Hispanic Heritage Month is coming up in September. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. We use this time to celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions Hispanic-Americans (people with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Carribean, and Central and South America) have made to our country.
According to HispanicHeritageMonth.gov, “The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.”
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Hispanic Children’s Books for All Ages
for Babies and Toddlers
What Am I? A Let’s Learn Spanish Book
by Diane de Anda and Sara Sanchez
Lift-the-Flap Vehicle Book meets Spanish lesson. This is a cheerful board book for little ones with a simple introduction to Spanish words for different kinds of vehicles. Colorful, engaging and simple.
Counting With Frida
by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein
This is a bilingual counting book that it perfect for little ones. The text is brief – one thing to count in English and Spanish on each page – and the illustrations are darling.
for Preschoolers & Early Elementary
First Words: Spanish
from Lonely Planet Kids
My twins adored this Spanish words book when they were in preschool. It is simple enough for two and up, but thick and full of lots of great words and images.
Nino Wrestles the World
by Yuyi Morales
This is a fun story to read. It is a comic book style with dialogue bubbles and action effects words. It integrates Spanish words with the primarily English text.
Let’s Dance
by Valerie Bolling
illustrated by Maine Diaz
Not Hispanic specifically, but we love this book about different kinds of dance from around the world. It is lively and fun to read aloud.
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border
by Mitali Perkins and Sara Palacios
A warm, heart filled book about families living on either side of the Mexican American border. A mom and her children go to the border for a special visitation with their Abuela around Christmas time. Inspired by real events, this is relatable, heart wrenching and hopeful all at the same time.
If Dominican Were a Color
by Sili Recio
Illustrated by Brianna McCarthy
A gorgeous book that celebrates the vibrant Dominican culture and the diverse colors that make up its people. I love the delicious words and way they use the senses to illustrate the country, people, and culture of the Dominican Republic. They are paired with beautiful, textured illustrations.
Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park
by Maria Dolores Aguila
illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Chicano Park is a short drive from my house here in San Diego. I wonder how many families in San Diego who drive down the 5 know of Barrio Logan, one of the oldest Chicano neighborhoods in San Diego, and it’s vibrantly painted city park. BARRIO RISING tells one portion of the heart wrenching history of this neighborhood. It focuses on how the community banded together to insist that the city honor it’s promise to provide Barrio Logan with a park. It is an important story about the less seen or certainly less advertised side effects of “progress.” And whether the San Diego or Chicano history is personally relevant to you, I think the example of a community coming together and of standing up for what’s right is universal. A beautiful story of resilience.
Sonia Sotomayer
by Jonah Winter
Although we often go down the path of exploring Hispanic people and countries during Hispanic Heritage Month, the original intent was to celebrate Hispanic contributions to American society. Sonia Sotomayer is certainly one wonderful example of someone of Hispanic descent who has had a huge and lasting impact on our country. This is one children’s book about her and it’s written in both English and Spanish.
You May Also Like:
Pat Mora Author Study for Kids
for Upper Elementary
Field Guide to Getting Lost
by
This is a relatable, warm Middle Grade book about two kids, one on the Autism Spectrum and one with severe food allergies, whose parents are dating. Sutton and Luis couldn’t be more different but when they find themselves lost together they need to find some common ground. It’s a book about blending families but also about growing up, relating to other people, and overcoming first impressions.
Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself
by Margaret Frith
Illustrated by Tomie dePaola
One of MANY children’s books about Frida Kahlo. I have read a bunch of them since she is the artist we’re studying for this Hispanic Heritage month. This has great information and I really love Tomie dePaola’s illustrations.
Santiago’s Road Home
by Alexandra Diaz
Mexican-American border crossing, ICE detainment, and other hardships are all a part of Santiago’s heart breaking, eye opening, and inspiring story. Well paced and full of heart, this book is impossible to put down. There are parts that are difficult to read. Nothing too graphic, but I would recommend this for kids in about fifth grade and up. Readers will root for Santiago as they follow along on the emotional ups and downs of his journey. One of the best middle grade books I’ve read this year.
Hispanic Children’s Book Authors to Study this Month
Juana Medina
- author/illustrator
- She has won awards for her early chapter book series about Juana and Lucas.
- We also love her picture books, like 1 Big Salad
- Website: http://www.juanamedina.com/
Juana Martinez-Neal
- Had to throw in one Illustrator Study because I am in love with Juana Martinez-Neal’s style.
- Her one author/illustrator book is ALMA AND HOW SHE GOT HER NAME (I hope she’ll write more!)
- Her most recent illustrations were for FRY BREAD which was one of our favorites last year.
- Website: https://juanamartinezneal.com/
Dive Deeper: Homeschooling Ideas about Mexico
We are diving deep into MEXICO this year in our homeschool for Hispanic Heritage Month. We live less than an hour from Mexico here in San Diego so it seem imperative that we learn a little more about our neighbors.
Children’s Books
- Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown
- Diego by Jeanette Winter
- Funny Bones by Duncan Tonatiuh
- Who Was Frida Kahlo? by Sarah Fabiny and Who HQ
Activities to Explore Mexican Culture, History and Contributions
Art & Art History
- Create: Mexican Folk Art: Amate Paintings
- Create: Diego Rivera Collaborative Mural (goes well with DIEGO above)
- Create: Toilet Paper Roll Pinatas (Red Ted Art)
- Art History: Learn about Frida Kahlo or other Mexican Artists ideas from Craft Moms Share
- Craft: Frida Kahlo Craft
- Learn about Day of the Dead and Make a Day of the Dead Skull Craft (Box of Ideas) or Day of the Dead Paper Puppets (Red Ted Art)
Math
- Cook: Mexican Tinga de Pollo
- Cook: Mexican Fruit and Veggies Snack
- Cook: Mexican Popsicles
- Throw a Taco Party. Choose recipes from online or The International Cookbook for Kids. Decorate. Cook. and Enjoy!
English Language Arts & Social Studies
- Learn about Day of the Dead
- Watch Coco, listen to the Soundtrack, and even do a Coco Word Search from Jinxy Kids. Write essay comparing Coco to what you’ve learned about Day of the Dead.
- ELA: Read and Compare Different Versions of Cinderella
- Geography: Mexico Coloring Activity from Multicultural Kid Blog
Science
- Science: Learn about Monarch Butterflies and their Migration from Crafty Moms Share
