Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 through October 15, is a wonderful opportunity to bring history, culture, and inspiring stories into the classroom. When students learn about Hispanic and Latino culture, influential individuals, traditions, and contributions, they gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that have helped shape our world. From groundbreaking scientists and artists to powerful stories of family, perseverance, and hope, Hispanic Heritage Month opens the door to amazing learning opportunities and powerful discovery. What better way to celebrate than through the pages of a fantastic book?
We have gathered 10 books to help you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the classroom. Whether you incorporate these books as read-aloud stories, into history, geography, or literature class, or simply take time to commemorate the heritage, these books are bound to not only teach your students, but also intrigue them as well.
#1 The Astronaut With a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, written by Julia Finley
The Astronaut With a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley, is a captivating picture book about the first Hispanic woman astronaut. Students will learn about Dr. Ochoa’s multiple talents and how she used her unique gifts to impact the world.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Meet Dr. Ellen Ochoa-a determined space pioneer with a stellar symphony of talents. Growing up in a family of immigrants, Ellen dreamed of becoming a professional flutist, but all of that changed when she discovered engineering in college. Though she was told that field of study wasn’t for girls, the bright young scientist refused to give up-ultimately becoming a NASA astronaut who shattered barriers and rocketed to success! The Astronaut With a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa is the fourth book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Dr. Ochoa herself!
#2 Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
A beautifully powerful story about determination and the gift and power that books can hold, Dreamers is a must-read.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
In 1994, 25-year-old Yuyi Morales traveled from her home in Yelapa, Mexico, to the San Francisco Bay Area with her two-month-old son, Kelly, in order to secure permanent residency in this country. Her passage was not easy, and she spoke no English whatsoever. But due in large measure to help and guidance provided by area children’s librarians, she learned English the same way her young son learned to read: through the picture books they shared together.
#3 The Pinata that the Farm Maiden Hung by Samantha R. Vamos, Illustrated by Sebastia Serra
This book is fun, engaging, bilingual, and even contains inspiration and directions for making a piñata!
Publisher’s Synopsis:
A young girl sets out on errands for the day, and while she’s gone, the farm maiden prepares a piñata from scratch with help from a boy, horse, goose, cat, sheep, and farmer. After they all fall asleep in the afternoon sun, they must scramble to finish preparations in time–just as the girl arrives back to her surprise party. Key English words change to Spanish as the cumulative verse builds to the celebratory ending. With the familiarity of “The House That Jack Built,” the tale cleverly incorporates Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page. This book makes learning the language easy and fun. Back matter includes a glossary, definitions, and directions for making a piñata at home.
#4 Fiesta Fiasco by Ann Whitford Paul, Illustrated by Ethan Long
Another dual-language, engaging and fun picture book, Fiesta Fiasco will be a classroom favorite.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
It’s fiesta time! Culebra the snake is having a birthday party. Everyone is shopping for just the right present. Luckily, Conejo the rabbit has lots of ideas. Only, they seem a little strange to his friends. What would a snake do with new pants, they wonder? There’s a fiasco in the making in this spirited and comical story about learning how to be a good amigo. A glossary of Spanish words is included.
#5 Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte
The vibrant illustrations and the poignant story are enough to captivate students in this wonderful picture book.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Author-illustrator Carlos Aponte takes readers on a journey to the heart of Puerto Rico in this enchanting picture book set in Old San Juan. “A lively and honest story about filling voids and exploring what defines a family—as well as a love letter to a childhood home.”—Horn Book
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father. Jolly piragüeros, mischievous cats, and costumed musicians color this tale of love, family, and the true meaning of home.
#6 Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayer, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
Just Ask! is a wonderful story to promote the beauty of diversity in the classroom.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges–and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers 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.
#7 Gracias, Omu! By Oge Mora
This picture book is available in Spanish and English, and although it does not traditionally tell a Hispanic tale, the warmth and heart behind its themes of generosity and sacrifice are universal.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also available. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu’s delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
Debut author-illustrator Oge Mora brings to life a heartwarming story of sharing and community in colorful cut-paper designs as luscious as Omu’s stew, with an extra serving of love. An author’s note explains that “Omu” (pronounced AH-moo) means “queen” in the Igbo language of her parents, but growing up, she used it to mean “Grandma.” This book was inspired by the strong female role models in Oge Mora’s life.
#8 Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist, Written by Susan Wood, Illustrated by Duncan Tontiuh
A unique and fascinating picture book biography, this story will definitely intrigue your students.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
A playful picture-book biography of the father of space-age bachelor-pad lounge music. Gorgeously illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh, this lively biography follows Juan Garcia Esquivel from Mexico to New York City. Juan grew up to the sounds of mariachi bands; he loved music and became a musical explorer. Defying convention, he created music that made people laugh and planted images in their minds. His musical dreams brought him from Mexico to America and gained him worldwide renown. Juan’s space-age lounge music—popular in the fifties and sixties—has found a new generation of listeners. This account honors Esquivel as one of the great composers of the 20th century.
Novels:
These two novels are favorites of ours and would be especially fitting to read during Hispanic Heritage Month.
#9 Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
I have taught this book for many years to upper elementary and middle school students. It will always hold a special place in my heart. This is a must-read for any age. With its rich historical information and bittersweet story, this book has so many cross-curricular learning opportunities.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Esperanza thought she’d always live a privileged life on her family’s ranch in Mexico. She’d always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home filled with servants, and Mama, Papa, and Abuelita to care for her. But a sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California and settle in a Mexican farm labor camp. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard work, financial struggles brought on by the Great Depression, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When Mama gets sick and a strike for better working conditions threatens to uproot their new life, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances–because Mama’s life, and her own, depend on it.
Teaching Esperanza Rising? Take a look at our Project-Based Learning Unit. With 14 captivating projects and activities, this resource will bring the book alive for your students.
#10 Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan
This book was quirky, sweet, and heartbreaking all at the same time. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this one!
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Naomi Soledad León Outlaw has had a lot to contend with in her young life, her name for one. Then there are her clothes (sewn in polyester by Gram), her difficulty speaking up, and her status at school as “nobody special.” But according to Gram’s self-prophecies, most problems can be overcome with positive thinking. Luckily, Naomi also has her carving to strengthen her spirit. And life with Gram and her little brother, Owen, is happy and peaceful. That is, until their mother reappears for the first time in seven years, stirring up all sorts of questions and challenging Naomi to discover who she really is.
Conclusion
Hispanic Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to bring meaningful stories, history, culture, and diverse perspectives into your classroom. Books make it easy to open the door to this world of learning. They give students the chance to engage in awesome stories and unforgettable individuals. Whether you choose a picture book for a quick read-aloud or a novel for a deeper study, we hope these books inspire your students. We hope they learn, ask questions, and celebrate the rich contributions of Hispanic people. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
