Hispanic Heritage Month Reading List for Ages 2–10
A curated reading list for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) organized by age, plus activities to pair with the books.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 to October 15 in the US, chosen to coincide with the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15), followed by Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18).
It’s a month-long opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Latino community — Mexican, Caribbean, Central American, South American, and Spanish — and to make sure your Latino kids see themselves reflected in what they’re reading.
Here’s a reading list organized by age, plus activity suggestions.
Ages 2–4: Foundation books
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Caldecott Honor. A young girl learns the story behind each of her many names. One of the most beloved bilingual picture books of the decade.
Round is a Tortilla by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Shapes and Latino food — a delightful combination for toddlers.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero
A little girl rides through her neighborhood with her father. Warm, specific, familiar for kids from Latino communities.
Ages 4–6: Stories with depth
Dreamers / Soñadores by Yuyi Morales
The author’s own immigration story told as a children’s picture book. Extraordinary illustrations.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña
Latina girl on her birthday, exploring her neighborhood. Warm and everyday.
Islandborn by Junot Díaz
A Dominican-American girl learns about the island her family came from. For kids who are curious about where their family is from.
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina
A bilingual grandmother and her English-speaking granddaughter build a relationship across language.
Ages 6–8: More narrative complexity
Tomás and the Library Lady by Pat Mora
True story of a migrant farmworker’s son who fell in love with books.
Danza! by Duncan Tonatiuh
Biography of the founder of Ballet Folklórico de México.
Separate Is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh
About the Mendez family’s fight to desegregate California schools — the lesser-known but crucial precursor to Brown v. Board.
Martí’s Song for Freedom by Emma Otheguy
Cuban poet-revolutionary José Martí’s story, told gently.
Ages 8–10: For older readers
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
A middle-grade novel that can be read aloud at bedtime with older kids. Extraordinary.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Newbery Medal winner. A Cuban-American girl navigating middle school and family change.
Activities to pair with the books
Cook together. Pick one dish from a Latino country each weekend of the month. Arroz con pollo, empanadas, pupusas, ceviche, mole.
Listen to music. Build a playlist with songs from different Latino countries. Tito Puente, Juan Gabriel, Celia Cruz, Silvio Rodríguez, Selena, Bad Bunny — show the range.
Map it. Put a large map of Latin America on the wall. Pin a photo of each book you read to the country it’s set in. By the end of the month, your child sees the geography of Latino culture.
Visit a Latino-owned business. Bakery, restaurant, bookstore, market. Show your kid that Latino culture is not a museum exhibit — it’s their neighborhood.
Video call relatives. Especially those who still live in a Latin American country. Encourage your child to ask them one question per call.
The personalized Hispanic Heritage Month book
A personalized storybook where your child is the illustrated hero is the kind of gift that anchors Hispanic Heritage Month in a specific, tangible way. Akoni Books offers bilingual editions — the full story rendered in both English and Spanish — with your child as the main character.
Popular themes for Hispanic Heritage Month gifts:
- Mi Familia, Mi Mundo — a multigenerational story featuring Abuela or Abuelo
- Bilingual Storytime — the bilingual edition hero feature
- Quinceañera Dreams — for older girls
Create a Hispanic Heritage Month book starring your child →
A tradition worth building
Hispanic Heritage Month doesn’t have to be a check-the-box cultural exercise. It can be the month your family consistently slows down, reads together, cooks together, and celebrates what makes your Latino heritage specifically yours.
One book a week during the month. One meal together. One conversation about a family member in Spanish. That’s all it takes to make September and October feel like a Latino high season in your home — the kind of rhythm your child will look forward to each year.
Start this week. Pick one book from the list. Start tonight.
¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!