Reading Latinx Books Year-Round
Though Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close, it should not be the only time of year Latinx heritage is recognized and celebrated. To properly appreciate the culture and heritage, make an effort to support Latinx authors all year-round. Here is a list of books that tell the stories of Latinx characters from a range of different genres that you can read throughout the year.
“The Poet X” – Elizabeth Acevedo
Xiomara Batista, is a young Afro-Latina growing up in Harlem. She feels stifled by the expectations of her catholic mother as she navigates the growing pains of being a teenager. But when a teacher introduces her to slam poetry, she finds a creative outlet for the words she’s been dying to share. The novel is uniquely written in prose and was the first prose novel I’ve ever read.
“The Sunbearer Trials” – Aiden Thomas
Based on Mexican folklore, “The Sunbearer Trials” tells the story of Teo, the 17 year old transgender son of the goddess Quetzal. He is unexpectedly thrown into the titular Sunbearer Trials, in which every decade, ten half-gods like himself compete for the honor of being the Sunbearer.
This is the first book in a completed young adult fantasy duology, with the second book being entitled “Celestial Monsters”. This duology was one of my favorite reads of 2025 so far and I can’t wait to dive into more of Aiden Thomas’ books.
“A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow” – Laura Taylor Namey
After the death of her grandmother and the series of unfortunate events that followed, Lila Reyes’ life seems to be falling apart. With her family worried for her mental health, the young baker is sent to spend the summer in England to clear her head. This sweet coming-of-age romance is a quick read and perfect for a cozy day.
“The House on Mango Street” – Sandra Cisneros
A series of vignettes tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a young woman growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago. This book focuses heavily on the theme of coming of age as a Latina.
“What the River Knows” – Isabel Ibanez
Inez Olivera, the 18 year old daughter of Egyptologists, lives a simple life in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the late 19th century. She longs to join her parents on their expeditions, but is rocked by their sudden deaths. Determined to find answers, Inez makes the long journey to join her tio, Ricardo, in Cairo, where she hopes to learn the truth of her parents’ death.
Told through the dual point of view of Inez and her uncle’s assistant, Whit, “What the River Knows” is the first in a duology. It immerses you in the city of Cairo under British rule and the age of tomb exploration. This young adult fantasy will have you gripped from beginning to end.
“Esperanza Rising” – Pãm Muñoz Ryan
Twelve year old Esperanza Ortega is the only daughter of two wealthy ranchers living in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Her life is uprooted by the murder of her father, forcing her mother and former servants to flee to Southern California. Set in the era of the Great Depression, Esperanza and her mother start their new life working on a farm camp.
Though this historical fiction chapter book was written as a children’s novel, the story is inspired by the life of Ryan’s own grandmother.
Currently, there has been a conversation about banning this book in Texas and North Carolina due to its subject matter of immigration and racism, making it more important than ever to continue to support this book.
