Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these children’s books

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15 every year. This month-long recognition is an excellent opportunity to educate children on the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans. To help you celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Hispanic Heritage Month children’s books written by Hispanic authors sharing their stories. Below is our list of books that we know you and your little reader will love and can be checked out next time you visit your local Osceola County Library branch!

Hispanic Heritage Month / Mes de la Herencia Hispana by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

We kick off our book list with “Hispanic Heritage Month,” by Kerrie Logan Hollihan! This non-fiction book talks about Hispanic Heritage Month and why it’s celebrated in Latin American cultures. Discover some of the unique art, cuisine, economics, and government influences that are so important to Latin Americans. 

My Town / Mi Pueblo by Nicholas Solis

“My Town” by Nicholas Solis celebrates two cousins from opposite sides of the U.S. - Mexico border as they share everything they love about their hometown. The cousins love their towns, and they love visiting each other. Read along to learn what things are the same and the things that are wonderfully different, adding up to a vibrant world.

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor

“Just Ask!: Be Brave, Be Different, Be You” by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. From her own experience growing up with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with different challenges and their special powers. As they build a community garden, they ask questions to each other and encourage you to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us, but we're not sure why all we have to do is… just ask!

I am Frida Kahlo by Brad Meltzer

“I am Frida Kahlo,” by Brad Meltzer, features Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter and activist. After surviving a bus crash, she made her mark in art history for her unique way of looking at the world and integrating her own image and life into her paintings.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

“Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal is about Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela and her many names! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to her dad for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and her other names, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think her name is a perfect fit and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell.

Islandborn by Junot Díaz

“Islandbborn,” by Junot Díaz, tells the story of a young girl named Lola. When it’s time for her to draw a picture of where her family immigrated from, Lola is not excited because she can't remember the island she came from.. With the help of her family and friends, their memories help her imagine and journey back to the island.  As she nears the heart of her family's story, Lola understands the truth of her abuela's words: “Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you.”

These Hispanic Heritage Month children’s books may be some of our favorites, but there are more books you can read this month! With five library branches located throughout Osceola County, the Osceola County library has more books you can check out to celebrate the Hispanic voices and stories in our community and nation. Make sure to log your child’s 15 minutes of reading and books in Beanstack for special rewards and, if you aren’t signed up already, you can do so right on the Osceola County library’s website!