Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationwide celebration that runs from September 15 to October 15. Originally a week-long celebration, President Ronald Reagan enacted a law in 1988 to extend the celebration to 30 days. During this time, many Latin American countries celebrate their independence, such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
Learn more about our Hispanic Hertiage Month programs
Our librarians have curated a booklist for all ages that highlight Hispanic and Latin American culture and heritage.
Vanishing Maps by Cristina Garci
Vanishing Maps is a follow up to Cristina García’s acclaimed first novel, Dreaming in Cuban. We meet again the del Pino family— this time, 20 years after Celia met something of an ambiguous end, when she seems to be walking into the ocean. The novel covers a momentous year in the lives of these family members and their constant search for home and the sometimes-fragile bonds we have with those we love the most.
Bless me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
In New Mexico in the time of WWII, a young man goes to an aged medicine woman and forms a relationship which helps him challenge the fight amid the good and the evil that storms through his village.
Undocumented: How Immigration Became Illegal by Aviva Chomsky
This book, written by a immigrant rights activist, explores the legal, historical and socioeconomic context of being undocumented. It shows how the status was created, and how and why people, especially Mexicans and Central Americans, have been assigned this status.
Poeta Chileno by Alejandro Zambra
A playful, discursive novel about families, relationships, poetry, and how easily all three can come together or fall apart. This book chronicles with enormous tenderness and insight the small moments that make up our personal histories. Exploring how we choose our families and how we betray them, and what it means to be a man in relationships—a partner, father, stepfather, teacher, lover, writer, and friend.
Perla by Carolina De Robertis
Set in Buenos Aires, Perla is a coming-of-age story based on a recent shocking chapter of Argentine history. This is about a young woman who makes a devastating discovery about her origins with the help of an enigmatic houseguest.
This is Why They Hate Us by Carolina De Robertis
Seventeen-year-old Enrique "Quique" Luna decides to get over his crush on Saleem Kanazi before the end of summer by pursuing other romantic prospects, but he ends up discovering heartfelt truths about friendship, family, and himself.
High Spirits: Short Stories on Dominican Diaspora by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
A collection of interconnected short stories follows a family across multiple generations and explores machismo, mental health, and identity
Furia by Yamile Saied Mendez
Filled with authentic details and the textures of day-to-day life in Argentina, heart-soaring romance, and breathless action on the pitch, Furia is the story of a girl’s journey to make her life her own.
Areli is a Dreamer by Areli Morales
Based on the author’s real-life experiences, this picture book shares Areli’s story as a young immigrant from Mexico. Although moving to a new country presented many difficulties, Areli now calls America home. It’s a touching story that any child will love — especially if they’ve also experienced the growing pains of adjusting to a new place.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles
A picture book about a boy and his father that cross the Mexican border every other Sunday. They visit family, run errands, and help friends seeking asylum.
Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Marquez
At la Playita del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny--to become the Mother of Sharks.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena
Carmela, finally old enough to run errands with her brother, tries to think of the perfect wish, while his wish seems to be that she stayed home.
Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown
When a man brings to a remote village two burros, Alfa and Beto, loaded with books the children can borrow, Ana's excitement leads her to write a book of her own as she waits for the BibliBurro to return.