Over the last couple of weeks, I received some new books from colleagues and my Scholastic Points (you all need to check out the We Need Diverse Books catalog!!). Most of my new books have had some pretty awesome Latinx representation. For the sake of this article, Latinx refers to someone from Latin America (Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Cuba, and South America) and people from Latinx descent.
Considering this, I have composed a list of several books that feature Latinx characters. In the following list, there are three picture books, one young adult book, and an early chapter book. Check out Five Books That Feature Latinx Characters:
1. Gabi, a Girl in Pieces, by Isabel Quintero
The Spectrum of Multicultural Lit.: between Exploration and Conversation
Type of Book: Young Adult Novel
Isabel Quintero authored this young adult novel that features Gabi Hernandez’s diary. Gabi writes about her last year of high school as she tries to push through teenage obstacles and understand her identity.
This is one of my favorite young adult novels. Quintero does a compelling job at capturing the thoughts of a teenage woman who is trying her best to navigate life.
2. Santiago Stays, by Angela Dominguez
The Spectrum of Multicultural Lit.: Representation
Type of Book: Picture Book
This cute picture book is about a little boy trying to get his puppy, Santiago, to come. Throughout the book, nothing works until the very end when something surprises the little boy and Santiago!
My students always love this funny book. It is highly engaging with only about 1-2 sentences per page and great illustrations. Also, I can completely relate to this book because of my interactions with my own puppy 🙂
3. Lucía the Luchadora, by Cynthia Leonor Garza
The Spectrum of Multicultural Lit.: Exploration
Type of Book: Picture Book
All of my students absolutely LOVED this book when I read it to them a couple months ago. Lucía the Luchadora is about Lucía, a Mexican girl, facing a problem when boys tell her that “girls can’t be superheroes”. Luckily, she becomes empowered when her abuela teaches her about the Mexican lucha libre tradition!
In this book, Cynthia Leonor Garza shares about a Mexican cultural tradition while also writing about a girl overcoming sexist comments. Every one of my students loved this book of perseverance and acceptance!
4. Niño Wrestles the World, by Yuyi Morales
The Spectrum of Multicultural Lit.: Representation with a little Exploration
Type of Book: Picture Book
I’ve featured the YouTube video of Yuyi Morales reading her book in one of my other blog posts. In her book, Niño wrestles many different formidable enemies! He shows off his amazing skills as he combats these imaginary monsters.
This picture book is filled with imagination and fun! Yuyi integrates Spanish into the book while telling the great tales of Niño’s wrestling.
5. Sofia Martinez series, by Jacqueline Jules
The Spectrum of Multicultural Lit.: between Representation & Exploration
Type of Book: Early Chapter Book
These early chapter books feature Sofia Martinez, a seven-year-old, Latinx girl. Sofia goes through many different adventures with her family and friends.
This is a great early chapter book to read aloud or add to your classroom library. I also recommend this series for Guided Reading Groups that focus on comprehension.
