5 Latino children’s books you should know

Even though Latinos are the largest U.S. minority group and are predicted to eventually become the majority, school curriculums have been slow to keep up with the nation’s changing demographics. Required reading lists contain few titles by Hispanic authors or with Hispanic characters, despite a thriving Latino children’s and young adult books movement.

As book editor Adriana Dominguez points out, “We live in one of the most diverse societies in the world and our children’s literature has to reflect the world they live in.» So that parents can supplement their children’s required reading lists, we are proud to share this round-up of five top Latino children’s books that should be required — and desired — reading for any child or parent who is interested in books that celebrate and reflect a multitude of cultures.

1. Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant’s Tale

For some young readers, this is a simple tale of a rabbit’s bravery, while others will read into it the truth of migrants who search for work away from their homes, and how their families worry about them while they are gone.

2. How Far Do You Love Me?

In this short picture book, the question becomes a loving game played between mother and child, as both conjure up far off places on a journey across all seven continents in a testament to how far one’s love can reach.

3. A Mango in Hand: A Story Told Through Proverbs

A wonderful story about sharing and generosity that will teach children a valuable lesson. It is nicely complemented by Serra’s delightful illustrations, which help readers envision what a typical Cuban village may look like through the use of colorful scenes of houses, parks, and Francisco’s home.

4. Gaby, Lost and Found

With immigration reform front and center of the national discourse, this is a great book to spark discussions and take on the issue of children born and raised in the United States and living with the risk of losing one, or both, parents.

5. Under the Mambo Moon

This is the story of a young girl named Marisol who helps her dad at his music store. After each person in the store has selected a particular type of music, the following two pages provide a color illustration of people doing the dance along with a one-page narrative.