Celebrate Heroism in Your Life: Book Recommendations for Kids During Hispanic Heritage Month
Growing up, I found solace in books, even when the main characters didn't resemble me. Characters like Junie B. Jones, Hermione Granger, and Percy Jackson had traits I admired, despite their lack of diversity. But it was a delight when I discovered books with characters that looked like me and shared my culture. Unfortunately, these diverse characters were often sidekicks or secondary characters, never the heroes.
Fast forward to today's children's literature, and we're witnessing a revolution. A revolution brought on by the wisdom of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. In her groundbreaking essay "Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors", she emphasized the importance of representation and cultural understanding for young readers. At our bookstore, we ensure our collection mirrors our community, allowing every young reader to find themselves in a book on our shelves.
Remember Junie B. Jones and her sassiness? Try getting acquainted with Sofia Martinez instead. Like Junie B., Sofia Martinez is outgoing, smart, funny, and mischievous, but she's Hispanic. The Sofia Martinez series by Jacqueline Jules is a colorful and enjoyable read-alike to Barbara Park's beloved series.
Or perhaps you've got a soft spot for Ella Enchanted? Then give Solimar a try. This book by Pam Muñoz Ryan is rich with Latin-American culture and mythology, taking you on a magical adventure. I only wish I had this book as a tween.
For those who can't get enough of Percy Jackson and his Greek mythology, The Storm Runner offers a fresh perspective. This time, the hero is Zane Obispo, who deals with Mayan gods, mythical creatures, and an ancient prophecy. And for fans of dystopian societies like the one portrayed in The Giver, The Last Cuentista is a must-read. Both protagonists are courageous and compassionate, showing the power of memory and self-determination.
Here are some more titles to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx authors:
- ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market by Raúl the Third - An interactive, Spanish-infused picture book filled with detailed illustrations.
- Sofia Martinez series by Jacqueline Jules - A colorful and fun series about a smart, mischievous Hispanic girl.
- Solimar by Pam Muñoz Ryan - A magical adventure book rich with Latin-American culture and mythology.
- The Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes - A Mayan mythology-inspired book that follows a new hero, Zane Obispo.
- The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera - A science fiction tale interwoven with Mexican folklore, featuring a courageous protagonist dealing with a sinister regime.
So, grab a book and delve into the rich culture and stories of Hispanic and Latinx authors. Happy Reading and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Some Enrichment Data:For those who enjoyed well-known children's books featuring white main characters, such as Junie B. Jones and Percy Jackson, but are looking for contemporary stories with diverse protagonists, especially Hispanic and Latinx main characters, here are several highly recommended options. These books offer humor, adventure, and heart, making them excellent choices for young readers interested in seeing themselves reflected in literature or broadening their perspectives.
Contemporary Children's Books with Hispanic/Latinx Main Characters:- Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra - A graphic novel about a young Dominican girl learning self-acceptance.- Grow Up, Luchy Zapata - A funny, relatable middle school drama about two Colombian American best friends.- Sing It Like Celia - A novel about a Mexican American girl finding inspiration in legendary singer Celia Cruz.- Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice - A book about a girl discovering her voice and taking on social issues.- The Circuit (Graphic Novel) - Based on a memoir by Francisco Jiménez, it offers an honest and evocative account of a Mexican family's life as migrant workers.- Doodles from the Boogie Down - A contemporary tale about a young Dominican girl navigating middle school, family relationships, and shifting friendships.
These books not only provide representation but also deliver the humor, adventure, and relatability that made Junie B. Jones and Percy Jackson so popular.
- The new books like ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market by Raúl the Third, the Sofia Martinez series by Jacqueline Jules, Solimar by Pam Muñoz Ryan, The Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes, and The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera are great reads, offering a delightful mix of Spanish-infused illustrations, colorful storylines, magical adventures, and rich Latin-American culture.
- For those who appreciate characters with sassiness similar to Junie B. Jones, try getting acquainted with Sofia Martinez, the outgoing, smart, funny, and mischievous Hispanic protagonist in the Sofia Martinez series.
- For individuals who enjoy the engrossing world of Percy Jackson and Greek mythology, The Storm Runner provides a fresh perspective with its focus on a new hero, Zane Obispo, and his Mayan gods, mythical creatures, and ancient prophecy.
