10 Picture Books Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in The Classroom
This post may contain affiliate links.
written by Gabriella Aldeman
From September 15 to October 15 classrooms around the nation will be celebrating and honoring the culture and traditions of Hispanic nations—It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! If you’re wondering how to explore this rich culture, honor your diverse classroom, have fun, and integrate everything into the curriculum, look no further than this article sharing the best new picture books.
But, wait, what exactly is Hispanic Heritage Month, and why do we celebrate it?
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. The timeframe is significant because Mexico and many Central American and South American countries celebrate their independence days from Spain within these dates.
It began as a week-long celebration under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan in 1988. Ever since, we have celebrated this month to recognize the many contributions Hispanic descendants have made to the history and culture of the United States.
So let’s celebrate!
10 Picture Books Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in The Classroom
Here are 10 new children’s books (plus a festival) and their educator guides for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Abuelo’s Flower Shop written by Jackie Morera, illustrated by Deise Lino
When Elena discovers that the garden across the street is actually a cemetery, she sees beauty and importance in the flowers her Abuelo sells. They help deliver the message, “I remember you, and I miss you.” This is a gentle story that navigates grief and loss and showcases a beautiful bond between a girl and her grandfather. Get the educator guide here.
A Flicker of Hope written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
As the monarch butterflies migrate north, from Mexico to Canada, Lucia has to say goodbye to her father, who is heading north as well, to look for work. Papá promises to return when the monarcas come home, and Lucia is left watching the sky. This gorgeously written and illustrated book is a love letter to migrant farmworkers and their families. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here.
Squawk of Spanish written by Gabriella Aldeman, illustrated by Romina Galotta
Max struggles to speak the Spanish language of his grandmother but, with a little help from a talkative parrot, comes to understand that trying is what matters and love is a language everyone can speak. A tender book that explores language barriers and self-confidence, with a bit of squawk-out-loud humor. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here.
Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas written by Alexandra Alessandri, illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
While Lupita’s family is preparing for the incoming hurricane, Lupita rescues two baby birds that have fallen from their nest. Lupita cares for the birds and protects them as the wild winds roll. This is a story of finding courage in helping others and showing kindness in the scariest of times. Get the educator guide here.
Miguel Must Fight written by Jamie Ofelia, illustrated by Sara Palacios
Miguel was born into a family of sword fighters. But Miguel is an artist. When his village is threatened by a dragon, will Miguel stand and fight with his family or will he prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword? This is an action-packed read aloud. It also serves as a good starting point to discuss machismo culture and family expectations. Get the educator guide here.
Barrio Rising written by Maria Dolores Aguila, illustrated by Magdalena Mora
A vivid account of community activism. Join a courageous young girl and her neighbors as they stand up to protect their community and build a beautiful park in Barrio Logan that will become the heart of San Diego’s Chicane community. This book is based on the real history of Chicano Park. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here.
Adela’s Mariachi Band written by Denise Vega, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina
Adela wants nothing more than to be a part of her family’s mariachi band, but when she tries the different instruments, everything comes out wrong. From watching her family, she understands that practice makes perfect and that it takes time to become proficient. Follow Adela as she tries to figure out a way to be part of her family’s mariachi band in the meantime. Also available in Spanish. Get the educator guide here.
The Ofrenda That We Built written by Jolene Gutiérrez and Shaian Gutiérrez, illustrated by Gabby Zapata
Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” The Ofrenda That We Built invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time. This is a great rhythmic read aloud to learn more about the Day of the Dead and the rich traditions that accompany the holiday. Get educator guide here.
How to Eat a Mango written by Paola Santos, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
Carmencita doesn’t want to help her grandmother pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like the taste of them. But Abuelita adores mangoes, and so will you after reading this sensory, lyrical meditation on the fruits of Mamá Earth. Listen to the rustle of the leaves, feel the tree’s branches and the pull of its roots—mangoes are so much more than a fruit. Also available in Spanish. Get educator guide here.
I Am La Chiva! The Colorful Bus of the Andes written by Karol Hernández, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
“I drive through the Andes, so windy and steep. Me llamo La Chiva. That’s me! Beep, beep, beep!” Climb right in for a bouncy and vibrant ride on this South American bus called La Chiva and celebrate the rich culture and landscape of Colombia. Told in rhyme, this book is a delightful read aloud for fans of trucks, buses, and things that go. Get the educator guide here.
For more books with Hispanic representation, see this list of Latinx picture books and this list of middle grade books with Latinx main characters.
Looking for more ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom? Here’s a virtual book festival especially designed for students to connect with authors and illustrators of Hispanic descent. The Latinx KidLit Book Festival offers a combination of educational materials and virtual literary content in the form of panels, craft sessions, and illustrator draw-offs with best-selling and award-winning Latinx authors and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, comic books, and poetry. The sessions are geared toward schools, educators, students—from pre-K to 12th grade—and book lovers from every background and identity. Learn more about the Latinx KidLit Book Festival and sign up—it’s free! Get the educator guide here.
About Gabriella Aldeman
Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author. She writes picture books in hopes that more children become readers and that all readers feel seen. She is also a professional translator of academic resources and children’s books. Gabriella holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Her books include Paula’s Patches (Free Spirit, 2023) and Squawk of Spanish (Charlesbridge, 2024). She lives in Fairfax, Virginia, with her husband and two children. Please visit her at www.writebetween.com or @write_between on Twitter or Instagram.
KEEP READING
