Staff Picks
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With These 2023 Releases - Children's
- Ashley S.
- Monday, September 11, 2023
Collection
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these 2023 children's releases.
Calling the Moon
16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors
Published in 2023
For Angela, it came on the basketball court--while playing on the boys' team. For Penny, it came on a school field trip to the lake (making for some cringeworthy moments of humor). And to Layla's disappointment, it came at the start of her first fasting Ramadan, meaning that she won't be able to fast after all. Whether it spurs silence or celebration, whether the subjects are well prepared or totally in the dark, the young people in these sixteen stories find that getting a period not only brings change to their bodies, it also brings joy, sorrow, self-discovery, and yes, sometimes even gifts.
Breaking to the Beat!
Published in 2023
In the 1970s Bronx, Manolo, a shy Puerto Rican boy, overcomes his fears and insecurities to become part of a new innovative dance style called breaking.
The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía
Published in 2023
"To save their father's life, a brother and sister must journey across a land full of magical beings from Colombian folklore and find the most powerful and dangerous of them all--the Madremonte"-- Provided by publisher.
Ancient Night
Published in 2023
"Ancient Night is a twist on two Nahua traditions: the rabbit which the Feathered Serpent placed on the moon, and the Lord Opossum who ruled the earth when humans were first created, who stole fire from the gods to keep them warm."-- Front jacket flap.
Something Like Home
Published in 2023
When a lost dog helps Laura find a way home to her family, they discover family in each other along the way.
Tierra, Tierrita = Earth, Little Earth
Tal, Talchin
Published in 2023
"My name is Earth / but people call me Little Earth." In the fourth installment of their award-winning Madre Tierra / Mother Earth series of trilingual picture books about the natural world, Jorge Argueta and Felipe Ugalde Alcántara collaborate again to introduce Mother Earth, who is "full of all the colors / and all the flavors." She is the mother of water, fire, wind and earth. Some call her planet, others nature or creation. "I am Mother Earth / a globe spinning around the sun, / creating sunrises, sunsets and nights." She is the song of all the plants and animals, she is "dew, snow, heat," she is life. A Junior Library Guild selection, this book about Mother Earth reflects Argueta's indigenous roots and his appreciation for the natural world. Felipe Ugalde Alcántara's stunning illustrations depict streams, mountains and wildlife in their habitat. Containing the English and Spanish text on each page, the entire poem appears at the end in Nahuat, the language of Argueta's Pipil-Nahua ancestors. This is an excellent choice to encourage children to write their own poems about nature and to begin conversations about the interconnected web of life.
Empanadas for Everyone
Published in 2023
"A young girl's weekend visit to her tía's neighborhood teaches her the importance of community--and of empanadas"-- Provided by publisher.
Pepita Meets Bebita
Published in 2023
Family pup Pepita must learn how to welcome a fussy new baby into the home.
Sincerely Sicily
Published in 2023
Sixth-grader Sicily Jordan learns to use her voice and to find joy in who she is--a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride--while confronting prejudice both in the classroom and at home.
The Shape of Time
Published in 2023
Locked away in a secret prison in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle, fourteen-year-olds Antares and Magdavellaia set out to discover a lost and forgotten island that holds the key to foiling the evil mystics' plan to control time.
Flora La Fresca & the Art of Friendship
Published in 2023
Ten-year-old larger-than-life Flora Violeta LeFevre uses humor and a little mischief to navigate her best friend moving away, her sister's overbearing and all-consuming quince preparations, and a surprising new friendship.
Do I Belong Here?
Published in 2023
An immigrant boy stands 'in the middle of a whirlwind of children,' and wonders where he is supposed to go. Finally, a woman speaks to him in a language he doesn't understand and takes him to his classroom. A boy named Carlos helps orient him, but later when he reads aloud, everyone laughs at him. And when he gets an 'F' on an assignment, he is sure 'I do not belong here.' But gradually the boy begins to learn English. He works hard. He always pays attention, finishes his homework and--most importantly--never gives up. He begins to recognize words. 'I understand now. Open is abrir, books are libros and page is página.' And when the kids invite him to play soccer, he thinks, 'Maybe I belong here.' As the boy's grades improve and he make friends, he realizes, 'I belong here.' And when he sees a girl looking lost, sure she doesn't belong, he can say with certainty: 'Not yet. But you will.'--Publisher.
Infested
An MTV Fear Novel
Published in 2023
In a race against time, seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Manny must rescue his family from a malevolent spirit targeting his apartment building in the Bronx.
Deep in the Rain Forest
Published in 2023
Isla, her best gecko friend, Fitz, and a few new animal friends, investigate the mysterious sounds coming from the rainforest.
Starry, Starry Ghost
Published in 2023
Isla is excited about her first-ever sleepover at Tora's, but the night takes a spooky turn when they hear strange fluttering sounds in the attic.
Mis Días Con Papá
Published in 2023
"Follows a boy and his stay-at-home dad, who takes care of him while his mom goes to work at the port, 'where huge cargo ships come and go every day'"--OCLC.
Gato Guapo
Published in 2023
"Laugh and count along with this lively cumulative romp told in a lyrical blend of Spanish and English by Pura Belpré Honor-winning author Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrator Zara Gonzalez Hoang! Nine kittens follow Gato Guapo around, but when it's time to count them, one by one, they go missing, along with a piece of Gato Guapo's clothes! Young readers will love all the silliness that ensues as each naughty gatito dons a disguise and declares "Yo soy Gato Guapo!"."-- Publisher marketing.
La Guitarrista
Published in 2023
"When Canta finds a guitar in the trash, she is one step closer to becoming a rock star. Even though the guitar is broken and she doesn't know how to play, nothing can stop Canta from going after her dreams!"--Provided by publisher.
Lalo Lesperance Never Forgot
Published in 2023
Amoving middle-grade mystery about a boy dealing with long-repressed memories of his father as he learns about his Mexican and Haitian heritage while spying on a mysteriousstranger during the first weeks of COVID lockdown.Lalo Lesperance lives with his older brother andMexican American mother in a low-incomeapartment building in Fort Myers. They moved there from a subdivision after the family lost Lalo's Haitian Americanfather. At school, Lalo is known as the boy who can't remember anything and needs special help inall his classes. But when the first COVID lockdown hits, he finds himself in a friendship ofconvenience with Vivi, a Mexican Americankid his age who gets perfect gradesand who never gave him a second thought when they were in school. Vivi's abuelawatches the kids while their mothers work long shifts as nurses at a clinic slammed by COVID. As Lalo navigates his much smaller pandemic world, he discovers his apartment building has its own mysteries, like a sinister stranger in an old RV and a storage closet full of junk, including an old radio that just might hold the key to remembering why Lalo's family moved to the apartment and what happened to his father.
Water Day
Published in 2023
A girl and her community celebrate the arrival of the water man when he comes on his weekly visit to distribute water to a Cuban village. Includes author's note.
Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Published in 2023
Twelve-year-olds Barana and Abby come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana's Honduran coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage, and community along the way.
Only a Trenza Away
A Tale of Trust and Strength
Published in 2023
"Xiomara loves having Papa braid her hair and imagining various adventures that feature her trenzas."-- Provided by publisher.
El Español Es La Lengua De Mi Familia
Published in 2023
A young boy bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of the Spanish language.
Spanish is the Language of My Family
Published in 2023
A young boy bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish.
Remembering
Published in 2023
"On Día de los Muertos, a family prepares an ofrenda for their favorite furry family member, remembering all the ways that their beloved pet brought love and comfort to their lives"-- Provided by publisher.
Benito Juárez Fights for Justice
Published in 2023
"A fascinating picture book biography of Benito Juárez, president of Mexico during its tumultuous time of Liberal Reform"-- Provided by publisher.
1.° a La Derecha
Una Historia Con Intriga, Muchas Ventanas Y Una Gracia Indiscreta
Published in 2023
"La novedad de la vecindad es el hombre misterioso que se mudó al primer piso. ¿Será un peligroso ladrón de bancos? ¿Un maestro del crimen? ¿Un simple solitario? Desgraciadamente no estamos autorizados para revelar pormenores de la investigación en curso, contada en colores cálidos, alguna intriga internacional y perfiles policiacos"-- Provided by publisher.
Luz Lucero, Niña Astronauta
English & Spanish
Published in 2023
¡Presénteles a sus pequeños a la primera niña astronauta, Luz Lucero, en inglés y español! Noticia de última hora: ¡el viaje espacial de los niños se dirige hacia ti! Luz Lucero ha ganado el concurso de su vida: romper barreras y convertirse en la primera niña en el espacio. Para prepararse para su legendaria misión, probará deliciosas comidas de astronautas, practicará su caminata espacial y aprenderá nuevos idiomas. Sin darte cuenta, seremos testigos del primer despegue al espacio de esta chica que mira las estrellas. Los padres descubrirán que este libro bilingüe inglés-español es una mirada innovadora a los viajes espaciales encabezada por jóvenes astronautas sabios enamorados de CITM.
The Yellow Handkerchief
El Pañuelo Amarillo
Published in 2023
A young girl wishes her family could be more like her friends' families and subconsciously blames her abuela and her yellow handkerchief, but she slowly grows to appreciate and love the language and culture the handkerchief represents.
A Crown for Corina
Published in 2023
Corina's Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown.
Omega Morales and the Curse of El Cucuy
Published in 2023
Omega will have to learn to trust her powers once again as she comes face to face with the Mexican legend El Cucuy.
Pepe and the Parade
A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
Published in 2023
"Pepe wakes up early. There's a festival today! He's going the city with his family. ¡OLE! Amigos and familia will attend a celebration, honoring Hispanic people all around the nation." Back cover.
Fresh Juice
Published in 2023
Art and his dad venture to their local farmer's market to find fresh ingredients to make a juice that will help Dad overcome his cold, and learn that staying healthy takes carrots, collards, cayenne, and community. Includes recipe for cold-clobbering juice.
Felice and the Wailing Woman
Published in 2023
"The twelve-year-old daughter of La Llorona vows to free her mother and reverse the curses that have plagued the magical town of Tres Leches"-- Provided by publisher.
How to Speak in Spanglish
Published in 2023
Mexican American boy Sami loves combining Spanish and English to make Spanglish and is eager to share his language and joy with his skeptical Abuela and his vibrant community.
The Worry Balloon
Published in 2023
"On the first day of school, Isla's mind plays the what if game. Scary thoughts come, the world goes dark, and everything feels stormy. With Mami at her side, Isla takes a deep breath and blows her worries away in a big balloon. But as school gets closer, Isla's worries come back like a tornado"-- Provided by publisher.
Mother of Sharks
Published in 2023
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.
Mexikid
A Graphic Memoir
Published in 2023
"Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir"-- Provided by publisher.
Aniana Del Mar Jumps in
Published in 2023
A novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American girl who must keep her love of swimming a secret from her mother, is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis, and is forced to reimagine the person she is to become.
No Place Like Home
Published in 2023
"Carolina Aguasvivas's oldest friend, Vida Jones Castillo, has never been interested in riding horses -- until now! Carolina is thrilled for her BFF to join Paradise Ranch, along with new sponsorship student Brielle Stuart. The barn is a full, happy house! But the girls' perfect summer falls apart when they find out that one of the horses might be sold -- Carolina's favorite riding buddy, Shadow. Can Carolina and her friends save her beloved horse... and the future of the Unbridled Dreams program?"--Provided by publisher.
Never a Doll Moment
Published in 2023
A slumber party at Grandma Cole's house turns into a never-sleep-again party when Andres and Desmond discover her home is full of haunted dolls.
Baking with Mi Abuelita
Published in 2023
Family members head into the kitchen to help Abuelita bake a tres leches cake for Papi's birthday.
Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz
Published in 2023
"Spring semester is here and Maggie is killing it! Her grades are up, she's loving outdoor track and field, and being a seventh grader means the awesome spring break trip to St. Augustine is almost here. She can't wait for her first overnight trip away from her overprotective parents, lovesick sister, and busybody abuela. Nothing will get in the way of Maggie having the best time ever with her two best friends, Zoey and Julian! But all of Maggie's plans for their unforgettable trip start to fall apart as everyone gets carried away with the upcoming dance instead. Even Julian has a crush-throwing their group dynamic into turmoil when he asks the new girl to be his date. Zoey's so stressed with school that her straight A streak is in trouble . . . and why can't Maggie stop thinking about Eerie Eddie? The three best friends have been inseparable for years, but everything is changing as everyone splits into twos, leaving Maggie unsure of where-and with who-she still fits"--Provided by publisher.
Plátanos Go with Everything
Published in 2023
"Yesenia introduces readers to her favorite food--plátanos--which go with everything, especially love, in this ode to the star of Dominican cuisine"-- Provided by publisher.
The Golden Frog Games
Published in 2023
Ravenskill is hosting the Golden Frog Games, a magical tournament, but somebody is using forbidden hexes to turn contestants into stone; meanwhile Seven Salazar, future "uncle" of Ravenskill, who is supposed to have the power to communicate with animals, has a secret--the only voices she hears belong to the deadly monstruos.
Saving Chupie
Published in 2023
"Violeta Rubio only has one goal in mind for her first-ever trip to Puerto Rico: help Abuelita reopen her beloved restaurant. The only problem is that Violeta's whole family thinks they can do it without her. Now Violeta doesn't have anyone to hang out with or anything to do. But when best friend duo Diego and Lorena need help capturing the rumored chupacabra, Violeta sees her chance to change all that. What she isn't expecting is to run straight into the beast! Only…he isn't as monstrous as everyone assumes. Sure, he's got some scales and spikes, big red eyes, and pointy fangs--but he's totally a puppy and loyal to a fault. Violeta must find a way to keep Chupie hidden and convince her newfound friends that he isn't anything to be scared of"-- Provided by publisher.
Martina Tiene Muchas Tías
Published in 2023
A retelling of the Caribbean folktale La cucaracha Martina where Martina, in an effort to escape her noisy tías, slips away to a warm familiar island where she can play in peace and quiet--but is she home at last?
La Fiesta Del Baño
Published in 2023
"La sirena Marena los ha invitado a todos a su fiesta del baño. ¡Especialmente los pequeños lectores están invitados! Uno a uno, divertidos personajes irán entrando y saliendo de la bañera. Se bañó el elefante, se bañó el león, ¿Se bañó el corazón? ...Con su esponja y con su pato,¡le gusta el baño hasta al gato! La hora del baño forma parte de la colección Grandes pasitos ,una serie de libros llenos de humor y ternura pensados para acompañar a tus pequeños en los grandes logros de los primeros años de su vida y guiarles a través de su camino hacia la autonomía."-- Provided by publisher.
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon
Published in 2023
In the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Pilar helps Ciguapa and Carmen hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally, and now, facing the threat of an ancient enemy, Pilar must harness her bruja powers in order to save Zafa and her family.
Plátanos Are Love
Published in 2023
"A young girl learns the cultural significance of plantains while cooking alongside her abuela"-- Provided by publisher.
Barely Floating
Published in 2023
Twelve-year-old Natalia's dream of becoming a synchronized swimmer is in jeopardy when her parents decide they are against a sport that emphasizes looks, but Nat is determined to change their minds.
Doodles from the Boogie Down
Published in 2023
"A young Dominican girl navigates middle school, her strict mother, shifting friendships, and her dream of being an artist"-- Provided by publisher.
José and El Perro
Published in 2023
José is confused when his newly adopted dog does not understand his Spanish commands.
Jovita Wore Pants
The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter
Published in 2023
"Jovita didn't want to cook and clean like her sisters, and she especially didn't want to wear the skirts her abuela gave her. She wanted to race her brothers and climb the tallest mesquite trees in Rancho Palos Blancos, ride horses, and wear pants! When her father and brothers joined the Cristeros War to fight for the right to practice religion, she wanted to help. She wasn't allowed to fight, but that didn't stop her from observing how her father strategized and familiarizing herself with the terrain. When tragedy struck, she did the only thing that felt right to her--cut her hair, donned a pair of pants, and continued the fight, commanding a battalion who followed her without question. Jovita Wore Pants is the story of a trailblazing revolutionary who fought for her freedom, told by her great niece, bestselling author Aida Salazar, and illustrated by Molly Mendoza"-- Provided by publisher.
Abuela's Super Capa
Published in 2023
"Saturdays are superhero days. Equipped with their milkshakes and capas, Luis and his abuela can turn anything into an adventure. But when Abuela gets sick, Luis has to learn a new way to be a hero"-- Provided by publisher.
La Supercapa De Abuela
Published in 2023
Los sábados son días de superhéroes. Equipados con sus batidos y capas, Luis y su abuela pueden convertir cualquier cosa en una aventura. Pero cuando Abuela se enferma, Luis tiene que aprender una nueva forma de ser un héroe.
Warrior Girl
Published in 2023
"A novel in verse about the joys and struggles of a Chicana girl who is a warrior for her name, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life"-- Provided by publisher.
Día De Muertos Números
A Day of the Dead Counting Book
Published in 2023
"Item by item, a family assembles a Day of the Dead altar to honor the memory and welcome the spirit of a loved one. Award-winning author-illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh draws on his own life experiences to create this bilingual counting book." -- publisher.
Game of Freedom
Mestre Bimba and the Art of Capoeira
Published in 2023
"A meia lua whooshed in the air. The strike was evaded and followed with an aau. Two young men were playing capoeira in the middle of the roda. Bimba wanted to play, too. Although it is debated when and where capoeira-an art form that blends martial arts,dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality-originated exactly, one thing is certain: in the early 20th century, Brazil was the only country in the world where capoeira was played, and it was mainly practiced by people of African descent. In 1890, two years after Brazil officially abolished slavery, the game was outlawed. Wealthy, lighter-skinned society feared and looked down on capoeira, seeing it as a game for "malandros"-what people in power called the poor Black communities who they disdained. But inthe early 1920's in the city of Salvador, a man called Bimba would advocate for capoeira, and those who practiced it, to be treated with dignity and the respect it deserved. Duncan Tonatiuh's lyrical prose and beloved illustration style, inspired by pre-Columbian codices, tell the story of arguably the greatest capoeirista of all time, who fought to turn a misunderstood, persecuted Afro-Brazilian activity into a celebrated art practiced by millions around the world. In 2014, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named capoeira an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a distinction awarded because of the game's promotion of social integration and memory it holds of the struggle against historical oppression. Froman award-winning author-illustrator, Game of Freedom is a stirring celebration of solidarity and resistance through art"-- Provided by publisher.
The Win-over
Published in 2023
Arriving in Mexico for their parents' wedding, stepsisters Raquel, Lucinda, and Juliette must show their disapproving Tia Enriqueta that their parents are meant to be together, but when their scheming leads to doubt, they wonder if they can really trust each other at all.
El Barrilito Mágico De Papá
Published in 2023
"Little Jesús is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papá at the "family business." He loves Papá's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papá even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papá explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesús wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty--but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesús be fired?! This mischievous tale of a very young comedian's life lesson will warm hearts and have class clowns, practical jokers, and all high-spirited kids nodding in sympathy."-- Provided by publisher.
The Do-over
Published in 2023
When shy newcomer Mariana meets science whiz Zoe and creative maven Everly, the three girls decide to start their own hair styling salon, and Mariana finds the friends, and the calling, she's been searching for.