New Hispanic Books to Share with Young Kids

I'm always on the lookout for new stories to read with my boys, especially books in Spanish or that are bilingual. This year seems to be a great one when it comes to Hispanic characters, authors and diversity in general. Here are some of our favorites so far this year.

Mango, Abuela, and Me: Leaving behind her parrots and sunny house, Mia's abuela joins her family in the city, where Mia soon realizes that communicating with her grandmother won't be easy due to their language barrier. With practice between Abuela, Mia and Mango (the parrot), Abuela is quickly reading with Mia and Mia's español is greatly improved.

Mango, Abuela, and Me is also available in Spanish.

Finding the Music: When Reyna accidentally damages her abuelito's vihuela, she's determined to get the guitar-like instrument fixed. Along the way, she'll find herself closer to her abuelito, her community and the Mariachi music her abuelito loved so much. This book is completely bilingual!

Funny Bones: We have all seen the drawings of calaveras (skeletons) especially around el Día de los Muertos, but do you know who is behind them? Find out the story behind their creator, Mexican artist José (Lupe) Posada. For more Day of the Dead fun, make sure to read Día de los Muertos.

One of our favorite books is Niño Wrestles the World, so it's no surprise that we enjoyed the new bilingual counting book featuring Nikko, who has turned his bed into a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) ring. Help The great and mighty Nikko count the luchadores (wrestlers) as one by one they jump in the "ring."

Growing up Pedro: Follow Pedro Martínez from his childhood in the Dominican Republic through his eight All-star pitching career in the major leagues, including his dream of playing next to his big brother, Ramón.

Growing Up Pedro is also available in Spanish.

Get to know Sofia, the youngest of three girls in the Martinez family, in My Family Adventure, part of the Sofia Martinez series. You'll also meet her primos (cousins) and abuela as she jumps from one adventure to the next with her close-knit familia.