25 kids’ books to read during Hispanic Heritage Month

These books highlight exemplary Latinx figures who have contributed to US history.
Although I went to school in multicultural Los Angeles, I don’t remember ever reading about (much less doing a book report on) a prominent Latino during my elementary school years. When I eventually became a mother, I wanted to make sure my children grew up proud of their Mexican-American heritage, but I struggled to find children’s biography books featuring Latinx leaders. Latinos make up almost 20% of the entire U.S. population, but many of our heroes are not highlighted in books.
That is why I decided to use all of the skills I learned as a journalist for over 25 years to write children’s books that filled that gap, so that not only my kids, but other Latinx children can learn and read about leaders from their own community. As a result, in 2018 I created Con Todo Press, a publishing company that highlights Latinx leaders and celebrates our culture. During Hispanic Heritage Month, many classrooms and families are eager to learn more about the valuable contributions Latinos have made not only to our country, but to the world.
Below I am highlighting some of the books I have written to fill that gap, as well as other books written by Latinx authors or illustrators that highlight Latinx leaders.
Children’s books for Hispanic Heritage Month
A version of this post was published September 20, 2021. It has been updated.