorado Romo.
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This comprehensive yet accessible guide to the history of Mexican Americans in what is today the southwest United States and northern Mexico is a must-read for youth and adults alike. Romo covers the region’s history, from pre-European contact through the present day mistreatment of asylum seekers, emphasizing the experiences and resistance of young people throughout. Along the way, readers will experience new perspectives on events including Spanish missions, the Alamo, the impact of railroads on everyday people, the Mexican Revolution, Zoot Suitors, and many more topics.
For tweens, the book is best used as a read aloud, though it could be read independently by teens. (Recommended for ages 10+. Mexican-American author.)
Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers by Juliet Menéndez.
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Unlike some dry children’s biography anthologies, Latinitas brings each leader’s personality alive with details kids will relate to or find fascinating. For instance, when 17th century nun Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz found out women couldn’t attend college, she begged her mother to cut off her braids and dress her in boys’ clothes.
Menéndez also invents dialogue that will draw readers in. For example, professors ask “who does this señorita think she is?” when Antonia Navarro discovers vital information that European astronomers had missed. These 40 profiles will introduce young readers to Latina leaders from many different disciplines and countries, from the 1600s right up to the present. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Guatemalan-American author.)
Fantasy middle grade novels for Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month
Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan.
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Max and his Buelo are dreamers who love myths, while his Papá thinks it’s foolish to believe in stories and promises of happy endings. Max has so many questions that Papá says he’s not yet old enough to hear the answers to, especially about his mother who disappeared when Max was little. Papá also thinks Max isn’t old enough to travel to a summer fútbol camp, though he does agree to let Max be his apprentice this summer as he builds a bridge.
While working on the bridge, Max uncovers family and community secrets about hidden people fleeing their dangerous homelands. His own community isn’t safe for them either, so guardians must escort the hidden ones on their journey to Mañanaland. If Max can make it to Mañanaland himself, can he discover the truth about his mother? This dreamlike novel is beautifully rooted in the real experiences of the dreams and dangers that immigrants experience. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Mexican-American author.)
The Insiders by Mark Oshiro.
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When his family lived in San Francisco, Héctor always felt comfortable in his own skin, but in his new town, nothing feels right. The school has no drama program, Mike (a homophobic bully) torments him at school, and a harsh teacher blames him for Mike’s actions. Héctor starts hiding in the janitor’s closet, but one day finds it transformed into a space filled with whatever he needs in that moment, eventually including two other queer kids from other states who face their own struggles.
Oshiro’s carefully crafted narrative will, at various times, make your heart both break and explode with joy. They don’t simplify how difficult it is to stand up to bullying, or how much it takes for young teens to realize that they are never alone. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Latine Queer Non-binary author.)
Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo (series)
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This fantasy series is my 10-year-old’s current obsession.
When Charlie was younger, his abuela told him story after story from Latino mythology, making sure he could identify various monsters and witches. He always thought abuela just enjoyed the stories. After a fire destroys his home and his parents disappear, Charlie’s problems get even bigger. He first grows a pair of horns, and later in the middle of a school day, sprouts feathers.
Can all of those stories abuela used to tell help him figure out how to deal with all these mysterious manifestations? This fast-paced book is bursting with cliff hangers, hilarious zingers, Latin American folklore, and epic adventure that will keep kids reading for hours at a time. (Ages 10 – 14. Latino author.)
Loteria by Karla Arenas Valenti
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As 11-year-old Clara helps her mother make Oaxaca City’s best hot chocolate, she has no idea she’s the subject of a Loteria game between Life and Death (who prefers to go by Catrina.) Whoever wins the game will determine whether Clara lives long or fades quickly.
As Life and Catrina play the Loteria cards, Clara is absorbed into saving her younger cousin Estaban. Overwhelmed by grief for his recently deceased mother, Estaban is tricked into traveling to the mythical Kingdom of Las Pozas, where danger awaits at every turn. Clara, who has never considered herself brave or skilled, must summon her courage time after time to protect her cousin. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Mexican-American author.)
Related post: Diverse fantasy books for ages 7 – 14
Contemporary middle grade fiction for Hispanic Heritage Month
The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez by Jasminne Paulino.
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To call Alex Ramirez space-obsessed is an understatement. He longs to take Ms. Rosef’s science class that the mainstream 7th graders enroll in, but all of his lessons take place in a SC (self contained) classroom. Alex knows he’s ready for something more than the simple worksheets and below grade-level books he’s given to read.
Alex challenges his teacher and his parents, determined to show them that he’ll be a capable student in Ms. Rosef’s class. His SC teacher and his scientist dad are ready to let Alex try, but his protective mother needs more convincing. Adults aren’t the only challenge he faces outside his SC classroom. Leonard, his ex-best friend turned bully, is in Ms. Rosen’s class, and has another friend who delights even more in making fun of Alex.
There are so many reasons I loved this moving novel-in-verse. Alex is a fully formed character who believes in himself and makes a good number of mistakes. He wants to challenge the stereotypes others have about him, yet he also has to battle his own inner doubts. I appreciated that Alex receiving accommodations (both formal ones and the informal support of people around him) was part of his success story. The book is also realistic about the hurt well-meaning parents can cause by overprotecting our children. Finally, Paulino realistically portrays how Alex and his family seamlessly switch back and forth between English and Spanish, without interrupting the flow of the story with clunky translations. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Latina neurodivergent author.)
Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera.
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To describe twelve-year-old Nat as having a big personality is a major understatement. She’s laser-focused on accomplishing her goals (like making enough money on bets at the swimming pool to fund her tickets to a comic con), and will always stand up for herself and others. Unfortunately, speaking up can quickly escalate to fighting, despite Nat’s family members’ best attempts to help her learn to pause.
With an activist Mom and professor Dad who hold strong beliefs about accepting yourself as you are, Nat isn’t allowed to pursue her new dream of synchronized swimming. Though she’s found a Black-led team that doesn’t blink an eye at a large girl like Nat joining, her parents still insist the sport is too much like a pageant. She decides to join the team in secret, planning to tell her parents once she’s good enough at the sport to impress them. As you can imagine, things don’t go according to Nat’s plan. (Recommended for ages 9 – 13. Puerto Rican author.)
Related post: 24 engaging picture books starring Latine characters
Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape by Terry Catasús Jennings. Illustrated by Fátima Anaya. (series)
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Before Dominguita’s abuela had to move away, they read adventurous classics like Don Quixote together. Now that she lives far away, Dominguita reads them to feel close to her. But when she (accidentally) tells Ernie Bublassi, the bully of her grade, that she wants to be a knight herself, he makes fun of her to the whole class. Girls can’t be knights, he claims! Dominguita, with the help of her older brother, sets out on a mission to prove him wrong. With stories of her adventures (plus plenty of selfies since Ernie isn’t a big reader), she will document her journey to knighthood. (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Cuban-American author.)
Undercover Latina by Aya de León.
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In this unique approach to a spy novel, fourteen-year-old Andréa and her parents are part of “the Factory” an international intelligence network focused on protecting people of color. When a white supremacist terrorist seems on the verge of striking a big public event, Andréa is asked to take on the role of lead spy in the case by befriending Kyle, the man’s estranged son, to find any information on where the terrorist is hiding out.
Andréa will have to pass as white, telling people her name is ANN-drea, straightening her hair, and avoiding speaking Spanish. While Andréa finds a way in with Kyle through Triáangulo, an elaborate tabletop roleplaying game, she also falls for her friend Ramón, who can’t know that she’s also Latina. This complex novel addresses issues of colorism, passing, white supremacy, sexism and racism in gaming culture, and so much more, all while keeping readers guessing about how the Factory will stop the terrorist. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Afro-Latina author.)
Stella Díaz Never Gives Up by Angela Dominguez (series)
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Stella loves ocean animals more than anything. When she learns that she’s been accepted into a special summer camp at the Shedd Aquarium, she knows it going to be an amazing summer. Then, her mother surprises her with a trip to Mexico, where she sees the ocean for the first time! She’s of course excited about the trip, but she also worries her Spanish won’t be good enough.
During the trip, Stella quickly learns that her beloved animals are under threat because of human pollution. She wants to save the oceans, but she knows it’s too big a job to do alone. Can she work through her shyness to get others to ditch plastic and join her ocean conservation cause? (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Mexican-American author.)
Tumble by Celia C. Pérez
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When Addie’s stepfather Alex asks if he can formally adopt her, it brings up old questions about the father she’s never known. Why does her mother refuse to talk about him? She and her best friend Cy decide that investigating is the only way they can find out the truth (even if her mother would see it as snooping.)
A huge wrestling fan, Addie is shocked and delighted to discover that her father is part of the Bravo family, many of whom are legendary luchadores. As she pushes her Mom to let her develop her own relationship with the Bravos, Addie has to confront her own truths and illusions about who her father is. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Mexican-Cuban-American author.)
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina (series)
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As middle school starts, Merci is facing a lot of changes and challenges. As a scholarship student at her private school, she’s not thrilled with this year’s assignment: being a “sunshine buddy” to a new student. She can’t wait to join the soccer team, but her mom keeps putting off signing the permission slip. Merci keeps getting stuck babysitting her troublesome younger cousins, and her beloved Lolo (who lives next door) hasn’t been acting like himself.
Merci gets the distinct sense that the rest of the adults in her family are hiding something from her about Lolo. Can she get the truth out of them, while also dealing with challenging relationships at school? (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Cuban-American author.)
Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle by Hilda Eunice Burgos
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In Ana Maria’s bustling Dominican family, she feels like her needs are ignored. The apartment that their family of six lives in is already cramped, her little sisters make practicing the piano almost impossible, and now Mami and Papi are going to have another baby!
Even with so many distractions, Ana Maria is laser focused on winning a scholarship to the prestigious Eleanor School by acing her piano recital. However, dramatic events in her family and a trip to the Dominican Republic make Anamay wonder if she should start thinking a little more about other people’s needs.
This captivating story demonstrates the richness of living in a closely knit family and neighborhood even when financial resources are stretched thin. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Dominican-American author.)
The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya (also available in Spanish)
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In the span of a couple of weeks, Arturo’s life is turned upside down by the arrival of Carmen, an old family friend who provokes a reaction in him he didn’t expect, and the big plans of a land developer who wants to take over the property where his family’s restaurant has stood for decades. Guided by letters from his late abuelo, and the poetry of José Martí, Arturo longs to be the hero who gets the girl and upholds his sick abuela’s legacy by saving the restaurant.
As the title indicates, Arturo runs into more than a few obstacles. Hilarious and heartfelt, Cartaya’s storytelling gives readers a peek into a tight-knit Cuban family, and their journey to both resist and accept changes in their family and neighborhood. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Cuban-American author.)
Historical fiction novels for Hispanic Heritage Month
Max Loves Muñecas by Zetta Elliott (also available in Spanish)
When young Max is drawn into a conversation with the owner of a shop with beautiful muñecas and dresses, he learns he is not the only boy who loves dolls. After some coaxing by Max, Señor Pepe tells him the story of his unusual childhood in Honduras. As an orphan, he was taken in by an elderly dollmaker who helped him understand that sewing is a skill that he could be proud of. (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Black author.)
Related post: 19 children’s books that defy gender stereotypes
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan (also available in Spanish)
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Set in the 1930s, this novel was inspired by the life of Muñoz Ryan’s grandmother. When her family fell on hard times, she had to leave a life of privilege as the daughter of a Mexican rancher to become a farmworker in the United States.
When Esperanza’s father is ambushed and killed by bandits, her fairy tale life quickly falls apart. Her father’s brothers, who never liked Papa or his egalitarian notions, burn down the ranch after Mama refuses one of the uncle’s marriage proposal. Through careful plans made with Alfonso and Hortensia, who are the heads of Papa’s household staff, they make plans to travel in secret to the United States.
While Mama understands that their lives must change dramatically in order to be free of the uncles, Esperanza finds change much harder. Soon though, Esperanza can see how much Mama, Alfonso, Hortensia, and the other farmworkers who befriend her need her to grow up and accept her new life.
I loved the way the author weaves a compelling personal story for Esperanza, while also introducing readers to the struggles of 1930s farmworkers, including efforts to unionize and the mass deportations of U.S. citizens of Mexican descent. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Mexican-American author.)
Related post: 12 engaging children’s books about Mexico
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs
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As battles between the revolutionaries and the federales rage in Mexico, Petra’s father is forced into the federal army that he despises. Petra’s mother died in childbirth, and so it’s Petra’s responsibility to keep her two young siblings and her abuelita safe until he can return.
While their village burns, the family flees north. Petra’s dreams alternate between joining the revolutionaries like the fierce but caring capitana Marietta, and reaching the United States, where she could finally go to school. On their harrowing journey, Petra feels admiration for her grandmother’s survival skills drawn from her Nahuatl roots. Yet she also feels constricted by abuelita’s ideas that people must make peace with the social class they are born into.
While this story is certainly not an easy read, this compelling novel gives children insight into the Mexican revolution that is hard for a history textbook to match. (Ages 10 – 14. Mexican-American author.)
Related post: 11 fun children’s books that teach Spanish vocabulary
Lion Island: Cuba’s Warrior of Words by Margarita Engle (also available in Spanish)
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Inspired by the life of Antonio Chuffat, a Chinese-African-Cuban writer and civil rights activist, this novel in verse explores Cuba of the 1870s. Enslaved Africans and Chinese indentured servants (who are nearly enslaved) labor in the fields with little hope. When people of Chinese descent flee to Cuba to escape America’s anti-Asian violence, Antonio and his friends Wing and Fan become part of a movement to free Chinese workers from their terrible conditions. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Cuban-American author.)
Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal by Margarita Engle
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The enormous feat of connecting the world’s two largest oceans was accomplished through the dangerous and back-breaking labor of “silver people.” White American interests ran the Panama Canal project, and they paid light-skinned Americans and northern Europeans in gold and decent living conditions. Meanwhile, “semi-white” Spaniards and Caribbean islanders of indigenous and African descent were paid in silver and lived in crowded conditions.
In this novel in verse, Engle brings their rarely told stories to light through the voices of Mateo, Anita, Henry, and Augosto, as well as the voices of the animals whose rainforest home is being destroyed. Mateo is a Cuban teen fleeing his father’s violence, while Anita is indigenous to Panama and offers her herbal knowledge. Henry is Jamacian and eventually escapes the brutal treatment he faces, whilePuerto Rican Augosto (for a time) receives more favorable treatment because he once lived in the mainland United States. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Cuban-American author.)
Related Post: 42 powerful children’s books about race and racism
