We want our children to grow up in a world where representation is there and reminding them they can be who they want to be. It starts with television, toys, and books. Books that narrate stories of the heroes, doctors, and happily ever afters represent that beauty within different cultures. This is why we have found seven books that are perfect for your teens and kids to read that will be perfect ways to represent them and introduce them to Latin cultura!
With The Fire On High
By Elizabeth Acevedo
This young adult novel features our lead character navigating the journey as a teenage mom and her passion for cooking. Dealing with her conflicts and commitments, she chooses to make a big decision that may shake up her life. Share this book with your teen now and purchase it at Barnes and Noble.
That Girl on TV could be Me!: The Journey of a Latina news anchor
The first children’s picture book about becoming a TV news anchor. Narrating how Leticia Ordaz accomplished her goals and achieved her dreams of being the first to attend college and following her dreams into television journalism. Pre-order the book now from Barnes & Noble.
The Life of Selena / La vida de Selena
By: Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein, Citlali Reyes (Illustrator)
Teach your little one about the “Queen of Tejano Music” in this bilingual picture book. It’s never too early to teach them why everyone loves Selenas. To purchase the book now, shop at Barnes & Noble.
Too Many Tamales
This holiday classic tells a Mexican-American family story and a lost ring in what feels like never-ending tamales. This book is a childhood favorite of mine and worth the laughs with your children. Purchase the book now at Barnes & Noble.
Voces Sin Fronteras: Our Stories, Our Truth
By: Latin American Youth Center Writers, Santiago Casares (Artist), Meg Medina (Foreword by)
Sixteen young people from the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) in Washington, D.C. came together to tell their immigration and transformation stories in comics form. This group of teen immigrants from Central America and the Caribbean is dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and social justice. To purchase this book now, shop at Barnes & Noble.
The House on Mango Street
By Sandra Cisneros
The House on Mango Street follows a young Latina girl coming of age and discovering her identity in Chicago. This story is told in a series of vignettes, which can sometimes be heartbreaking but leads to self-discovery. To purchase the book, shop at Barnes & Noble.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
By: Erika L. Sánchez
“Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family.”
Go on this journey in this young adult novel that focuses on dealing with the loss of a family member and discovering that there is more to our siblings than what they tell us. Purchase this book now at Barnes & Noble.
We hope this list is a great start to introducing your kids to Latin stories and culture. To find more books for your children of various ages, you can search Barnes & Noble for more.
