Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15 every year. This is the perfect time to learn about the incredible people, events, ideas and achievements contributed by Hispanic Americans. These books celebrate characters, authors, and illustrators. Here are a few of my favorite books for Hispanic Heritage Month!
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Read Aloud Books for Hispanic Heritage Month on my Youtube channel.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Books
Digging for Words by Angela Burke Kunkel
Digging for Words is based on the life of Jose Alberto Gutierrez. He was a garbage collector from Columbia. Along his route, he noticed many books were being discarded. He gathered all the books he found and created a library in his own home. We also learn about a young Jose, who loves to visit Senor Jose’s library every Saturday morning. This book is a celebration of perseverance, community and the power of books.
Planting Stories by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Planting Stories is a beautiful story of the life of Pura Belpre, a librarian in New York City. She helped diversify children’s literature by publishing stories, curating puppet shows, and planting seeds of change in the 1920s. This amazing woman made space for herself and her culture in her library.
Dancing Hands by Margarita Engle
Dancing Hands tells the story of Teresa Carreno. As a young girl, Teresa was an amazing piano player. She realized that music brought joy to her and those around her. She began playing cathedrals and theaters. Teresa was then invited to play for Abraham Lincoln at the White House.
Islandborn by Junot Diaz
Islandborn is a celebration of creativity, diversity and our ability to connect with others. Lola’s teacher asks the class to draw pictures of where their family immigrated from. However, Lola can’t remember her island. With the help of family, friends, and their memories, Lola is able to journey back. Her abuela tells her that “just because you don’t remember a place, doesn’t mean it’s not in you.” The illustrations in this one are gorgeous!
Alma & How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
The book, Alma and How She Got Her Name is a story about identity, pride and family. Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela’s name is a mouthful and she’s not too fond of it. Then her father teachers about each of the ancestors she is named after. Alma then takes great pride in where she comes from and who she is.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a young girl’s love letter to her hardworking father and the feeling of home that we always carry with us. Daisy loves to zoom around the neighborhood with her Papi, on his motorcycle. She sees the people and places she has always known, However, the community is changing around her. But, some things, like the love of her Papi and family, will never change.
Nacho’s Nachos by Sandra Nickel
Nacho’s Nachos is about the inventive chef and events that led to the creation of a now famous snack. Young Nacho loved to cook and he is eventually hired at a restaurant. One day a customer comes in requesting something different. So Nacho improvises!
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away is a story about the last day before a best friend moves away. The two girls spend one last afternoon together. They do all their favorite things even though they are sad. The girls make a promise to keep in touch. A sweet book about friendship!
What books do you read aloud to your class to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Check out more read alouds for September!
Free Read Aloud Lesson
Would you like to try out an interactive read aloud lesson? You can grab this free lesson plan for Jabari Jumps to share with your students. This free download focuses on helping students overcome challenges. Each lesson includes discussion questions and activities to do with the book. Just fill out the form below and it will be delivered straight to your inbox!
Save This Book List
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to this book list when you are ready to read it aloud with your students.
