Margarita Engle’s collection of poetry heralds Latinx heroes and Juana Martinez-Neal’s latest celebrates a Peruvian scientist. A sprinkling of self-help titles round out the list.

Engle, Margarita. Héroes de la esperanza. tr. from English by Alexis Romay & Inma Serrano. illus. by Juliet ­Menéndez. 48p. Holt/Godwin. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250339126.
K-Gr 3–The indomitable poet follows her Bravo!: Poems About Amazing Hispanics with another compendium of influential Latinx heroes. The subjects are organized chronologically. From Anacanoa, the Taíno female chief, to Marina Núñez del Prado, the Bolivian sculptor, and Julio Garavito Armero, a Colombian astronomer to Rigoberta Menchú Tum, the first indigenous recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, the inspiring figures have made an impact on history, culture, and the sciences. Engle’s stirring free verse and Menéndez’s striking hand-painted illustrations combine to create an unforgettable narrative. The stylized images are done in a palette of yellow, red, turquoise, and white and black, making every spread captivating for young readers. VERDICT Beautiful in both text and artwork, this incredible title by a powerhouse team belongs on all nonfiction shelves.–Shelley Diaz

Fajardo, Sara Andrea. Alberto Salas juega a la paka paka con la papa: Únete a la búsqueda con el célebre científico y experto en papas peruano. ISBN 9781250905932. 
––––. Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru’s Famed Scientist and Potato Expert. ISBN 9781250838612. 
ea vol: illus. by Juana Martinez-Neal. 40p. Roaring Brook. Mar. 2025. Tr. $19.99. 
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. In both editions, the titular phrase appears alongside additional Quechuan vocabulary, honoring the Indigenous inhabitants of Peru, while accenting the lyrical text with bursts of rhythm ideal for reading aloud. Martinez-Neal’s distinctive style is textured by a variety of mediums, including paper collage, pastels, and acrylics, among others. Perspective shifts capture peeks of the Peruvian landscape, while close-ups allow for a peek at Salas’s handiwork using a pickaxe to loosen soil or delicately pressing plant samples onto paper. VERDICT Thematic connections to environmentalism and sustainability in our changing modern world, told through a Latinx lens, this is a highly recommended title for all nonfiction collections.–Jessica Agudelo

HaraŠtovÁ, Helena. Así soy yo. tr. from English. illus. by Ana Kober. 48p. Albatros. Aug. 2025. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9788000074573. 
Gr 1-3–This unique nonfiction picture book takes a wonderful approach to discussing different characteristics and personalities people may have, and how emotional responses to situations are shaped by their experiences. Differences between characteristics, skills, and emotions are defined, and spreads are dedicated to different facets of personality such as being impulsive, empathetic, and timid. Several examples for each are given, along with what distinguishes them and some benefits and downsides of having them. In one spread, Manuela is shown as often daydreaming and not really paying attention due to having a great imagination. While this may result in lack of focus at times, it can also lead to creation, such as the inventions Manuela’s father creates. The Spanish text is clear and comforting, explaining behaviors well and offering supporting words and encouragement to readers who may want to overcome certain characteristics such as timidity, as well as offering advice that helps readers become more understanding. ­VERDICT A wonderful way to discuss behavior and personality traits with younger readers, this informative Spanish title is an excellent addition to school and public libraries.–Selenia Paz

Mansour, Vivian. Códice peregrino. ISBN 9781646145256. 
––––. Pilgrim Codex. ISBN 9781646145157. 
ea vol: illus. by Emmanuel Valtierra. 48p. Levine Querido. Feb. 2025. Tr. $18.99. 
Gr 3-8–An unnamed boy narrates his family’s journey from Mexico to the “other side” in this uniquely rendered immigration tale. The Vargas Ramírez family begins as a group of seven but are soon joined by neighbors also yearning for a better life in the United States. The countless perils—snakes, dehydration, the freezing cold Rio Bravo at night, and cruel coyotes—are compelling and described with empathic candor. Mansour’s evocative, image-rich language is expertly translated in the English edition, and echoes the cadence of a timeless folk story. The illustrations, created in the style of Mesoamerican codices, are colorful and ripe with symbolism and iconography, like the Virgin de Guadalupe and Uncle Sam. Despite the known challenges, the narrator ends on a hopeful note: “It won’t be easy...But my eyes thirst for tomorrows.” ­VERDICT Readers of varying ages will find countless opportunities for engagement with these thematically multilayered and stunning works. Highly recommended for picture book collections.–Jessica Agudelo

Ramos, NoNieqa. Cree: Las Tres Hermanas, una hermandad para el bien común. tr. from English by Alberto Rojas Pinto. ­illus. by Nicole Medina. 40p. Lerner/Carolrhoda. Aug. 2025. pap. $10.99. ISBN 9798765685648.
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. Evelina López Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera were born in poverty in Puerto Rico during the Great Depression and moved to the U.S. when they were girls. In the States, the three fought grassroot battles for Brown and Black people and the need for education, literacy, and access, including being some of the founders of Hostos Community College. Ramos’s expressive text often takes on a question-and-answer feel, keeping readers engaged while they introduce these icons in Puerto Rican and Bronx history. Medina’s bright and colorful illustrations reflect the vibrant energy of the three sisters, often called tías (aunties) and madrinas (godmothers). ­VERDICT A must for Spanish-language picture book biography shelves. This valuable addition will inspire Latinx children to follow their dreams and appreciate their ­communities.–Shelley Diaz

Romero, Soledad & Luciano Lozano. El libro de magia de una joven bruja. illus. by Luciano Lozano. 76p. Editorial ­Flamboyant. Mar. 2025. Tr $20.45. ISBN 9788410090491. 
Gr 3-6–What makes black cats special? How can you make dreams come true? Romero and Lozano team up to create a colorful and vibrant Spanish-language guide that takes young readers on a magical trip to discover what witchcraft is all about. Brujas are demystified, and witch rituals are explained to reveal their true power. Spells, potion recipes, and lists of tools used to develop cleansing routines that heal not harm introduce new vocabulary. Romero’s text and Lozano’s illustrations will charm young explorers to seek ways to live more harmoniously. Dedicated to helping elementary readers who are proficient in Spanish, or those immersing themselves in this language, this book helps curious children tap into their inner strengths and learn more about self-care. Opportunities to engage in research about the universe can also encourage learners to create their own experiments and note what makes these useful to sustain the natural world and themselves. The aspiring brujas present diverse skin tones and hair textures. ­VERDICT A good choice for ­Spanish-language children’s nonfiction collections where there is a demand for astrology, self-help, and metaphysical titles.–Sharon ­Sherman

Yang, Kao Kalia. La roca en mi garganta. illus. by Jiemei Lin. 40p. Lerner/Carolrhoda. Jan. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798765670965.
Gr 1-3–Yang shares her childhood, when she stopped speaking at school, in this moving Spanish-language picture book. At home, she can speak freely in Hmong with her family. But at school, where she works hard and makes sure to pay attention, she has stopped speaking completely. Yang and her family are learning to speak English, and the experiences she has had with people who are rude and impatient when her family cannot communicate perfectly in English, have left her with a heavy sadness. She compares the feeling to a rock in her throat that leads her to stop speaking English altogether. A kind substitute notices and speaks to her family. The author poignantly presents a child’s process of learning, not being able to communicate very well with peers, and the painful rudeness kids experience even when they are trying. The lovely, sometimes muted digital artwork pairs perfectly with the poetic text, sharing the world from the child’s point of view as she focuses on the beauty of her surroundings, tries to drown out the outside, and enjoys loving moments with her family. ­VERDICT Breathtaking and beautiful, this resonant Spanish-language book about the author’s experience with English as a child is a must-have for collections everywhere.–Selenia Paz