“We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.” ~National Hispanic Heritage Month/Library of Congress site
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th), I wanted to offer a bonus list of book recommendations particularly for youth!! Gotta make sure the kids get their list too!! You know Dr. G always has a special place for the youth!!
A phrase that always comes to mind and that will be forever ingrained is the notion that #RepresentationMatters!! Regardless of it is popular culture, school curriculums, hiring practices, and especially the materials that read, everyone should feel as though they can and are represented. As I have noted early on, reading has always been a powerful tool for change and great way to find peace and space/place to belong.
It is so necessary that Black and Brown children/youth are able to visually see their experiences drawn and written. Knowing that they can see themselves lets them know they have value within this world. What better way to do that than through a book!! Many of these stories, as well as others, pay tribute to the author’s cultural background, tell familial and community stories and also play a role in de-stigmatizing existing stereotypes and tropes. Additionally, this visual work can inspire, educate, and motivate the next generation!!
So here is a sample of great reads highlighting Afro/Hispanic/Latinx children to add to your literary collection/bookshelves:
- Eric Velasquez– “Octopus Stew” and “Grandma’s Records”
- Yesenia Moises-“Stella’s Stellar Hair”
- Angela Dominguez– “Stella Diaz has Something to Say”
- Margarita Engle– “Drum Dream Girl” and “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir”
- Charles G. Esperanza– “Boogie Boogie Y’all” and “Red, Yellow, Blue (and a Dash of White, Too!)”
Also, for more information about National Hispanic Heritage Month check out the following links:
- National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Celebration of Children’s and YA Latin American and Latinx Literature
- Hispanic Heritage Month-National Archives
- Hispanic Heritage Month-Why Start Mid-September?
~Dr. G
Black Future Feminist 