From a personal immigration story to the latest picture book from Sonia Sotomayor, these works for young people highlight the accomplishments and history of Latine people.

Young Readers

Héroes de la Esperanza by Margarita Engle. tr. from English by Alexis Romay & Inma. illus. by Juliet Menéndez. Holt/Godwin. ISBN 9781250339126. SP.
K-Gr 3–The indomitable poet follows her Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics with another compendium of influential Latine heroes. Beautiful in both text and artwork, this incredible title by a powerhouse team belongs on all nonfiction shelves.

Hopeful Heroes by Margarita Engle. illus. by Juliet Menéndez. Holt/Godwin. ISBN 9781250313942. 
Gr 4-8–A celebration of historical figures from across Latin America who inspire in their resilience and self-determination. The wide scope of this collection spans centuries and countries, from the intellectual achievements of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to the Olympic medals of Ramón Fonst Segundo as well as the artistic environmental activism of Nicolás García Uriburu. An uplifting collection of Latine heroes united by their tenacity, ideal for those in need of inspiration.

Alberto Salas juega a la paka paka con la papa: Únete a la búsqueda con el célebre científico y experto en papas peruano by Sara Andrea Fajardo. illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250905932. SP. 
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru’s Famed Scientist and Potato Expert by Sara Andrea Fajardo. illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal. Roaring Brook. ISBN 9781250838612
Gr 2-5–With keen eyes, Alberto Salas searches the Andean landscape, collecting and cataloging varieties of potato. Fajardo’s picture book biography capably foregrounds the science of plant collection and identification, specifically within the context of the planet’s changing landscape and climate. Thematic connections to environmentalism and sustainability in our changing modern world, told through a Latine lens, this is a highly recommended title for all nonfiction collections.

Cree: Las Tres Hermanas, una hermandad para el bien común. NoNieqa Ramos. tr. from English by Alberto Rojas Pinto. illus. by Nicole Medina. Lerner/Carolrhoda. ISBN 9798765685648. SP.
Gr 2-5–This Spanish-language edition of Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good not only celebrates the three sisters who helped revitalize the Bronx but also doubles as a love letter to the borough itself. A must for Spanish-language picture book biography shelves. This valuable addition will inspire Latine children to follow their dreams and appreciate their communities.

Bold, Brilliant and Latine: Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present. by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris. illus. by Sol Cotti. Quarto/Wide Eyed Eds. (See Yourself in Their Stories). ISBN 9780711294363. 
Gr 1-4–From the “See Yourself in Their Stories” series comes this collection of biographies that spotlights the complexities of Latine peoples, identities, and significance. This volume covers political activists, visual artists, athletes, musicians, and authors to focus on figures that reflect the past, present, and futures of the historiography of Latinidad. Recommended purchase for public and school library collections.

¡Solo brilla! Cómo ser la mejor versión de ti mismo by Sonia Sotomayor. tr. from English by Adriana Dominguez. illus. by Jacqueline Alcántara. Philomel.ISBN 9798217039395. SP.
PreS-Gr 2–Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, inspired by her mother’s life, encourages readers to live in a way that will brighten the lives of others in this moving translation of Just Shine! An inspirational picture book that encourages young readers to leave a bright path behind them, this title is an excellent addition to Spanish picture book collections.

Older Readers

Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War by Talia Aikens-Nuñez. Zest Bks. ISBN 9781728449623.
Gr 7 Up–Aikens-Nuñez shines a light on “a forgotten story in a forgotten war” about the most decorated regiments in the history of the U.S. military. The Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment was first established in 1899. An excellent choice for those interested in military or Puerto Rican history, this is also a great pick for U.S. history courses or research.

Borderlands and the Mexican American Story by David Dorado Romo. Crown. ISBN 9780593567753.
Gr 4-8–A comprehensive and revelatory volume on Mexican American history. Dorado Romo adeptly manages to fit in the vast and complex history of Mexican Americans, from their Indigenous roots to current-day issues, in this volume for middle graders. This fills in gaps and turns history on its head. An absolute must for nonfiction collections.

Christopher Columbus and the Taino People by Kate Messner & Jose Barreiro. illus. by Falynn Koch. Random. (History Smashers). ISBN 9780593564271.
Gr 3-7–Messner continues her “History Smashers” nonfiction series with this eighth installment about the infamous Christopher Columbus and his encounters with the Taínos, one of the Indigenous groups that lived in the Caribbean for thousands of years before 1492. Libraries will want to add where Nathan Hale’s “Hazardous Tales,” and the previous “History Smashers” are popular. This accessible curricular tie-in is perfect for history units.

Trayecto: Mi historia de migración by Luis Onofre Valencia. Norton. (I, Witness). tr. from English by Salvador Gómez-Colón. ISBN 9781324082613. SP.
Gr 3-7–This memoir will appeal to readers who seek a tale about finding strength in family when times get tough. Early chapters demonstrate how five-year-old Luis’ older siblings and cousins are making their way in Mexico while he waits his turn—until Mami’s and Papi’s business collapses and hard choices need to be made. Purchase this resonant and relevant work for all middle grade nonfiction, Spanish-language collections.

Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account by Ernesto Saade. illus. by author. Graphic Universe. ISBN 9798765623367.
Gr 7 Up–Saade poignantly presents a graphic memoir about his cousin’s tumultuous journey to the United States from El Salvador. Framed by a conversation that the adult cousins have while taking a long drive, Carlos’s migrant account is narrated to his graphic novelist cousin for the first time. This stirring work gives a face to the very real experiences of thousands who must make the same treacherous journey. Purchase both editions (English and Spanish) for graphic novel and memoir collections.

Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by Raymond Santana. illus. by Keith Henry Brown. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781662680397.
Gr 9 Up–A powerful illustrated memoir of one of the Central Park Five, who were exonerated in 2002. This touching, heartrending work will inspire young people to action. With so many curricular tie-ins and as a powerful choice for aspiring activists and artists, and striving readers, this is a must-purchase for all collections.