September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. This month, I’d like to share some of my favorite books by Latinx authors. I have done my best to include a variety- different ages and genres.
1. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
I am a middle school English teacher, so I am very partial to this book. Cisneros does an excellent job of creating adolescent characters young teens can relate to. This book is about a young Latina teen named Esperanza Cordero, who is growing up in Chicago. The book is about her experiences and is told in a series of vignettes. Students love this book. I love this book! You will love this book.
2. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
This book is about a little girl whose family faces personal tragedies during the Great Depression…and how she struggles, but ultimately, rises above them. I read this years ago as a kid myself and it has stuck with me. It’s a great story of perseverance, overcoming, and growing up.
3. Isabel Allende- The Wind Knows My Name
The lives of a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany intersect with the lives of a mother and daughter fleeing 21st century El Salvador. You will love this book and not be able to put it down. I was inspired to read more of Ms. Allende’s novels after I read this one.
4. Gary Soto: Too Many Tamales
There’s nothing like holiday traditions to bring families together. This book is humorous, relatable,and sweet. Your kids will love it.
I hope you have enjoyed this list of books by Latinx authors. Have a wonderful week.
