Every year the United States celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This is a time when people across the nation honor Hispanic and Latino Americans’ cultures, heritage, contributions, and accomplishments. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month helps our country show our recognition and support for Latinos’ work in helping the United States grow.
This holiday begins on September 15th in commemoration of the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It is also around the time Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days (the 16th and 18th). Lyndon B. Johnson initially created it in 1968, and it began as “National Hispanic Heritage Week.” But in 1988, Ronald Reagan expanded it, so we now celebrate it for a month.
As a part of the celebration, we would like to highlight the following books written or featuring Hispanic characters. Remember, these titles can be read year-round!
HEAR MY VOICE by Warren Binford and Michael Garcia Bochenek
Written in both Spanish and English, this book tells the tale of children detained at the US-Mexico border. This book features true testimonies from children held in detention facilities. Also featured are illustrations from 17 Latinx authors that are unique to each story.
MUSE SQUAD: THE CASSANDRA CURSE by Chantel Acevedo
Callie learns she’s the newest muse, nine ancient goddesses of the arts. Whisked into a new world of magic and lore, Callie and her new muse friends must help a classmate meet her destiny before fate runs out. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.
CLAP WHEN YOU LAND by Elizabeth Acevedo
Before their father’s death, Camino and Yahaira had no idea of the other’s existence. Now, as they settle into their grief and life without their father, they must learn what it means to be family. Told in verse, this story brings together countries and cultures like you’ve never seen.
THE FIVE WOUNDS by Kirstin Valdez Quade
While preparing for his role as Jesus in the Good Friday procession, Amadeo is shocked when his fifteen-year-old daughter shows up pregnant on his doorstep. Truths are revealed, and paths are forged as five generations of the family gather together.
Martita, I Remember You/ Martita, tu Recuerdo by Sandra Cisnero
Written by Sandra Cisnero, author of A House on Mango Street, this book centers around the life of Corina, a young woman who leaves her family in Chicago to pursue her literary dreams in Paris. Here she goes through the highs and lows of life as she runs out of money, befriends panhandlers, dances at underground parties, and creates intense friendships. Follow along as the friends lose contact with one another, and Corina rediscovers her adventures through a newly found letter.
Who was Celia Cruz? By Pam Pollack & Meg Belviso
Learn about the incredible life of award-winning singer and most popular Latin artist of the 20th century, Celia Cruz. Also known as Úrsula Hilaria Celia de la Caridad Cruz Alfonso, she garnered attention for her impressive vocal range and flashy costumes as she performed with her Cuban band, Sonora Matancera. Her success took her around the world, but it wasn’t all glamorous.
Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed by Saraciea Ferrell
An anthology of personal essays and poems from 15 Latinx authors explores their diverse community’s different stereotypes and myths. Topics include music, sexuality, language, and immigration to spark the conversation about what it means to grow up and be a part of the Latinx community.
Living Beyond Borders by Margarita Longoria
A mixed-media collection of short stories, poems, personal essays, comics, and more from various authors sharing their experiences and struggles they endured crossing the border. This collection tells the stories of Mexican Americans who are navigating two cultures as they share their eye-opening stories with young readers.
These are only a handful of books in our online collection. Visit cloudLibrary to see our National Hispanic Heritgae month shelves for adults and kids.
If you’re looking for books in Spanish then check out our cloudLibrary shelf, Libros en Español.
Si está buscando libros en español, consulte nuestra nueva colección en cloudLibrary
For more stories, visit your local Bucks County Free Library branch or search our catalog.
To keep the celebrations going check out some of these resources to continue the celebration online!
Hispanic Heritage Month – National Park Service
Hispanic Heritage Month – The Library of Congress
National Hispanic Heritage Month –U.S. Department of Education
Ashleigh H.
