By Courtney Warren
We can’t read in an echo chamber. There is nothing wrong with reading things we adore, but there are so many worlds to explore through the beauty of books. By reading authors that don’t look like us, we can do as Atticus Finch recommends, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb inside of his skin and walk aroundin it.”
With it being Hispanic Heritage Month, I’d love to talk about books written by Hispanic authors.
According to the National Museum of the American Latino, Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important, because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.
Picture book: Pepe and the Parade by Tracey Kyle
This is such a fun way to introduce young readers to the Spanish-speaking community! The story follows Pepe as he attends the Hispanic Day Parade. Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan and Cuban cultures are all represented in the parade.
Middle Grade: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears
This one is so much fun and is in my middle school library! It’s perfect for the spooky season because it tells the story of La Llorona, the weeping woman. Space-obsessed twelve-year-old Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule: Stay away from the river. When Paola wants to go test a new telescope and hears something in the reeds, her stargazing evening turns into something she didn’t expect at all.
Beats of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo
This one is on my list! First, the cover is stunning, and, second, the premise sounds so so good. According to the publisher, this sweeping historical fantasy set in a lush, Puerto Rico-inspired world, uses magical realism to combine Caribbean carnival culture and the mythology of the Taino - the Indigenous people of the region - in a gripping exploration of community, reclamation, and healing in defiance of a violent past.
Comment
Comments