It is a New Year, which means I’m making room on my bookshelves for new books. These are the 2025 books we’re most excited about. And don’t worry, we’ve got your whole family covered—from adult books to picture books—we are sharing our Must Haves. We also feature a mix of genres or, as I like to say, “un poco de todo” so that lovers of contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror, self-help, and nonfiction can find something they like. 

Whether you’re looking for stories that will make you laugh, cry, fall in love, or sit on the edge of your seat, this list has something special for everyone. We’ve highlighted books that celebrate culture, explore identity, and feature unforgettable characters—ALL written by Latiné authors bringing fresh and authentic perspectives to the page. Please know that this is in no way a comprehensive list of the books by Latiné Authors coming out this year, but it’s a great place to start. 

So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into your coziest chair, and get ready to add these exciting new reads to your TBR pile. Happy reading! Disfruta! 

Adult Reads for Personal Growth and Entertainment

“The Bewitching” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

In this chilling multigenerational horror tale, three women across different eras are connected by danger, witchcraft, and a shadowy force that transcends time. In 1990s Massachusetts, graduate student Minerva investigates the life of horror author Beatrice Tremblay, uncovering that her novel The Vanishing was inspired by a real disappearance during the Great Depression. As Minerva digs deeper, eerie parallels emerge between Tremblay’s story and her great-grandmother Nana Alba’s childhood encounter with a witch in early 1900s Mexico. With history repeating itself, Minerva realizes the same dark presence may now be coming for her.

“The Grand Paloma Resort” by Cleyvis Natera

Paradise hides a darker side of negligence and desperation at the luxurious Grand Paloma Resort in the Dominican Republic. Laura, a driven resort manager, must juggle a major crisis – a child falls unconscious at the resort’s childcare while the parents relax, behave badly, and/or enjoy themselves at parties. Her strained relationship with her not-as-responsible sister, Leticia, escalates because it turns out she might be partially to blame for this dangerous situation after accepting a bribe from a guest. As a search party forms and tensions rise, the story delves into family, community, and the true meaning of home, revealing that paradise is only what you make of it.

“Archive of Unknown Universes” by Ruben Reyes Jr. 

In this striking debut, Ruben Reyes Jr. weaves two interconnected timelines of love, war, and family across El Salvador’s civil war. In 2018 Cambridge, Ana and Luis, struggling in their relationship, use an experimental device to glimpse alternate lives, sparking a journey through Havana and San Salvador to uncover their families’ wartime pasts. Meanwhile, in 1978, Neto and Rafael, two young Salvadoran revolutionaries, fall in love amidst the brewing conflict, only to face separation and danger as the war intensifies. This genre-bending novel explores displacement, belonging, and the enduring power of love in a world shaped by the gravity of history and the possibilities of alternate fates.

“Gabriela and His Grace” by Liana De la Rosa

Heiress Gabriela Luna Valdés, the youngest and boldest of her family, escapes a sea of British suitors on a ship to her homeland, Mexico, determined to evade her father’s marriage demands. Meanwhile, Sebastian Brooks, Duke of Whitfield, sees the voyage as his last chance to restore his family’s fortune and unexpectedly finds himself captivated by Gabriela’s fiery spirit. When Gabby needs a swift way out of trouble, Sebastian offers his help, but their growing attraction threatens both their carefully laid plans. As scandal brews, Sebastian must prove his love is genuine before Gabby slips away with his heart. (Note: This is book #3 in the Luna Sisters Series.)

“The Latina Anti-Diet: A Dietitian’s Guide to Authentic Health That Celebrates Culture and Full-Flavor Living” by Dalina Soto

Break free from diet culture and reclaim your health while honoring your heritage, written by Dalina, a registered dietitian and creator of Your Latina Nutritionist. This empowering guide blends the principles of intuitive eating with cultural inclusivity, teaching you to enjoy traditional foods like arroz and plátanos without guilt. With her easy-to-follow CHULA method, Soto provides the tools to Challenge negative thoughts, Honor our bodies and health, Understand our needs, Listen to our hunger, and Acknowledge our emotions. Let’s celebrate our culture through food while living a healthy life.

Un Poco De Todo YA Books: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Love

“This Is The Year” by Gloria Munoz

In this compelling YA sci-fi told in prose and verse, Julieta Villarreal, a grieving teen grappling with the loss of her twin and the devastation of climate change, is recruited by Cometa, a private space program offering her a chance to escape and start anew. While training for a mission to establish humanity’s first extraterrestrial settlement, Juli unexpectedly discovers hope through friendships, first love, and acts of environmentalism. Torn between leaving Earth behind or staying to fight for her community, Juli’s journey explores themes of grief, immigration, climate justice, and resilience.

“Salvación” by Sandra Proudman

In this Latinx YA fantasy inspired by El Zorro, Lola de La Peña doesn’t want to be una niña buena. Instead, she secretly becomes the vigilante Salvación to protect her family and the town of Coloma from Damien Hernández, a ruthless man wielding deadly magic and seeking power. Lola races to stop Hernández’s plans before the next full moon while grappling with her growing feelings for Alejandro, a mysterious member of Hernández’s company who may or may not share his leader’s ambitions. Can she trust Alejandro to help her stop Damien? Packed with magic, romance, and high-stakes adventure, this book will be hard to put down.

“These Vengeful Wishes” by Vanessa Montalban

An aspiring artist named Ceci moves to the eccentric town of Santa Aguas, steeped in the legend of La Cegua, a vengeful spirit who punishes the unworthy. As Ceci uncovers secrets about her mother’s connection to the cursed Sevilla family, she discovers a mysterious door and a wish-granting well tied to the fearsome La Cegua. When the well’s dark power threatens her loved ones, Ceci must confront her family’s past and her own capacity for vengeance to stop the sinister magic from spiraling out of control.

“Fireblooms” by Alexandra Villasante

The Queer YA romance we all needed. Seventeen-year-old Sebastian moves to New Gault to care for his abusive and cancer-stricken mother. He is forced to attend TECH, a school where speech is tightly controlled to prevent bullying. While navigating his strained family dynamic, Sebas clashes with Lu, a TECH ambassador who sees the system as a lifeline. Sebas is trying to forgive his mother and challenging the cost of TECH’s rules. As Sebastian’s and Lu’s connection grows, it forces them to question what safety and freedom truly mean, as well as explore what blooms from the ashes.

“The Possession of Alba Díaz” by Isabel Cañas

In this gripping historical horror, a young woman named Alba flees a plague-stricken Zacatecas in 1765, seeking refuge in her fiancé’s family silver mine, only to be possessed by a demonic force. As Alba’s condition worsens and the demon’s thirst for blood grows, she must turn to Elías, a man haunted by his past rooted in greed and bound by his forbidden attraction to her. Together, they confront the sinister presence lurking in the mine, risking everything to uncover its dark secrets before it consumes them both.

“The Summer I Ate The Rich” by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite

In this gripping tale inspired by Haitian zombie lore, a Haitian-American girl discovers a dark way to fight back against the wealthy elites who’ve harmed her family. Brielle Petitfour is a culinary master with dreams of becoming a chef. With her mother’s illness and mounting bills, she uses her culinary talents to make extra money. Her unique dishes earn praise from the wealthy patrons who savor their mysterious flavors and textures—unaware that the secret ingredient is human flesh. The Summer I Ate the Rich is a bold exploration of racial and socioeconomic inequities woven into a chilling and thought-provoking story.

“Get Real, Chloe Torres” by Crystal Maldonado

In this heartfelt and hilarious romcom, Chloe Torres plans a last-ditch effort to reunite her estranged best friends before starting art school: a two-week road trip to a boy band reunion concert in Las Vegas. Despite lingering tension—especially after a kiss with Ramona that ended their friendship—Chloe manages to get both ex-BFFs on board. Old feelings resurface as the trio travels cross-country, sparking a love triangle full of fiery emotions and unresolved history. Featuring body positivity, ADHD representation, and diverse Latine identities, this story will make you laugh and love as it celebrates second chances and self-discovery.

Coming of Age Contemporary, Magical Middle-Grade Reads and Even Nonfiction to Learn in Fun Ways (8-12 years old)

“Danilo Was Here” By Tamika Burgess

A powerful coming-of-age story set in the aftermath of the 1989 U.S. military invasion of Panamá. Once a local baseball star, Danilo Osorio Jr. now focuses on supporting his mamá and sister. When a baseball recruiter offers him a chance to train in California, he must decide to stay or go. Should Danilo leave everything he knows behind, live in the country responsible for destroying his home for the money, and maybe find his father? Should he stay and risk being displaced to a refugee camp? It is a book about this journey to reckon with his dreams, family, and the country that changed his life forever.

“Chloe Vega And The Agents Of Magic” by Leslie Adame

When an immigration officer takes her undocumented parents, a 12-year-old will do whatever it takes to reunite her family. She discovers that the immigration officer was actually a sorcerer, her parents are top agents in a resistance academy, and that she, too, has magical abilities. Consequently, Chloe joins the magical resistance academy to get her parents back and to stop the sorcerer–determined to use the gems her parents have to unveil the magical world. But things turn when she realizes the resistance will sacrifice everything to defeat the sorcerer, even her parents.

“Bold, Brilliant and Latine: Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present,” written by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and illustrated by Sol Cotti

Meet sporting legends, fashion icons, political leaders, fearless changemakers, renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists, and more—a heart-warming and soul-rousing book for Latine and Hispanic children, families, homeschoolers, and educators. Discover one new figure every week of the year and feel empowered and inspired. Some of the featured icons include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—youngest woman ever to be elected to Congress; Lionel Messi—superstar football player; Sonia Sotomayor—US Supreme Court Judge; Frida Kahlo—Iconic artist; Cesar Chavez—Activist and Labour leader; Ellen Ochoa—First Latina astronaut in space; and Lin-Manual Miranda—Actor, composer, and creator of Broadway musicals.

“Scepter of Memories” (#4 in the Witchlings Series) by Claribel Ortega

In the fourth book of the bestselling Witchlings series, Seven Salazar, Thorn Laroux, and Valley Pepperhorn face their greatest challenge yet as an evil warlock threatens to plunge the Twelve Towns into chaos. When their allies begin to forget them, and they’re framed for a crime they didn’t commit, the Witchlings are forced to flee into the dangerous Enchanted Grimm, a place even their enemies fear. With their Nightbeasts by their side, they must uncover a way to stop Ambert Lophiifor’s sinister plans and save their home. Along the way, they’ll confront new dangers, unearth hidden truths, and learn to embrace the magic and power within themselves.

“It’s All or Nothing, Vale” by Andrea Beatriz Arango

In this poignant novel in verse, Valentina Camacho, a dedicated fencer, fights to reclaim her passion after a life-altering accident. Once the top athlete at her gym, Vale struggles with the physical and emotional challenges of returning to the sport she loves. Facing self-doubt and the arrival of a talented rival, Myrka, Vale learns that moving forward means more than just healing—it requires letting go of the past. From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All, this inspiring story reminds readers that a person’s worth is far greater than their achievements.

Picture-Perfect Stories for the Youngest Readers in our Familia (4-8 years old)

“Tíos And Primos” written and illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

A young girl travels to her papa’s homeland, excited by the sights, sounds, and her HUGE familia—but she struggles to connect since she doesn’t speak much Spanish. Fortunately, her relatives help her discover other ways to bond, like sharing delicious food and enjoying a soccer game together. Soon enough, she feels at home, surrounded by love and learning new ways to communicate with the family she now feels a part of.

“Welcome Home, Esmerelda,” written by Daniela Ramirez and Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

From a military family, Esmerelda discovers that home is not a place but familia—thanks to music, dancing, and the unconditional love from her extended family. Papa’s job in the military has taken Esmerelda and her family all over the world, and she is moving yet again. She is unsure if it will feel like home. This book is ideal for kids who are moving, need reassurance during a transition, and/or could use the reminder that home is family.

“Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con La Papa” written By Sara Fajardo and Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

This fun-to-read-aloud biographic picture book about Peruvian agronomist Alberto Salas and his hunt for wild potatoes before they go extinct is an ode to conservation and science. In the Andes mountains, agricultural scientist Alberto Salas plays an epic game of paka paka con la papa, potato hide-and-seek, with the goal of feeding the world. Families and kids will read it and realize they are learning because this book is written beautifully to bring joy, curiosity, and fun.

“When We Find Her” Written by Mia Garcia and Illustrated by André Ceolin

This story captures the impact and absence of lost loved ones and the food traditions that preserve their memory. Lila and her Abuelo Carlos feel the absence of Abuela Ana, whose laughter, dance, and cooking once filled their home. Lila plans to hold onto those memories by making Abuela’s signature sancocho. Together, they visit the market using a faded recipe that brings back warm memories, and through the process, they rediscover the love that food can help keep alive.

“My Abuela Is a Bruja” Written by Mayra Cuevas & Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez

A heartwarming story celebrating the special bond between a grandmother and her grandchild, infused with a touch of Puerto Rican magic. Nothing is more magical than a grandmother’s love, but one lucky girl suspects her grandmother has actual magic—felt in her salsa dance moves, warm hugs, and the delicious aromas of her cooking. She begins to wonder: could she one day have magic of her own?

Tags:

Share this Story