21 Hispanic Heritage Month Kids’ Books

Did you know Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15? And, as it’s a time to recognize the positive achievements of Hispanic people around the globe, it’s also a time to honor those people with insightful, informative, and inspirational Hispanic Heritage Month kids’ books.

Now, we all know there is no one Hispanic culture. With 20 Spanish-speaking countries (plus Puerto Rico), it’s impossible to learn everything about every Hispanic country. But what we can do is give our kids a snapshot of each country. 

Whether that’s a national folktale, author, food, festival, an inspirational story, or everyday life, I’ve created a list of kids’ books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month—one snapshot at a time. You can find the books below listed in alphabetical order by country. 

21 Hispanic Heritage Month Kids’ Books

#1 Argentina

On the Pampas

By María Cristina Brusca

A young girl from Buenos Aires spends the summer at her grandfather’s farm in the Pampas of Argentina. This is a bilingual read (mostly in English) with Argentinian gaucho specific vocabulary thrown in. It serves as a great peek into Argentinian cowboy culture. 

#2 Bolivia

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

By Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

The Village of La Paz is a noisy place where everyone sings, that is until Don Pepe is elected mayor. He outlaws singing and La Paz becomes a silent city. Seven years later, an outspoken, singing rooster arrives to remind La Paz what life used to be like. This is an excellent Hispanic Heritage Month kids’ book and there is so much to unpack from this seemingly innocent story. You can use it to facilitate discussion about oppression, injustice, and peaceful protests.

#3 Chile

My Name is Gabriela / Mi nombre es Gabriela

By Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People

By Monica Brown, illustrated by Julie Paschkis 

Next up, are TWO kid-friendly biographies of Chilean poets and Nobel Prize winners Gabriela Mistral, the first-ever Latin American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Pablo Neruda, the third to win the coveted award. Both were poets, diplomats, and outspoken leaders in their fields.

Fun fact: They knew each other when Mistral was a director at a school in the same town as teenage Neruda.

Another fun fact? Both Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda are pseudonyms. Their real names are Lucila Godoy Alcayaga and Ricardo Eliecer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto.

#4 Colombia

Esperando el Biblioburro

By Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra

Another gem by author Monica Brown, this time she tells the true story of Luis Soriano Bohórquez and how he brought books (by mule!) to children in rural villages of Colombia.

#5 Costa Rica

The Umbrella 

By Jan Brett

Carlos takes a walk in a cloud forest but leaves his umbrella forgotten on the forest floor. See what animals hop on for a memorable ride. This is a fun and easy read, great for an introduction to animals native to the cloud forests of Costa Rica. 

Interesting fact? The main difference between a cloud forest and rainforest is that cloud forests have a higher elevation. That means the air is cooler and it’s harder for water to evaporate giving it a cloud-like look.

#6 Cuba

All the Way to Havana

By Margarita Engle, illustrated by Mike Curato

A brief and adventurous snapshot of Cuba as a young boy and his family try to get their old car running and ready for the trip to Havana. This is a great introduction to Cuba, and while it centers on the cultural aspect of classic cars that are found in Cuba, the author explains why that’s such an ever-present aspect of Cuban culture. This is a beautiful read and kids will feel like they’re sitting in the back seat. 

#7 Ecuador

Tomas and the Galapagos Adventure

By Carolyn Lunn, illustrated by Ashley Rodes

Tomas takes readers on a tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos both during the day and in his dreams. The author includes interesting facts about Ecuador at the end of the book to add to children’s understanding of the story. 

#8 El Salvador

Talking with Mother Earth / Hablando con Madre Tierra

By Jorge Argueta, illustrated by Lucia Angela Perez

An El Salvadorian grandmother teaches her grandson to love his Nahuatl heritage through a series of poems that pay homage to their Aztec ancestors. 

Author Jorge Argueta has a long list of books that feature El Salvadorian culture that are well worth checking out!

#9 España

Gazpacho for Nacho

By Tracey C. Kyle, illustrated by Carolina Farías

Nacho is a picky eater. He wants gazpacho, gazpacho, and more gazpacho. So his mom teaches him how to make it himself. This is a lyrical, rhyming book that focuses on the different traditional foods of Spain (the star being gazpacho, of course). It even includes a gazpacho recipe for little ones to make at home! 

#10 Guatemala

Abuela’s Weave

By Omar S. Castañeda, illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez

Esperanza follows Abuela’s lead weaving and selling handmade tapestries and clothing. A touching tribute to artisan crafts and Guatemalan culture. 

#11 Guinea Ecuatorial

Moon Over Bioko

By Heidi Rader, illustrated by Holly Smith

This award-winning book celebrates the endangered sea turtles found on the black sand beaches of the Bioko Islands of Equatorial Guinea. 

#12 Honduras

The Good Garden

By Katie Smith Milway, illustrated by Sylvie Daigneault

María and her family live on a small farm in Honduras but don’t have enough to eat until they learn how to transform their farming practices. Based on the sustainable farming changes seen in Honduras and other countries. 

#13 Mexico

The Princess and the Warrior

By Duncan Tonatiuh

Award-winning author and illustrator, Duncan Tonatiuh retells an old Mexican myth about the two origins of Mexico City’s two volcanoes. This is a suspenseful and beautiful read. The illustrations and storytelling are incredibly well done. 

Duncan Tonatiuh is another author with an extensive collection of Mexican stories to tell that it’s extremely hard to choose just one!

#14 Nicaragua

Uncle Nacho’s Hat

By Harriet Rohmer, illustrated by Mira Reisberg

Based on a Nicaraguan folktale, Uncle Nacho’s Hat follows Uncle Nacho after he gets a new hat to replace his old dilapidated one. Except, he has a lot of trouble letting the old one go. A beautiful look at change and how hard (or easy) it can be to change old ways. 

#15 Panamá

Conejito: A Folktale from Panama

By Margaret Read MacDonald, illustrated by Geraldo Valério

Conjetio is on an adventure to visit his Tía Mónica, but he has to outsmart Señor Tigre, Señor Zorro, and Señor Leon. An adorable read with repetitive text and a short song, all based on a Panamanian folktale. 

#16 Paraguay

Ada’s Violin

By Susan Hood, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

The true story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, a children’s orchestra that plays using instruments made of trash. Its heartwarming and inspirational message will wow students and teachers alike. 

#17 Perú

Up and Down the Andes

By Laurie Krebs and Aurélia Fronty

A quick snapshot of kids traveling throughout Perú to Cusco for the Sun God Festival celebrated every June. Colorful and vibrant, and a quick read. 

#18 Puerto Rico

Kiki Kokí: La Leyenda Encantada del Coquí

By Ed Rodríguez

Kiki Kokí is a beautifully illustrated story about a young Taíno boy who is turned into a coquí (the frogs native to Puerto Rico that have become a symbol for the territory). Ed Rodríguez reimagines the legend of the coquí into a kid-friendly, moralistic tale that is both compelling and vibrant. 

#19 La República Dominicana

Islandborn / Lola

By Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa

When Lola’s teacher asks the class to draw a picture showing where their families come from, Lola has one problem. She doesn’t remember. Her family moved from the Dominican Republic when she was little. So she asks them to share their memories of life on the island. A heartwarming read that pays homage to island life of the Dominican Republic. 

#20 Uruguay

Uruguay

By Emily Rose Oachs

For older primary students, this is a quick all-around guide to the basics of Uruguay. It’s a non-fiction title that hits all the main cultural aspects of the country on a kid-friendly level.

#21 Venezuela

Where is Venezuela? / ¿Dónde está Venezuela?

By Nacho Palacios, illustrated by Leo Nieves

Two kids ask their grandfather about Venezuela, and boy, does he do a great job of telling them all there is to know. This is a spectacular find that showcases ALL of Venezuela. And if this isn’t enough there’s a sequel ¿Dónde está Venezuela? Segundo Viaje!

Happy reading! 

Keep kids learning about Hispanic Heritage Month with these virtual field trip ideas to Spain, Colombia, and Peru!