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You are here: Home / Favorite Books / 10+ Picture Books for Hispanic Heritage Month in Chinese, English, Spanish

10+ Picture Books for Hispanic Heritage Month in Chinese, English, Spanish

By Betty
September 14, 2020

14 Sep
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English and Chinese books with Hispanic protagonists

In our home library, we are gradually adding more English and Chinese children’s books about Hispanic and Latino heritage. Although my children are Asian-American, we believe that reading stories with characters of all backgrounds is essential. Reading stories by Hispanic and Latino authors helps us develop empathy for their experiences which may or may not be similar to ours.

These picture books that celebrate Hispanic and Latino protagonists are geared for ages 3-8 years. However, as a parent, I enjoy reading many of these books for myself!

Listening to Luka Robot read books about Hispanic heritage

This post may have some affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission which supports my blog and free printables at no additional cost to you. Please see the disclosure policy for details.

Since few Chinese books feature Hispanic protagonists, we are reading many of these stories in English. We are not currently reading other languages but will include Spanish versions of these books in this list if available!

English and Chinese books with Hispanic protagonists

I’ll share the books we’ve read so far, and we’d love to hear your recommendations, too! A few of these are compatible with Luka Reading Robot which narrates stories in fluent Mandarin.

I hope the photos and ISBN information can help you find these books in your library or favorite bookstore!

Chinese and English books that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage

Other books the celebrate diversity:

  • People by Peter Spier – Book Review and 人 Chinese Character Learning
  • 25 Important Children’s Books About Black History in Chinese and English
  • Chinese Books with Asian Protagonists
妈妈的红沙发 / 媽媽的紅沙發 A Chair for my Mother

1. 妈妈的红沙发 / 媽媽的紅沙發 A Chair for my Mother

After a fire destroys Rosa’s home and possessions, the little girl, her mother, and grandmother save their coins until they can afford to buy a large, comfortable chair for the 3 of them to share.

Love, love, love this story of overcoming hardship and teaching the value of saving money. Highly recommend 妈妈的红沙发 / 媽媽的紅沙發 A Chair for my Mother.

  • Where to buy:
    • Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787543464568
      • JoJo Learning
      • China Sprout
    • Traditional Chinese / ISBN: 9578872542
      • Books.com.tw
      • China Sprout
    • English / ISBN: 9780688040741
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780688132002
      • Amazon
  • Audio narration: Luka Robot and Ximalaya
最重要的事 A Day's Work

2. 最重要的事 A Day’s Work

This beautiful, serious story about a little boy and his grandfather captured my son’s attention. Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, tries to help his grandfather find work in California. Abuelo (grandfather) cannot speak English, so Francisco lies in desperation and gets his grandfather a gardening job.

The story emphasizes honesty and integrity; Abuelo teaches Francisco that we cannot lie for work and shows him how to rectify mistakes.

  • Where to buy:
    • Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787543480193
      • China Sprout
    • Traditional Chinese / ISBN: 9789867460486
      • Books.com.tw
    • English / ISBN: 9780395845189
      • Amazon
  • Audio narration: Luka Robot

3. Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo was a famous Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and cultural art.

The following books about Frida Kahlo have been translated to Chinese.

永远的弗里达 Viva Frida

(A) 永远的弗里达 Viva Frida

This is a gorgeously illustrated book, but beware that the bilingual text is sparse with short poetic phrases such as, “I dream” and “I understand.”

If you’re looking for details about Frida Kahlo’s life, this is not the best option. However, the last page of the book has a short summary.

  • Where to buy:
    • Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787550283343
      • China Sprout
    • English / ISBN: 9781596436039
      • Amazon
  • Audio narration: Ximalaya
小弗里达 Little Frida: A Story of Frida Kahlo

(B) 小弗里达 Little Frida: A Story of Frida Kahlo

This is our preferred picture book about Frida Kahlo because of the realistic illustrations and her inspiring story of overcoming illness and discovering art.

  • Where to buy:
    • Simplified Chinese / ISBN: 9787559616357
      • China Sprout
    • Traditional Chinese
      • China Sprout
    • English / ISBN: 9781536209334
      • Amazon
弗里达·卡罗 Frida Kahlo (Little People, Big Dreams)

(C) 弗里达·卡罗 Frida Kahlo (Little People, Big Dreams)

This popular series gives an overview of Frida Kahlo’s life struggles and triumphs. For our family, the abstract illustrations were not our favorite as we prefer realistic representations, especially of minorities.

Of note, one page featured Frida Kahlo laying in a pool of blood, which some families may not be comfortable with sharing.

  • Where to buy:
    • Simplified Chinese
      • China Sprout
    • English / ISBN: 9781847807830
      • Amazon
  • Audio narration: Ximalaya

Related: 15 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read

English and Spanish books that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage

Mango, Abuela, and Me - Children's book about Hispanic Heritage

1. Mango, Abuela, and Me

I really love this story about a little girl who is learning to connect with her Abuela (grandmother). Abuela moves in with the family, but she mainly speaks Spanish, a language that the child doesn’t know at first.

Over time, they exchange words in Spanish and English and bond while they learn from each other. This is such a relatable story and brings me fond memories of trying to communicate with my grandmother who spoke Changsha dialect.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780763695132
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780763680992
      • Amazon

2. Just Ask

Written by Justice Sonya Sotomayor, this wonderful book is inclusive of children with various medical conditions and ethnicities. The author is the first characters in the story, and she shares that she often felt out of place when giving insulin injections for her Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

She then introduces other children, such as Vijay who is deaf, but he loves to read and write. A child with food allergies is also featured, which I appreciate since my son is allergic to several foods.

Each spotlight concludes with a question, “Do you?” asking the reader to consider whether he or she can relate to the character.

This is my daughter’s current favorite story, and she loved learning about the strengths of each child. Highly recommend this fantastic book that would be a great resource for preventing bullying.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780525514121
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780525515500
      • Amazon

3. Separate is never equal

This history-based story draws attention to the 1947 California ruling against public-school segregation.

Sylvia Mendez was a young child when she experienced overt racism and discrimination from her school based on her skin color and race. Told by the school administration to “go to the Mexican school”, her parents work hard for justice so that children like Sylvia Mendez can go to any school.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9781419710544
      • Amazon
The Day You Begin - Children's picture book about diversity and inclusion in school

4. The Day You Begin

This is a gentle, much-needed book to empower children with challenges that they or others may face at school. “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin to share your stories.”

Gorgeous, gorgeous illustrations. Highly recommend!

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780399246531
      • Amazon

Related: 20+ Chinese Books for Children About Going to School!

Dreamers - Children's picture book about Hispanic Heritage

5. Dreamers / Soñadores

This is a personal story of author Yuyi Morales’ experience with immigrating to the United States. Though initially apprehensive of the new culture, she finds comfort, freedom, and hope in books.

Very relevant story for any immigrant family.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780823440559
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780823442584
      • Amazon

6. My Papi has a motorcycle

Daisy Ramona explores the town with her papi (father) on his motorcycle. During the ride she learns about her family and culture, such as the murals murals that reveal the history of immigrants working on citrus groves.

I chose this book because my son loves books with vehicles, and this was a relatable way for him to learn about a story featuring a girl.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780525553410
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780525554943
      • Amazon

7. Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Sofi is a brave little girl who works leads her community to collaborate and create a park. By overcoming bureaucratic challenges, she becomes a role model for little girls to see that their voice is important.

This award-winning fictional story was written by the author of the Questioneers series: Iggy Peck, Architect; Rosie Revere, Engineer; and Ada Twist, Scientist.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9781419737046
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9781644731079
      • Amazon

8. Island Born

A story begins with a teacher asking Lola and her classmates to share about where they immigrated from. Note that this can be a triggering questions for children who have may have been separated from birth parents and/or their home. For Lola, she cannot remember the Dominican Republic because she left as a baby.

Through her family, she learns about her heritage and also that it’s always a part of her, even though she can’t remember.

  • Where to buy:
    • English / ISBN: 9780735229860
      • Amazon
    • Spanish / ISBN: 9780525552819
      • Amazon
English and Chinese books that celebrate Hispanic heritage

What are your favorite children’s books about Hispanic and Latino heritage?

What other books Hispanic and Latino heritage do you recommend?

If you end up getting these books, please share in the comments below!

We’d love to hear about your learning experience and if you agree or disagree with our review!

On Instagram and Facebook, tag a photo @chalkacademy and @chinesekidlit and use the hashtag #ChalkAcademy so our family can check it out!

FREE CHINESE AUDIOBOOKS

Many websites and apps offer FREE multilingual books for kids!

Ximalaya FM is our favorite, and I highly recommend their free Chinese audiobooks for all kids!

Since the entire website and app is in Chinese, please refer to this guide on How to Use Ximalaya if you cannot read Chinese.

Happy reading, friends!

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About Betty

I'm a Chinese-American mom who is having fun teaching my children Mandarin Chinese while re-learning the language myself. I love coming up with creative, hands-on, and educational activities, and I hope these ideas help your children have fun learning Chinese!

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Dr. Betty Choi CHALK Academy - 2

Hi! I’m Betty, a Chinese-American mom, believer, pediatrician, and writer.  I’m having fun learning Chinese with my children, and I love sharing multilingual resources and teaching tips!  I hope these ideas can help your family or school! Read More…

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