September 15th through October 15th marks the national and beautiful celebration of the achievements of Latinx people and culture. But how we do bring that celebration into the physical and virtual classroom? Through literature! This post shares fun children’s books that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month for teachers of all grade levels!
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Who Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and Why?
Is this list of read-alouds only for Hispanic teachers and students?
Absolutely not! This post is for everyone because National Hispanic Heritage Month can be celebrated by everyone.
In fact, one important trait of an anti-racist and culturally responsive teacher is that he/she infuses diverse reads throughout their teaching all year long.
Not only does this help break down negative barriers between people, but it also leads to inclusion and acceptance in education!
Furthermore, including children’s books about Latinx people and culture in your classroom helps students learn about the important contributions of Latinx citizens in America.
Which we so desperately need in this nation right now to help fight against xenophobia!
So no matter what race/ethnicity you are, you can enjoy celebrating Hispanic culture in your physical and virtual classroom.
Wait, Should I Say Latinx or Hispanic Heritage Month?
Isn’t it interesting how we can’t even dig into a children’s book list without an elephant appearing in the room?!
So far, I’ve used the terms “Latinx” and “Hispanic” interchangeably. Which one is culturally appropriate to use as a teacher?
The short, but complicated answer to that is: it depends on who you’re talking to!
I know right, not the answer you were hoping for!
However, in America, terms that define groups of people are being redefined–even as I type this post!
Where Do These Labels Come From?
Back in 1988, Ronald Regan made the celebration of people from Spanish speaking countries a national month-long event.
The variety of countries included presented challenges for what this celebration would be called.
At the time, Latino or Hispanic were most used, resulting in Hispanic Heritage Month.
As we continue to learn the truth about the intersectionality of race and gender, Latinx replaced Latino, which many people feel is better than saying Hispanic.
For the sake of sharing these children’s books in my classroom, I’ve chosen to use both “Latinx” and “Hispanic.”
So without further ado, let’s dig in to these wonderful read-alouds!
After such a touchy intro, I can’t think of a better read-aloud to start the list!
Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You teaches kids to tackle touch subjects with courage.
This beautiful book helps students learn how to practice a growth mindset from two important Latinx citizens: Rafael LΓ³pez and Sonia Sotomayor.
Latinx Heritage Month Books for Young Readers
To continue our list, Kinders and 1st graders will enjoy this fun book about an important tradition in Hispanic culture: The Day of the Dead by Bob Barner.
I recommend this as a book for Hispanic Heritage Month, not only for its content, but also for the bilingual elements woven throughout.
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina is a heartwarming picture book that explores the relationship between a young girl and her abuela (grandmother), who speaks Spanish while the girl speaks English.
This book beautifully captures the bond between generations and the power of language. It is a must-read!
Last, but certainly not least for this section is Abuela by Arthur Dorros.
I love how the main character’s grandmother uses Spanish phrases throughout the book as they “fly” around New York City!
Since September also includes National Grandparents Day, I often refer to this book to celebrate grandparents from all cultures!
Marisol’s Dress–A Book About the Cuban Revoluation
βWhen life gives you lemons, make paper dolls.β
That’s the tagline for this beautifully illustrated book by Emily Ozier.
Here’s the rest of the book’s summary:
In the midst of a revolution, young Marisol is forced to flee the life she knows and loves in vibrant Cuba, leaving her parents and most of her treasured belongings behind. With just one doll and her favorite white dress, Marisol struggles to adapt to life in America. But Marisol soon realizes that what she didnβt leave behind is her powerful confidence and ingenuity.
When it comes to books that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this one offers facts with engaging fiction.
Upper Elementary Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
I highly recommend Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto!
Not only is it funny, but I love the way it shows how some Latinx families celebrate Christmas.
Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh is another great book that you can use during Hispanic Heritage Month.
This nonfiction picture book tells the inspiring true story of Sylvia Mendez and her family’s fight for desegregation in California schools, paving the way for equal education for all.
Who Is/ Who Was nonfiction books make wonderful additions to your Hispanic Heritage celebrations!
I love the way this series, which includes Frida Kahlo and Roberto Clemente, shares facts about their lives in a kid-friendly way.
Your students will learn about the achievements of each Latinx person, and build reading comprehension skills with text features.
You can take it a step further and have students watch the Netflix Who Was/ Who Is version as a part of distance learning.
Then your students and their families can learn about and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month together at home!
Middle School Books that Celebrate Latinx People & Culture
In years past, I’ve used middle school chapter books written by Latinx authors with my students during and beyond Hispanic Heritage Month.
One of my favorites is Esperanza Rising by Pam MuΓ±oz Ryan.
Each year that I’ve read this book with students, they loved it and wanted to know more about Mexican migrant workers that are here in the US.
But the book also highlights the fact that Mexico has rich history and culture that goes so far beyond “the migrant worker stereotype.”
Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez is another chapter book I recommend reading.
Just like Esperanza Rising, this book also touches on the lives of migrant workers in America.
Since social media and news can be filled with negative and false information about “undocumented workers”, I think these books do a great job opening up honest discussions in class about immigrants.
Finally, our list concludes with a poetry book that celebrates diversity named Bravo: Poems about Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle.
You can never have too much poetry in your class! So this book is a win-win. It has beautiful illustrations and poems about a diverse group of Latinx men and women.
Classroom Resources to Celebrate Latinx People All Year Long
Now that you have a list of books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, these engaging resources can be added to any book from this post.
My Character Education graphic organizers can be used with any book! Each organizer is designed to help students not only do a deeper character analysis when reading, but they also help students compare characters to themselves.
This one shows an example of students describing the main character from Esperanza Rising:
Click the image OR CLICK HERE to see more details on how you can use these graphic organizers!
Incorporating these captivating books into your classroom is a fantastic way to honor and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, fostering an environment of inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation for diverse cultures. Hopefully you can create a positive impact on your students that resonates throughout the year.
Let’s take this opportunity to inspire our students with stories that highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Latinx individuals, cultivating a space of unity and empathy.
Remember, as we embark on this journey of exploration and learning, these resources are not just limited to Hispanic Heritage Month; they are valuable tools that can enrich the educational experience year-round.
Together, let’s continue to nurture a vibrant tapestry of cultures within our classrooms, cultivating a sense of belonging and respect for all. πππ€
