Before becoming a mother and author, I was always a Book Auntie. My primos and primas, and nieces and nephews, knew to expect books they would enjoy wrapped in recycled paper, under the tree for them. I had all the recommendations: graphic novels for reluctant readers, fantasy and sci-fi novels for those eager to escape, contemporary novels about love, school troubles, family feuds, and more for those who needed a little help resolving their challenges, with the bonus of diverse characters so they felt seen. 

And the best part was seeing their excited faces when they opened their books. Yes, despite all the distractions and technology options out there, kids still like to read. They enjoy flipping through the pages. In fact, I established a new family tradition of storytime before bed. I would read a story for all the littles before they drifted off to sleep. 

As they got older, storytime turned into independent reading before bed. They would reluctantly agree to read for 15 whole minutes, but after the alarm went off, they would beg for five more minutes to finish the chapter they were reading. 

I had something para todos because I am a firm believer that books are freedom, foster empathy, encourage creative problem-solving, and enhance imaginative play. 

This holiday season, I have put together a list of books written by Latinos for the Bookworms in Your Familia. Disfruta, these picture books, middle-grade reads, and young adult novels.

Books for the Littlest Readers: Picture-Perfect Stories

“Cesaria Feels the Beat” by Denise Rosario Adusei & Illustrated by Priscila Soares

In this inspiring picture book, deaf dancer Cesaria takes off her shoes at Carnival to feel the music through her feet despite her dance director’s objections. Her bravery teaches everyone to embrace a new way of experiencing the rhythm. A lyrical celebration of deafness, community, and Carnival.

“Squawk of Spanish” by Gabriella Aldeman & Illustrated by Romina Galotta

Max’s Spanish isn’t perfect. He can’t roll his Rs, and his cousins tease him about it. He loves spending weekends baking with his Spanish-speaking abuela while Lorito, the parrot, helps translate. But when Lorito disappears, Max and Abuela need to figure out how to communicate. Remember that trying is what counts.

“Emergency Quarters” by Carlos Matias & Illustrated by Gracey Zhang

Ernesto is now a big boy and can finally walk to school without his parents. His mom gives him quarters meant for an “emergency,” just in case Ernesto needs to call her on the pay phone. Can he resist the urge to spend his precious quarters on tempting treats like baseball cards, arcade games, and hot tamales?

“Into the Mighty Sea” by Arlene Abundis & Illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

Mariel’s vibrant family fills her hermanito’s birthday with love, noise, and color—but it all feels overwhelming. Mariel’s tears grow into an ocean. She paints a boat and sails into her ocean of emotions, finding calm in the chaos. This lyrical story beautifully captures how stepping back can help manage big feelings.

“I am, Yo Soy” by Gabriela Orozco Belt & Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega

This joyful lyrical picture book is perfect for any child who has felt like they are not from here or there (ni de aqui, ni de alla) or for those who felt like they needed to pick one part of their multiculturalism. Through food, holidays, music, sports, and more – embrace what makes you uniquely you. 

“Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Story” (English) and “Gloriana Presente: De La República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish) by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris & illustrated by Doris Rodriguez

Gloriana is nervous about going to school because change is scary, and she doesn’t speak English. She is worried she won’t understand her teacher or make friends, but Abuela shares her immigration story with Gloriana, which gives her the confidence to see the magic of being bilingual. Perfect for kids learning to overcome their fears and find their voice.

“La Noche Before Three Kings Day” by Sheila Colon-Bagley & Illustrated by Alejandro Mesa

As Three Kings Day approaches, the grownups are busy preparing a feast while the kids ready their shoeboxes for the arrival of Los Reyes. Will they manage to stay awake to greet the Kings and celebrate, or will they miss the magic? Join this joyful familia as they share delicious food, play lively games, and eagerly await the Kings and their regalitos.

“Countdown For Nochebuena,” Written and Illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

Celebrate vibrant Latine traditions of Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) in this festive story that builds excitement as the night unfolds. Inspired by the author-illustrator’s Cuban American heritage, the book counts holiday highlights like dancers, singers, and delicious foods, leading up to the magical moment when Christmas arrives, and presents are opened. A shorter board book edition is also available for little readers.

“The Ofrenda that We Built,” by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, & Illustrated by Gabby Zapata

Celebrate Día de Muertos with a heartfelt story about building an ofrenda, a colorful altar honoring loved ones who have passed. This warm and rhyming tale guides readers through the meaningful symbols and traditions of the holiday. Enjoy the vibrant illustrations and themes of love, remembrance, and family.

“Tamales For Christmas,” by Stephen Briseño, & Illustrated by Sonia Sánchez

Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming tale celebrates a grandmother’s boundless love and generosity as she tirelessly works to make 1,000 dozen tamales by Christmas. “With masa in one hand and corn husks in the other,” Grandma shows the power of hard work and the magic of the holidays.

Middle Grade Reads That Spark Big Adventures

“The Last Cuentista,” by Donna Barba Higuera

Petra Peña dreams of becoming a storyteller like her Abuelita, but when Earth is destroyed by a comet, she and her family join a select group chosen to colonize a new planet. Centuries later, Petra awakens to find a sinister Collective that has erased humanity’s memories aboard the ship to create a “perfect” society. As the only one who remembers Earth’s stories, Petra must fight to preserve the past and ignite hope for the future. Can her stories help humanity rediscover what makes us truly human?

“Pilar Ramirez and the Escape From Zafa” by Julian Randall

Twelve-year-old Pilar Ramirez is determined to uncover the mystery of her cousin Natasha’s disappearance during the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Her search leads her to a professor’s office, where a folder with Natasha’s name magically transports her to Zafa, an island teeming with mythical creatures and ruled by the fearsome El Cuco. Pilar discovers Natasha is imprisoned there and must brave the island’s dangers to rescue her cousin and find her way back home.

“Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice” by Anna Lapera

Being twelve sucks because you’re not a little kid or an adult. She hasn’t gotten her period, and she is Chinese-Filipino-American-Guatemalan who can’t speak any ancestral language well. She’s determined not to visit Guatemala, especially since her mom insists she sacrificed so much to leave until Mani discovers secret letters in the attic that hint at family secrets, including the real reason they left Guatemala. As Mani unravels the mystery, she learns more about her heritage and herself and how to stand up to the challenges she faces at school.

“Sal & Gabi Break The Universe” (Sal & Gabi Series) by Carlos Hernandez

Gabi is the smart and determined student council president and editor of the school paper. Sal is a troublemaker who frequents the principal’s office and a budding magician with the power to pull objects—and people—from alternate universes. Their lives collide after Gabi discovers Sal’s incredible ability, including his attempts to bring back his late mother. As their friendship grows, they realize their manipulation of time and space could unravel the universe itself. Filled with humor, Cuban culture, and heart, this story explores the power of connection, imagination, and the risks of tampering with reality.

“A Seed in the Sun” by Aida Salazar

Lula Viramontes dreams of becoming a bold circus ringleader, but life as a farmworker in 1965 Delano, California, makes that seem impossible. Between grueling labor, mothering her younger siblings, caring for sick family members, and navigating her father’s temper, her days are full of challenges. When Lula meets Dolores Huerta and other labor activists, she discovers the power of raising her voice. Told in lyrical verse, this story follows Lula as she joins the fight for workers’ rights, a decision that could shape her family’s future and her own.

YA Books That Redefine Growing Up

“The Moonlit Vine” by Elizabeth Santiago

Fourteen-year-old Taína Perez has a lot on her plate—caring for her little brother and aging abuela while her mom works, dealing with her older brother getting kicked out, and navigating trouble at school. Despite her name, she’s never connected with her Taíno roots. But when her abuela reveals their descents of Anacaona, a legendary Taíno leader, and gifts her a sacred amulet, Taína is urged to embrace her ancestral strength. As she learns about her history, will Taína see her power to face the challenges in her community? Excitingly, this gem of a book about resilience, heritage, and hope is also available in Spanish!

“The Quince Project” by Jessica Parra

Castillo Torres is the Student Body Association event chair with dreams of becoming the ultimate party planner. But this aspiration is tested after her sister’s quinceañera disaster and her mother’s unexpected passing. When a prestigious internship opportunity arises, Cas books a quinceañera for a Disneyland vlogger to get more experience—only to discover it’s a publicity stunt. As her perfectly laid plans unravel and unexpected feelings for the chambelán complicate things further, Cas realizes that life doesn’t always go as planned. Will Cas learn to embrace the messiness of life and find her own version of Happily Ever After?

“Incendiary” by Zoraida Córdova

Renata Convida has the power to steal memories, which is why she was kidnapped and turned into a weapon of the crown. Tragically, her abilities fueled a massacre that killed thousands of her people. Now, she is a rebel spy among the Whispers. She fights to save the magical Moria from annihilation despite being haunted by the lives she helped destroy. When her commander Dez is captured, Renata must infiltrate the royal palace to complete his mission, facing dangerous political intrigue and the ruthless Sangrado Prince. As buried memories resurface, Renata uncovers a secret that could end the war and reshape her kingdom’s future—but only if she survives.

“An Appetite for Miracles” by Laekan Zea Kemp

In this heartfelt YA novel, two teens with challenging family lives find connection and hope. Danna Mendoza Villarreal tries to bring back her grandfather’s fading memories through his favorite foods, all while navigating a strained relationship with her mother. Raúl Santos, lost since his mother’s wrongful incarceration, finds solace in playing guitar for the elderly—until her sudden return leaves him grappling with unexpected change. When Danna and Raúl’s paths cross, their bond becomes a mission to heal her grandfather and themselves, showing that healing is easier when shared, even if it takes unexpected forms.

“Don’t Read The Comments” by Eric Smith

Divya Sharma, known as gamer D1V, rules the online world of Reclaim the Sun, where her streaming success helps support her struggling single mom. Aaron Jericho, an aspiring game developer, escapes into the same virtual universe, where he unexpectedly teams up with the famous D1V. While they explore infinite worlds together, their real lives are under siege as Divya faces escalating harassment and doxxing from a group of trolls. With everything at stake, Divya refuses to back down, proving that courage is just as powerful in the real world as it is online.

Other books you should have on your radar

If you liked these book recommendations, I have great news. Our comunidad has written many more amazing books so that the kids in our familias can see themselves and their culture on the page. 

If you can’t get enough, like me, check out this incredible database of books written by Latinx KidLit authors, put together by the 501(c)3 non-profit organization called the Latinx KidLit Book Festival. The festival’s goal is to connect Latinx authors and illustrators with readers and educators in classrooms around the globe. 

With the help of countless volunteers, the festival has continued to foster a love of story and literacy and increase empathy and conversation among educators, students, and book lovers while uplifting the voices of Latinx kidlit book creators.

Lastly, when you order these wonderful books written by Latine/x authors, please consider buying them from your local independent bookstore. Or better yet, buy these books from Latine/x Owned Bookstores to magnify your impact. Ditch Amazon and buy Latine/x books from Latine/x bookstores for the Latine/x bookworms in your familia!

I hope you all enjoyed this list. Please comment with your favorite books written by Latine/x authors.

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning author and speaker. She is a community organizer and mother of three (a singleton and twins). During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her family. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, Los Plátanos Son Amor, The Bronx Is My Home, Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book, Gloriana Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx and Bold, Brilliant and Latine: Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present. You can learn more about her at alyssaauthor.com

Tags:

Share this Story