From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate the enriching and inspiring heritages of people whose ancestors come from Central and South America, Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Coinciding with the independence days for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua, there is much to celebrate and learn with children all throughout the month.
A cornerstone of Tandem’s work is the enduring idea that books should reflect children’s lived experiences and introduce them to the lived experiences of others. Whether you are deepening your child’s Hispanic heritage and identity or introducing them to these rich cultures, there are many books that can help promote engaging conversations. The titles in this book list highlight Latine characters in a variety of settings, introducing children to different aspects of the Latine experience. For some children, these books will be mirrors that reflect their backgrounds and experiences; for others, these books will be windows that open up opportunities to learn about friends and neighbors in their community.
When children are able to share their own experiences and learn about the experiences of others, especially those who represent cultures and communities different from their own, it helps them develop empathy, compassion, and the capacity for inclusion—thereby laying the foundation for an equitable society.
The Women Before Us: Weaving Stories in My Huipil
Written by: Nydia Armendia-Sanchez
Illustrated by: Dana Sanmar
In a Guatemalan village, a young girl learns to weave huipiles, a traditional tunicor blouse, alongside her mamá, tía, and abuela. Using a familyloom passed down through generations, each woman weaves her own spirit into her designs, from butterflies to starbursts, while thegirl adds a special touch of her own. A celebration of
Maya heritage, family, creativity, and the threads that connect generations.
Available in Spanish Nuestras ancestras: Tejiendo historias en mi huipil
Age level: 4 – 8 years
Talking Tip: After reading The Women Before Us: Weaving Stories in My Huipil, ask your child what design they would weave onto their own huipil and why. Then draw your design, or download the huipil template below!
The Plant Rescuer
Written and Illustrated by Matthew Rivera
Manny is excited to care for his very first plant, just like his dad, a talented gardener. But when his new plant starts drooping, Manny learns that taking care of plants takes patience, love, and a visit to the library.
Title available in Spanish as El Rescatador de Plantas
Age level: 3 – 5 years
Talking Tip: Manny learns that caring for something new takes patience, love, and sometimes a little help from others. Ask your child: “What’s something you take care of? Who helps you when you’re not sure what to do?”
Rhea’s Rodeo
Written by Leakan Zea Kemp
Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa
Rhea loves rodeo day and especially loves winning! Rhea competes in Escaramuza Charra, the traditional Mexican women’s rodeo, with her horse Galleta by her side. When her team loses, she learns from her grandmother that doing your best matters more than winning.
Includes a Spanish glossary, pronunciation guide, costume details, and history of Escaramuza.
Age level: 3 – 8 years
Talking Tip: Rhea’s family has passed down their rodeo tradition, Escaramuza, for generations. Share a family tradition you love with your child, then ask them to share a favorite of their own. Rhea feels disappointed when her team loses, but learns that doing her best matters most. Ask your child: “Can you think of a time you felt disappointed about something? What helped you feel better?”
Cesaria Feels the Beat
Written by Denise Rosario Adusei
Illustrated by Priscilla Soares
Cesaria can’t hear, but she feels rhythm through her feet. When her teacher and classmates don’t understand why she won’t wear shoes for their Carnaval peacock performance, Cesaria stays true to herself and helps her classmates feel the beat too. A story about deafness, self-acceptance, and feeling seen.
Age level: 3 – 6 years
Talking Tip: Cesaria feels music through her feet instead of hearing it with her ears. Everybody experiences the world a little differently. What’s something you notice with your senses that others might not?
Ways Papi Says I Love You
Written by Delia Ruiz
Illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera
Maricruz is excited for her ride with Papi, sombrero on, and grocery list in hand. Every moment, from clicking her cinturón to gathering a handful of wildflowers to waving at neighbors, turns out to be Papi’s special way of saying “I love you,” without ever saying the words. A story about a father and daughter, and the many ways love can be shown without saying a word.
Available in Spanish as Las maneras en que papi dice te quiero.
Age level: 3 – 8 years
Talking Tip: Papi shows Maricruz he loves her through actions, not just words. What are some ways your family shows love without saying “I love you”? What are ways you show love to your family or friends?
Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting Book
Written by Katie Venit
Illustrated by Kenard Pak
A little girl’s whole family gathers for their Sunday menudo tradition, counting from 1 to 15 in Spanish and English, from the cozy casita to grinning abuelitos. But when playtime gets too wild, Abuelito’s clay soup pot breaks, spilling the menudo. Can the family come together and count their way to fixing it… or is Menudo Sunday ruined?
Includes a Spanish glossary and tips to host your own Menudo Sunday.
Age level: 3 – 7 years
Talking Tip: In the story, the little girl’s big family, from grandparents to aunts, uncles, and cousins, gather every Sunday for a special tradition. Ask your child: “What would our own Sunday tradition look like? Who’s in our family? Is there anyone outside our family you’d want to invite? What would you want to eat together?”.
Abuelo, the Sea, and Me
Written by Ismée Williams
Illustrated by Tatiana Gardel
A young girl visits her Abuelo, and together they explore the beach through the seasons: wading in the water in summer, watching the still ocean in fall, bundling up in winter, and picnicking and splashing in the ice cold water in spring. Along the way, Abuelo shares memories of the childhood he left behind in Havana, Cuba. While there is sadness in his stories, there is also joy as he spends time with his granddaughter.
Age level: 3 – 8 years
Talking Tip: Stories passed down from grandparents and elders help children feel connected to their family history and culture, while also building listening skills, vocabulary, and memory. Ask your child to invite a grandparent or elder to share a favorite memory from when they were young.
Read aloud video by author Ismée Williams.
BONUS: “Interview” your grandparents: handout.
The Interpreter
Written by Olivia Abtani
Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Cecilia has two jobs…being a kid, and interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents everywhere they go. From the DMV, to the doctor’s office, to a paper she handles it all, but with no time left for soccer with her friends, something has to give. What happens when a busy kid interpreter finally breaks and admits it’s too much?
Available in Spanish as La interprete
Age level: 4 – 8 years
Talking Tip: Cecilia is happy to help her family, but she also needs help sometimes. Talk with your child about being a helper, and about knowing when to ask for help yourself. Ask, “What’s something you like helping with? Is it okay to ask for help even when you’re good at something?”.
If you and your family speak more than one language, talk with your child about how speaking your home language can help, or what they like about speaking another language.
A House in My Barrio
Written by Paola Santos
Illustrated by Olivia Sua
Mamá Elena’s home is the heart of the neighborhood, a place full of warmth, stories, and “Love Food” for everyone who visits, including young Manuel. When a fall leaves Mamá Elena injured and resting in bed, Manuel rallies the neighbors to return the same care she’s always given them.
Age level: 4 – 7 years
Talking Tip: Mamá Elena’s neighborhood is a “community of care” — people who look out for each other, where kindness goes both ways. Share this idea with your child, then ask: “Who’s in our community of care? What’s one kind thing we could do to help a neighbor or friend?”
Tandem Book Selection Committee
Tandem’s Book Selection Committee is a group of Tandem staff and board members who regularly meet to discuss, source, and vet children’s book titles for our book collection. Central to this committee’s mission is sourcing high quality, multicultural, multilingual books that validate a child’s self-worth and broadens their understanding of the world, and offer engaging, inclusive, age-appropriate content that sparks conversations and evokes emotion.
