Every September through October, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate the voices, traditions, and stories that help shape our communities.
This year’s list from Penguin Young Readers feels like a love letter to culture, memory, family, and the many ways we stay connected across generations. From board books for little ones to bold YA reads that challenge and inspire, here books I can’t wait to recommend and share.
Board Book
"When Sun Rises" by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Caribay M. Benavides
July 8, 2025
A gentle, poetic board book rooted in Mexican Indigenous wisdom, this story shows how the sun guides us through life’s cycles and seasons. It’s lyrical, nature-centered, and beautifully illustrated, perfect for families who want to nurture awe and gratitude in their youngest readers.
Picture Books
"The Interpreter" by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
January 21, 2025
Cecilia spends her days on the soccer field and also translating for her parents. It’s a big responsibility for a child, and Abtahi captures both the humor and weight of that role. This book honors the experiences of bilingual kids everywhere while showing the importance of balance and teamwork.
"Tíos and Primos" by Jacqueline Alcántara
February 18, 2025
Inspired by Alcántara’s childhood trips to Honduras, this picture book is about finding belonging even when you don’t speak the language. Through food, soccer, and family laughter, a little girl learns that connection is deeper than words.
"Mistaco" by Eliza Kinkz
April 1, 2025
Izzy has had the worst day, but her Lito helps turn mistakes into tacos, and suddenly the whole family is laughing and sharing their “mistacos.” A playful and comforting reminder that mistakes can be transformed into something nourishing and full of joy.
"Tío and Tío: The Ring Bearers" by Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon García-Mathews, illustrated by Tommy Doyle
April 15, 2025
Two brothers travel to Mexico to be ring bearers at their uncles’ wedding. Between soccer, swimming, and the magic of family, they learn what it means to be part of a celebration filled with love. Sweet, funny, and affirming.
"Precious" by Carlos Aponte
May 27, 2025
After a storm forces Pedrito to part with his dog, music and community remind him that love and resilience carry us forward. Inspired by Puerto Rico’s beloved song “Preciosa,” Aponte blends vibrant art with a heartfelt story about finding courage in tradition.
"Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon" by Allison Rozo and Rafael Rozo, illustrated by Vanessa Morales
July 22, 2025
In Tierra del Fuego, a dragon who sneezes ice instead of fire discovers his gift makes him a hero. A fun bilingual tale that celebrates embracing differences while teaching new Spanish vocabulary.
"Menudo Sunday" by María Dolores Águila, illustrated by Erika Meza
August 5, 2025
What’s better than a big bowl of menudo on a Sunday surrounded by family? This bilingual counting book brims with humor, chaos, and love, from playful cousins to sneaky dogs and two grandfathers who add warmth to the celebration.
"Sundust" by Zeke Peña
August 5, 2025
An ode to El Paso and desert landscapes, this story follows siblings as they explore a sunlit trail filled with magical encounters. Peña’s spare words and radiant art bring the desert to life, capturing imagination and belonging.
"Perla and the Pirate / Perla y el Pirata" by Isabel Allende, illustrated by Sandy Rodríguez
August 26, 2025
Beloved author Isabel Allende returns with a bilingual adventure featuring Perla, a mighty dog with a roar like a lion, who sets out to save her lost human brother. Filled with charm, cultural details, and heart, it’s a story of loyalty and love.
"Just Shine!: How to Be a Better You" by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
September 9, 2025
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor offers a luminous picture book about kindness and helping others shine. With radiant illustrations, it inspires readers to recognize their inner glow and share it with the world.
"When We Find Her" by M. García Peña, illustrated by André Ceolin
September 9, 2025
In this touching story set in Puerto Rico, a girl and her abuelo honor Abuela’s memory by cooking her favorite sancocho together. A book about grief, food, and the ways traditions keep loved ones close.
"Crocodiles Everywhere" by Estelí Meza
October 7, 2025
After her best friend moves away, a girl is followed by crocodiles that mirror her sadness and anger. Meza’s bilingual story is a compassionate, creative way for children to face big emotions and find healing.
Middle Grade
"A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation" by Pablo Cartaya
May 6, 2025
Part road trip, part family saga, this story blends humor and heart as Gonzalo travels with his famous grandfather, confronting grief and discovering that real life can be just as epic as fantasy.
"The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez" by Jasminne Paulino
June 3, 2025
Told in verse, this debut follows Alex, a neurodivergent Dominican American boy who dreams of space. A moving story of determination, family, and proving that extraordinary can look different for everyone.
"Chupacarter and the Curse of La Llorona" by George Lopez with Ryan Calejo, illustrated by Santy Gutierrez
July 8, 2025
In the latest Chupacarter adventure, Jorge and his friends face the terrifying legend of La Llorona. Funny, creepy, and full of folklore, this series continues to thrill.
"Los Monstruos Series" by Diana López
October 7, 2025
A trilogy rooted in Mexican myths, featuring the children of legendary monsters like La Llorona and La Lechuza. Diana López brings folklore and fantasy together in adventures full of friendship, identity, and magic.
Young Adult
"Dan in Green Gables: A Graphic Novel" by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre
June 3, 2025
A queer retelling of Anne of Green Gables, this graphic novel set in the 1990s Tennessee captures identity, belonging, and family with heart and humor.
"Very Dangerous Things" by Lauren Muñoz
July 29, 2025
When a school’s annual murder mystery game turns into a real crime scene, Dulce Castillo must uncover the truth. A page-turning whodunit perfect for fans of Knives Out and One of Us Is Lying.
"Rosa by Any Other Name" by Hailey Alcaraz
August 5, 2025
Set during the civil rights era, this Romeo and Juliet–inspired novel follows a Mexican American teen navigating race, identity, and injustice in the 1960s Arizona.
"The Story of My Anger" by Jasminne Mendez
September 16, 2025
A fiery novel-in-verse about a Texas teen who refuses to stay quiet in the face of racism, censorship, and injustice. Mendez delivers a fierce, unforgettable protagonist.
"Fireblooms" by Alexandra Villasante
September 30, 2025
A speculative romance where technology controls language, but love and resilience still find a way. Tender, thought-provoking, and beautifully queer.
It's All About Diverse Stories
From board books about the sun to YA novels about fighting injustice, this roundup shows the beauty and strength of Latinx voices. These stories are rooted in heritage but speak to readers everywhere reminding us that culture is alive, evolving, and worth celebrating all year long.
All titles are available through Penguin Young Readers and major booksellers. For more details, visit penguinrandomhouse.com or check your favorite local bookstore. Happy reading!
