Home / Entertainment / What To Read 20 kids’ books to read during Hispanic Heritage Month These books highlight exemplary Latinx figures who have contributed to US history. By Naibe Reynoso Updated September 11, 2023 Rectangle 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. Related: 6 diverse children’s books you should have on your bookshelf 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 Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas Who Made U.S. History This non-fiction rhyming book features 11 Latinas who achieved greatness in various fields such as medicine, science, sports, and politics. Dolores Huerta, Selena, and Sonia Sotomayor are featured along with 8 additional outstanding women. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Grandes Dreamers Grandes Dreamers celebrates the hardships and milestones of 12 women born in the United States. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U.S. History Fearless Trailblazers highlights 11 Latinos who made history in their respective fields including science, sports, the arts and politics. Cesar Chavez, Fernando Valenzuela and Jean-Michel Basquiat are among those featured. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers Latinitas features 40 powerful women who we have to come to recognize in the United States today. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World This bilingual rhyming book features 11 women from Latin America who are now known throughout the world because of their contributions in their respective fields. Celia Cruz, Frida Khalo and Rigoberta Menchu are among those featured. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States This book features 30 Latinxs figures throughout history and their incredible passage to changing the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo This colorful book follows the story of Tito Puente, from a little boy who dreamed of having his own band one day to becoming the Mambo King. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP The Spirit of Chicano Park The Spirit of Chicano Park follows Bettie and Bonky’s discovery of a historical and magical park rooted in community struggle and transformed into a place of cultural history. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics Through poems, this book celebrates the achievements of Latinos from many different countries and from many different backgrounds. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Turning Pages: My Life Story Written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this children’s book tells her own story from the perspective of her as a young girl who loved books. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP L is for LATINX Get ready to learn the ABCs with a Latin twist! Through engaging text and colorful illustrations, you will meet 26 amazing individuals from all over Latin America. SHOP Little Latin X Readers Shop A Girl Named Rosita “A Girl Named Rosita” follows the story of Rita Moreno, a proud Puerto Rican superstar who is known worldwide for her acting, singing, and dancing. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation “Separate Is Never Equal” centers on Sylvia Mendez and her family’s struggle to end segregation just seven years before the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education would take place. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP The Life of / La Vida De Dolores The Life of/La Vida de Dolores follows Dolores Huerta, the civil rights activist’s journey to becoming a leading voice in the farmworkers movement. SHOP AMAZON Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln The true story of piano prodigy Teresa Carreño who eventually played the piano for two U.S. presidents. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Clemente! For kids ages 6-10, this book features Roberto Clemente, the first Latin American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Queen of Tejano Music: Selena A colorful and vibrant picture book that depicts the life of iconic singer Selena Quintanilla. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré A picture book biography of one of the most significant and inspiring figures in library history. Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello A bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru’s ancient cultures. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet The story of Mexican American chemist Mario Molina who helped solve the ozone crisis of the 1980s. SHOP AMAZON SHOP BOOKSHOP A version of this post was published September 20, 2021. It has been updated. The latest Child Shopping Guide The 4 best kids’ tablets for travel and more Children's Health Researchers find a little childhood independence can reduce kids’ anxiety Viral & Trending Mom shares wet playground hack that’s a game-changer for rainy play Child Shopping Guide The mom’s guide to tween stink: 5 kid-friendly deodorants they’ll want to use