From picture book biographies to historical overviews and reference titles, this roundup spotlights informational texts centering Latinx heritage. Add these works to nonfiction displays from September 15 to October 15 (and every other month of the year).

Younger Readers

Call Me Roberto!: Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos by Nathalie Alonso. illus. by Rudy Gutierrez. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781635928112.
Gr 1-4–From his time as a young boy in Puerto Rico, playing ball with a tin can and a tree branch to a World Series–winning MVP, Roberto Clemente was an extraordinary baseball player. Recruited onto a Major League team at age 19, Clemente was drafted onto the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954. Despite his skill, however, as a Black man in the 1950s, he faced taunts from spectators and journalists, and prejudicial treatment in hotels and businesses, which separated him from his teammates during training sessions. Over the years, however, he was recognized with multiple awards and accolades. Words relating to the text are included in the mixed-media art, including the title words “Call me Roberto,” which was Clemente’s plea to not anglicize his name to “Bob,” as some wanted. VERDICT An appealing and beautifully illustrated biography, this book deserves a place on all library shelves.

Los cuentos de Pura Belpré by Annette Bay Pimentel. illus. by Magaly Morales. Vintage Español. tr. from English by Eva Ibarzábal. ISBN 9798890980366. SP 
Gr 1-4–As a child, Pura Belpré heard many entertaining songs and stories from her family about funny characters in comic situations in her native Puerto Rico. When she moved to New York in 1920 and started working at the library as the first Puerto Rican librarian, she never forgot these stories. During her story times, the families would laugh, and sing and cry, even though these were not stories found in any books there. While telling the stories, Belpré realized that none of the listeners looked like her, so she went and found them. Pimentel’s text is reverential and imbues her subject’s biography with warmth. The narrative is engaging and will draw in readers and researchers. Morales’s stylized illustrations portray not only scenes from Belpré’s life but also fanciful additions based on the librarian’s stories, including images from her most well-known retelling, Martina and the Cockroach. VERDICT A biographical text that teaches the importance of inclusion, heritage, and seeing yourself in the stories you read. A must for biography shelves.

Doña Fela’s Dream: The Story of Puerto Rico’s First Female Mayor by Monica Brown. illus. by Rosa Ibarra. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316178358.
Gr 2-5–Starting off with an image of La Perla neighborhood ravaged by a storm and then the community rushing up to Doña Fela’s doorsteps, this picture book introduces readers to Felisa Rincón de Gautier, or better known to Puerto Ricans as Doña Fela. The textual and visual narrative takes a step back to depict Doña Fela’s childhood, relationship with her siblings, and her affluent and patriarchal upbringing in her family’s plantation. Despite her father’s views that “women had no place in politics,” Rincón de Gautier immersed herself more into politics and leadership, ending up being the mayor of Puerto Rico’s capital city and becoming the first woman mayor in the archipelago. VERDICT Purchase where more picture book biographies about strong Latinx women are needed.

She Persisted: Dolores Huerta by Monica Brown & Chelsea Clinton. illus. by Alexandra Boiger & Gillian Flint. Philomel. ISBN 9780593623565.
Gr 1-4–This enlightening biography focuses on Dolores Huerta, who was born in 1930 in New Mexico. From a young age, Huerta exhibited a visionary spirit, recognizing the importance of helping others in her community. Despite being the only Mexican American in her college classes, she pursued her education and became a teacher, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to advocacy. Huerta’s career as a labor rights activist, union organizer, and women’s rights leader was marked by her commitment to improving the lives of farmworkers, Latinx people, and women. Her work was fraught with risk taking and danger. Despite facing significant gender- and ethnic-based discrimination, Huerta persisted. VERDICT An informative biography that highlights the importance of making difficult decisions and helping others, and an inspiring read for young audiences.

El Chavo: Emotions/Emociones. illus. by Citlali Reyes. Lil’ Libros. ISBN 9781962227063. BL
Toddler-PreS–Lil’ Libros offers another work that celebrates the work of Chespirito and his TV program, El chavo del ocho. Using two words per spread featuring a different character from the show, this board book introduces readers to eight different emotions. Finding a range from happy/contenta to excited/emocionado, in large text along with the colorful tribute to El chavo del ocho cast of characters, children will recognize that we all have emotions and will be inspired to mimic and share them. Though the names of the characters do not appear with their illustrations, adults familiar with the sitcom will be able to share that information with little ones. VERDICT A nostalgia-filled offering that will delight kids and their grown-ups.

Hispanic Star: Sylvia Rivera by Claudia Romo Edelman & J. Gia Loving. illus. by Cheyne Gallarde. Roaring Brook. (Hispanic Star). ISBN 9781250828163.
Gr 3-6–This entry of the “Hispanic Star” chapter book biography series covers Sylvia Rivera, a trans woman who fought for trans rights. The book addresses several historical events that Rivera participated in or was affected by, such as the Lavender Scare, which was the persecution of homosexual people during McCarthyism, and the social revolution of the 1960s, led by the Black Panthers, the Young Lords, and civil rights leaders. However, trans and queer people were rarely invited under the umbrella of these fights for human and basic rights. Gay liberation and Rivera’s instrumental involvement in the Stonewall uprising are covered as well, especially for her advocacy for trans people. VERDICT Purchase this foremost to round out collections with a much-needed historical exploration of trans rights, not as a biography.

Conoce a Zelia Nuttall by Edna Iturralde.  illus. by Israel Barrón. ISBN 9781543382273. 
Conoce a Jorge Luis Borges by Georgina Lázaro León.  illus. by Valeria Cis. ISBN 9781543382280. 
Conoce a Rubén Darío by Sergio Ramírez. illus. by Pablo De Bella. ISBN 9781669914419. 
ea vol: (Personajes del mundo hispánico). Vista High Learning. SP
Gr 1-5–This series highlights late 19th-century and early 20th-century key figures from Spanish-speaking countries. In Conoce a Zelia Nuttall, readers meet a young Zelia who is fascinated by a “Antigüedades de México” book she got from her Mexican mother. This sparks her curiosity, and inspired by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma Zocoyotzin, she embarks into a journey around the world as an archaeologist focusing in boosting Aztec life, work, and contributions to humanity. In Conoce a Jorge Luis Borges, the narrative alternates between a child Borges playing with his sister and imaginary friends to an older Borges sitting in his household chair during his last days. This book doesn’t provide much details for the famous Argentinian literary great but showcases a joyful childhood bringing to life the stories and adventures of the books he read as a child. In Conoce a Rubén Darío, an owl living in Darío’s childhood home, narrates the Nicaraguan poet’s upbringing and eventual migration to other countries to develop his career as a poet and influential literary figure who gave rise to the Modernism movement. The three titles are accompanied by illustrations that mirror and enhance the respective settings and individual imaginative minds and careers of important Latin American people. VERDICT These entries are recommended for elementary school libraries to enhance their Spanish-language biography collections.

Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People. ISBN 9780892394708.
Mercedes Sosa: La voz del pueblo. ISBN 9780892394951.
ea vol: by Aixa Pérez-Prado. illus. by author. Children's Book Pr.
Review to come

Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good by NoNieqa Ramos. illus. by Nicole Medina. Carolrhoda. ISBN 9781728460444.
Gr 2-5–A stirring, picture book biography about three Puerto Rican sisters who made a lasting impact on the Bronx because of their activism and pride for their community. Evelina López Antonetty, Lillian López, and Elba Cabrera were born in a poor fishing village in Puerto Rico during the Great Depression. They moved to New York City and went on to fight for the needs of Black and Brown children in their borough. The Sisters are heralded as Queens and Madrinas (godmothers) and Ramos’s pride and reverence exudes from out of every word. Medina’s vibrant digital illustrates the powerful presence that these hallmarks had—capturing the righteous anger that drove the sisters to help their people. VERDICT A wonderful choice for picture book biography shelves, especially where there’s a gap in women’s, Latinx, and activism history coverage.

Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa by Doreen Rappaport. illus. by Oliver Dominguez. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780759554948.
Gr 2-5–The latest entry in Rappaport’s “Big Words’’ series centers around Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space. Ochoa grew up in a home filled with music and a love for learning, a granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and a girl growing up in the 1960s. Inspired by her mother, she excelled in school and fell in love with physics. After rigorous training and studies, the accomplished flutist and electrical engineer went on to become the first Latina in space. The author offers a thorough accounting of the subject’s life. It doesn’t stop at Ochoa’s first visit to space; it also details the three flights that followed, her appointment as the first Latinx of the Johnson Space Center, and her mission to educate kids about STEM careers. The majestic art is done in gouache, ink, color pencil, and pastel. The paintings are reminiscent of Normal Rockwell’s work and have incredible detail. VERDICT An excellent picture book biography of a groundbreaking Latina that soars. Add to all nonfiction shelves.

The Life of/La vida de Selena (Special Edition) by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein. illus. by Citlali Reyes. Lil’ Libros. ISBN 9781948066969. BL
Baby-Toddler–The youngest readers will be introduced to the larger-than-life Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla in this commemorative edition of the bilingual English-Spanish board book originally published in 2018. Ten spreads provide information about the talented singer, with the verso featuring text in both English and Spanish and the recto including an accompanying illustration that corresponds with the text. Sentences are short, with the last word enlarged for emphasis; it’s also the main focus of each illustration. Young readers will learn where Quintanilla was born, the name of her tour bus, and some of her interests, such as music, fashion, and pizza. This board book is a great introduction to Quintanilla as well as a good choice for practicing English and Spanish together. It has spot gloss glitter, a larger trim size, and features a pink and purple palette. VERDICT A great addition to bilingual board book collections for children, especially where Lil’ Libros titles are popular.

Older Readers

Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States by Julio Anta. illus. by Yasmín Flores Montañez. Ten Speed. ISBN 9781984860910.
Gr 7 Up–Immigrants of Latinx descent and their families have left their mark on the United States from its earliest years to the present, from civil war heroes, activists, politicians, and judges to actors, singers, and sports personalities. This book is replete with biographical information about admired celebrities, such as the baseball star Roberto Clemente, and lesser-known personalities, such as the advocate for homeless queer youth and transgender rights, Sylvia Rivera. VERDICT An engaging journey through history celebrating the contributions of Latinx people who have made a difference.

Latino Literature: An Encyclopedia for Students. Bloomsbury. ed. by Soto van der Plas, Christina & Lacie Rae Buckwalter Cunningham. ISBN 9781440875915.
Gr 7 Up–It is a daunting task to offer a historical and political overview of the rich and complex history of Latinx literature in the United States, yet Soto van der Plas and Cunningham have attempted to do just that. They have collected a thorough group of essays introducing historical protagonists, their movements, and significance for Latinx literature. The editors claim that the book is not a traditional encyclopedia, but more of a compass, establishing the “main coordinates of what Latino literature has been historically and to trace the current trends within the field.” VERDICT This sprawling collection is an excellent post-primary introduction to the topic. It is simply organized yet contains a multiplicity of topics, artistic contributions, and historical accounts.

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. Coauthored by Taíno scholar Barreiro, this volume thoroughly bursts the bubble of any Columbus defenders who venerate the explorer for supposedly discovering the Americas. Peppered throughout with Koch’s comics-style panels and funny but educational asides, this highly visual package offers a layered and well-rounded presentation of the true nature of the “Age of Exploration” and the genocide of an entire group of people. VERDICT 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.

Borderlands and the Mexican American Story by David Dorado Romo. Crown. ISBN 9780593567760. 
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. VERDICT This fills in gaps and turns history on its head. An absolute must for nonfiction collections.

The Schlager Anthology of Hispanic America: A Student’s Guide to Essential Primary Sources. Schlager. ed. by Aaron E. Sánchez. ISBN 9781935306849.
Gr 8 Up–An excellent resource for U.S. history and Latinx studies and research. This anthology of primary sources presents a treasure trove of documents that can be used in a class setting. The 12 chapters cover Hispanic American history from pre-contact to the present day, in mostly chronological order. They are short form works, such as speeches, poems, diary entries, and reproductions of photos and paintings, all meant to provide accessible points of entry for high school or undergrad students. Frank discussion on the use of the term Hispanic American instead of Latino/a/x is included in the introduction, as well as the complexity of studying a culture that transcends national, language, and racial boundaries. VERDICT A comprehensive overview of Latinx history that was tailor-made for educators and students.

Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of “Latino” by Héctor Tobar. MCD. ISBN 9780374609900.
Tobar’s (The Last Great Road Bum) meditation on what it means to be Latinx—a term the author deems as imprecise as it is transitory—in America is a rousing, brilliantly written book that defies genre. It is at times a memoir, at others a plea for mainstream America to recognize the essential roles that immigrants and the families of immigrants play in the infrastructure of American life, and at others a deeply researched and erudite exploration of American history through the lens of what it means to be an immigrant in this country. VERDICT Purchase for all American history, biography, and ethnic studies collections.

Professional Reading

Islas lectoras: bibliografía de literatura infantil puertorriqueña (2000-2020). by Sujei Lugo Vázquez, Jeanmary Lugo González, Isamar Abreu Gómez, & Emily Aguiló-Pérez. Editorial Destellos. ISBN 9781737275787. SP.
A Spanish-language reference title compiling many pieces of Puerto Rican literature for youth ages 0–12 that were published between 2000–2020. Included are picture books, board books, early readers, novels, comics, audiobooks, and coloring books by Puerto Rican authors writing in the country or abroad. The authors note that not all titles are of literary quality but are included to represent actual offerings available to children. A time line of important events that have impacted Puerto Rico and its literature is included, and the informative introduction provides details on the goal of the text as well as the importance of Puerto Rico’s culture, history, and people in the understanding of the country’s literature for youth. VERDICT An excellent Spanish-language reference title focusing on Puerto Rican works for children, this would be a great resource for educators, librarians, and readers studying Puerto Rican youth literature.