![Happy Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1600117672/stmarybayview/xei6nuk4g4ztq7h8g7w3/HLHMgraphic.png","width":1920}])
Hispanic Heritage Month—also known as Latinx Heritage Month—began in 1968 to recognize and honor the enduring contributions and importance of Hispanic and Latinx Americans to the prosperity of the United States. The month-long celebration begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua). Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence days in September (the 16th and 18th, respectively). Día de la Raza falls within this period as well (October 12).
During this month of significant Hispanic/Latinx holidays and national recognition, we celebrate the many heritages and cultures of Americans who are from (or have ancestors from) Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain, and Central and South America. To kick it off at Bay View, we have compiled an all-ages list of stories and resources that explore the diverse Hispanic/Latinx experience in the United States. They are grouped into five categories:
- Picture Books (ages 3–8)
- Chapter Books (ages 5–12)
- Young Adult (ages 12 and up)
- Non-Fiction
- Other Good Reads
We hope you enjoy!
Picture Books
Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal
Abuela, by Arthur Dorros
Arrorró, Mi Niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games, by Lulu Delacre
Carmela Full of Wishes, by Matt de la Peña
Turning Pages, by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre
Mango, Abuela, and Me, by Meg Medina, illustrated by Angela Dominguez
La Princesa and the Pea, by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself, by Margaret Frith, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Lord Help Me, by Emme Muñiz, illustrated by Brenda Figueroa
Chapter Books
Juana and Lucas (series, 5–8), by Juana Medina
My Year in the Middle (8–12), by Lila Quintero Weaver
The First Rule of Punk (8–12), by Celia C. Pérez
Merci Suárez Changes Gears (9–12), by Meg Medina
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish (10+), by Pablo Cartaya
Young Adult
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sánchez
Sanctuary, by Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher
Before We Were Free, by Julia Alvarez
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, by Meg Medina
The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Go-Between, by Veronica Chambers
Non-Fiction
Latinx Superheroes in Mainstream Comics, by Frederick Luis Aldama
Latino USA: A Cartoon History, by Ilan Stavans
Bird of Paradise: How I Became Latina, by Raquel Cepeda
An African American and Latinx History of the United States, by Paul Ortiz
My Time Among the Whites: Notes From an Unfinished Education, by Jennine Capó Crucet
Other Good Reads
Hispanic vs. Latino vs. Latinx: A Brief History of How These Words Originated (Remezcla), by Yará Simón
Preserving Latinx History Through Vintage Photos (NY Times), by Isabelia Herrera
How Do Latinos Really Feel About Hispanic Heritage Month? (Remezcla), by Yará Simón