Most of us grew up flipping the pages of the bible in mass on Sundays. For a lot of us that was the only time we ever held a book, let alone opened one. Fast forward to today, the options for kids books are numerous. Kids today aren’t even boxed into hardcovers anymore–instead having kindles and iPads do the page turning for them. Oh, the humanity!
Today, (March 2) on National Read Across America day (also Dr. Seuss’s birthday), we thought we would take a look at some new options for the young ones. Books written by Latinos, in most cases for Latinos, and either fresh on the shelf or are days away. Be sure to also check out our 5 Fairy Tales written by Latino Authors for even more options.
Sundays with Abuelita
“Someday you will have your own outhouse and toilet paper… lots of it.” That’s an excerpt from Teresa Verduzco’s debut children’s book Sundays with Abuelita.
A teacher by day, Teresa Verduzco penned this self-described picture memoir, illustrated by Gloria Felix. It is based on the trials and tribulations of Verduzco’s immigrant family. The story features Teresa and her younger sister as they go to Mexico to stay with their Abuelita (grandmother) .
Highlights include a strong family female bond in Mexico’s rich culture along with other struggles of growing up without the bare necessities.
Sundays with Abuelita is out March 10 and can be bought here. It is suitable for kids 4-8 years old.
Courageous History Makers
Latina Children’s book author Naibe Reynoso is back with her fifth book. Courageous History Makers latest features 11 Latin American Women who helped to change the world. Kids will learn about history makers in politics, science, the arts, and more. Women from Frida Khalo, Celia Cruz, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Menchu are featured. The Emmy winning journalist teamed up with illustrator Jone Leal. Makers marks book three in the Little Biographies for Bright Minds series.
Courageous History Makers is available starting March 8 here and is best for kids 5-8.
Latinitas
For those wanting more real life inspiring women Latinitas might be for you. This book by author Juliet Menédez features 40 fabulous females for your kid to be in awe of.
The Guatemalan-American writer also illustrated her debut children’s book.
Kids will learn about Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, entertainer Rita Moreno, and so many other mujeres that will motivate your mija. As a bonus this book is available in both English and Spanish.
Latinitas is less than a month old and is out now, available here, and is best for kids 5-8.
Love Sugar Magic: A Mixture of Mischief
Houston-based Texas author Anna Meriano is starting out 2021 with a third in her Love Sugar Magic Series. The third book (A Mixture of Mischief) in the series has young bruja Leo Longroño still struggling with her young magical abilities. That is until her abuelito comes to town.
Trouble is being stirred up in the family business too. Will this young witch learn what it takes to finally fit in with her family and be a full-fledged bruja? Or, will there be more magic needed? Let your kids read it and tell you all about it.
Love Sugar Magic: A Mixture of Mischief is out now here and is best for kids ages 8-12
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Another first time Latina author is bringing what the School Library Journal is calling “sweet and sincere, Charlie Vega’s journey is a delight.” Crystal Maldonado is a social media manager by day and young adult author by night. Her first book Fat Chance, Charlie Vega, takes a look at Charlie Vega, a young woman who is intelligent, hilarious, artistic, brown and as the title implies, fat.
Maldonado explores the complicated mother-daughter relationship. This self described coming-of-age story is funny, sensitive, and full of chisme.
Fat Change, Charlie Vega is out now, available here and best for young adults over 14.