Exploring Hispanic Roots: Must-Read Middle-Grade Books for Kids

Esperanza Rising

written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Munoz Ryan follows the life of Esperanza, the privileged daughter of a wealthy Mexican ranch owner. The story begins when she’s six years old and then quickly transitions to her life at age 13 when tragedy strikes, forcing her to adapt to difficult circumstances. The novel traces Esperanza’s transformation from a privileged young lady to a socially conscious individual in America. The book is beautifully written, taking readers on an emotional journey through Esperanza’s life, eliciting tears and providing insights into culture, family, and social issues like immigration and migrant farming. It’s a captivating read that keeps you eager to know what happens next, making it a must-read.

Merci Suarez Changes Gears

written by Meg Medina

Merci Suárez Changes Gears” by Meg Medina delves into the life of Merci Suárez, a sixth-grader facing significant changes. Despite her strength and thoughtfulness, Merci feels like an outsider at her private school in Florida as a scholarship student, along with her older brother. They lack the luxuries that some of their peers have and must complete extra community service for their tuition. When a bossy girl named Edna sets her sights on Merci’s school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna’s jealousy. At home, things are also troubled as Merci’s beloved grandfather, Lolo, starts acting strangely, and her family refuses to reveal what’s happening. The book, winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal, explores the confusion and changes that come with middle school while highlighting the importance of family connections.

90 Miles to Havana

written by Enrique Flores-Galbis

Julian and his two brothers are faced with a heartbreaking separation from their parents when they are sent to Miami from Cuba through the Pedro Pan operation. In this new world, they encounter bullies and must navigate the challenges of protecting themselves without clear guidance.

The First Rule of Punk

written by Celia C. Perez

Malú (short for María Luisa, if you want to annoy her)” faces the daunting challenge of surviving her first day at Posada Middle School. However, things don’t go smoothly as she inadvertently upsets the school’s queen bee, violates the dress code with her punk rock style, and disappoints her college professor mom. With her dad living a thousand miles away, she’s told that things will improve if she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself.

The real Malú is passionate about rock music, skateboarding, making zines, and enjoying Soyrizo (without cilantro). She finds her place by forming a band with like-minded misfits at school, finally feeling at home. She’s determined to protect this newfound sense of belonging, even if it means standing up to an anti-punk school administration to assert her right to self-expression.

The Other Half of Happy

written by Rebecca Balcarcel

Quijana is a blend of two worlds: half Guatemalan, half American. When her Guatemalan cousins move to town, she feels the weight of her dad’s expectations to connect with her heritage.

She’s also caught between two emotions: half crush on Jayden, and half friendship with Zuri. Her feelings for Jayden are growing, making her life more complicated.

Additionally, Quijana is part kid, part grown-up. She spends her nights Skyping with her ailing grandmother and trying to understand her increasingly distant brother.

In this heartfelt and poetic narrative, Quijana navigates the journey of growing up, fitting in, and discovering what it truly means to belong.

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Written by Jennifer Torres

Estefania “Stef” Soto yearns to escape the shadow of her family’s taco truck, Tia Perla, which surrounds her with the scent of onions and cilantro. She dreams of her dad finding a traditional job, so Tia Perla can fade into the past, and she can shed her identity as the “Taco Queen” at school.

However, when their family’s taco truck faces a threat and Stef’s wish seems within reach, she unexpectedly becomes the truck’s champion, surprising everyone, including herself. In this delightful and heartwarming novel, Stef embarks on a journey to discover what truly matters and learns to embrace her identity, which includes the legacy of Tia Perla.

The Moon Within

written by Aida Salazar

Celi Rivera is grappling with a whirlwind of questions in her life. She’s uncertain about her changing body, her first attraction to a boy, and her best friend’s exploration of genderfluidity. However, the most pressing issue is her mother’s insistence on having a moon ceremony to mark her first period, a Mexican ancestral ritual that her mother and community have embraced. Celi is determined not to participate. The story delves into Celi’s journey to find the strength within herself to assert her identity and stand up for who she wants to be. Aida Salazar’s debut novel is a dazzling tale filled with sensitivity, humor, and brilliant verse.

Solimar The Sword of the Monarchs

written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Solimar, a young girl on the verge of her quinceañera and coronation, risks crossing a dangerous creek to be with monarch butterflies, gaining a magical rebozo that makes her their protector. When her family is captured by a neighboring king, Solimar escapes and embarks on a perilous journey with her loyal companions: her pet bird Lázaro, the butterflies she safeguards, and a magical rag doll named Zarita. Along the way, she encounters a river boy who knows the rapids. Together, they work to save her family, their kingdom, and the future of the monarchs

The Dreamer

written by Pam Muñoz Ryan And PEter Sis

From the time he is a young boy, Neftalí hears the call of a mysterious voice. Even when the neighborhood children taunt him, and when his harsh, authoritarian father ridicules him, and when he doubts himself, Neftalí knows he cannot ignore the call. He listens and follows as it leads him under the canopy of the lush rain forest, into the fearsome sea, and through the persistent Chilean rain on an inspiring voyage of self-discovery that will transform his life and, ultimately, the world.

Combining elements of magical realism with biography, poetry, literary fiction, and transporting illustrations, Pam Muñoz Ryan and Peter Sís take readers on a rare journey of the heart and imagination as they explore the inspiring early life of the poet who became Pablo Neruda.

Mananaland

written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Maximiliano Córdoba, a young boy with a love for stories, is captivated by his grandfather’s tale of a mythical gatekeeper who can reveal the future to brave travelers. Max hopes to see his own tomorrow, find a place on Santa Maria’s esteemed soccer team, and uncover the mystery of his long-lost mother, who vanished when he was a baby. However, his father remains tight-lipped about her.

When Max stumbles upon a hidden family secret involving guardians who assist people escaping a neighboring country, he embarks on a solo quest to unearth the truth. Armed with a cherished compass, a cryptic stone rubbing, and his Buelo’s legend as his sole guides, he sets out on a dangerous journey to determine if he possesses a true heart and to unveil his future. This timeless tale is a testament to struggle, hope, and the search for what lies ahead, delivering valuable lessons about compassion and our shared humanity today.

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe

Written By Carlos Hernandez

If You Had the Power” follows Sal Vidon, who possesses the extraordinary ability to reach through time and space to retrieve anything he desires, even his deceased mother. When Sal meets Gabi Real, it’s during a less than ideal moment: Sal is frequently in the principal’s office, and Gabi is trying to support her friend Yasmany in a mysterious chicken-related incident involving Sal.

Despite Sal’s reputation as an excellent magician, Gabi suspects that there’s more to his talents, especially when she learns he can conjure much more than a chicken, even bringing his late mother back. Their shared abilities and Gabi’s understanding form a unique bond, but the risk of manipulating time and space threatens not only their world but the entire universe. This novel explores the consequences and complexities of their powers.

My Year In the Middle

Written by Lila Quintero Weaver

Sixth-grader Lu Olivera aims to blend in and get along with everyone in her class. However, her old friends are changing, becoming boy-crazy and making hurtful comments about Lu’s newfound talent for running track. Lu’s secret hope for a new friend lies with fellow runner Belinda Gresham. But in 1970, in the racially divided town of Red Grove, Alabama, interactions between black and white students are heavily restricted.

As tensions escalate due to the political climate, with segregationist George Wallace campaigning against Governor Albert Brewer, Lu realizes she can’t remain neutral about the racial divide at her school. The story explores her journey as she finds the courage to stand up for what’s right and make friends who share her commitment to justice and equality.

They Call me Güero

Written by David Bowles

Known as “Güero” because of his red hair, pale skin, and freckles, twelve-year-old Güero is puro mexicano, just like the Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez. He feels at home on both sides of the border, comfortably speaking Spanish or English. Güero is a reader, gamer, and musician who belongs to a group of misfits called Los Bobbys. They share jokes, discuss their ever-expanding world, and navigate the complexities of adolescence, including their newfound interest in girls (particularly the tough-as-nails Joanna).

As Güero embarks on seventh grade, he carries with him his family’s traditions, his trusty accordion, and a heart filled with courage and intelligence. When life becomes challenging for this Mexican American border kid, he turns to poetry as a means of expression and coping.

Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish

Written by Pablo Cartaya

Marcus Vega is a unique eighth-grader, standing at six feet tall, weighing 180 pounds, and sporting a premature mustache. His appearance makes him both a threat and a target among his peers. After a school fight results in a suspension, Marcus’s mother decides it’s time for a change of scenery. She takes Marcus and his younger brother to Puerto Rico to spend time with relatives they either don’t remember or have never met.

However, Marcus can’t shake the thought of his father, who abandoned their family a decade ago, being somewhere on the island. Thus begins Marcus’s remarkable journey, a series of adventures that lead him all over Puerto Rico in search of his elusive namesake. Marcus doesn’t know if he’ll ever find his father, but the quest transforms his life, teaching him valuable lessons and even a bit of Spanish along the way.

Land of the Cranes

Written By Aida Salazar

Nine-year-old Betita believes she is a crane, a belief instilled in her by her father. According to her family’s story, they are the Aztecs, who came from Aztlan to establish their great city, Tenochtitlan, in modern-day Mexico City. It’s prophesied that they will one day return to live among the cranes in their promised land, which is now the Southwest US, referred to as the land of the cranes. Betita’s father tells her that they are cranes that have come home.

However, Betita’s world shatters when her beloved father is arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported to Mexico. Left behind with her pregnant mother, they are later detained and must learn to survive in a family detention camp outside Los Angeles. Despite the harsh and inhumane conditions, Betita finds solace in her poetry and the sense of community that forms within the camp. The voices of her fellow asylum seekers rise above the hatred that holds them captive. Yet, each day brings the threat of sinking lower than they ever thought possible. The story revolves around Betita’s quest to reunite her family and find hope in the face of adversity.

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring

Written by Angela Cervantes

Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City for the first time, hoping to unlock memories of her deceased father, who was born there. While in Mexico, she becomes friends with Lizzie and Gael, a brother and sister. They present Paloma with an enticing challenge: to help them find a valuable ring that once belonged to Frida Kahlo. Paloma sees this as a way to honor her father by returning a priceless piece of jewelry that once belonged to his favorite artist. However, Lizzie and Gael are hiding a secret, raising questions about their true intentions.

The novel is suspenseful, offering a blend of learning about Frida Kahlo and embarking on an exciting mystery to find her missing ring. It’s filled with twists, secrets, lies, loyalty, betrayal, and more. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy captivating mysteries and rich storytelling.

Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose about the Latino Experience

written by Alma Flor Ada F. Isabel Campoy Illustrated by David Diaz

“Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose about the Latino Experience” is a true celebration of Hispanic heritage in the United States. The book features profiles of 13 fictional Latino American characters, each paired with historical information about their family’s country of origin. This unique combination offers readers a glimpse into the rich diversity within the Latino community and provides valuable insights for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic readers. By combining fictional narratives with historical context, the book creates a compelling and informative portrait of the Latino American experience.

Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States

Edited by Lori M. Carlson

Growing up Latino in America provides a unique experience of growing up with a dual cultural identity. It delves into the complexities of speaking two languages, living two lives, and navigating the rules of two distinct cultures. The collection of poems celebrates the rich tapestry of this double life, capturing its various tones, rhythms, sounds, and experiences.

Within the pages of “Cool Salsa,” readers will find poems that touch on a range of topics, from family and celebrations to insults and poignant memories. The verses bring to life the everyday experiences of Latino Americans, such as enjoying hot dogs and mangos, savoring the sweet syllables of Spanish, and grappling with the sometimes tricky nuances of the English language. The collection beautifully encapsulates both the glory and the pain of the Latino American experience, offering a heartfelt exploration of this unique cultural identity.

Bravo! Poems about Amazing Hispanics

Written By Margarita Engle Illustrated by Rafael Lopez

“Bravo!” is a collection of biographical poems celebrating the achievements and contributions of Latinos from diverse countries and backgrounds. These individuals have excelled in various fields, such as music, botany, baseball, and aviation, leaving an indelible mark on their collective history and thriving community.

The collection includes biographical poems dedicated to notable figures like Aida de Acosta, Arnold Rojas, Baruj Benacerraf, César Chávez, Fabiola Cabeza de Baca, Félix Varela, George Meléndez, José Martí, Juan de Miralles, Juana Briones, Julia de Burgos, Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Paulina Pedroso, Pura Belpré, Roberto Clemente, Tito Puente, Ynes Mexia, and Tomás Rivera. These poems offer readers a glimpse into the lives and legacies of these remarkable individuals, highlighting their contributions to the Latino community and their broader historical impact.

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

Written by Juan Felipe Herrera and Illustrated by Raul Colon

“Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes,” written by Juan Felipe Herrera and illustrated by Raul Colon, pays tribute to 20 remarkable and inspirational Hispanic Americans who have made significant contributions to the shaping of United States history. This book features concise yet motivating biographies for each of these influential individuals. While it includes well-known figures like Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, and Roberto Clemente, the author goes a step further by highlighting people from various fields.

The book introduces readers to notable figures from the arts, such as Desi Arnaz, Joan Baez, and Rita Moreno, as well as those from the world of science, like Luis W. Alvarez and Ellen Ochoa. In addition to the famous names, “Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes” also sheds light on lesser-known figures like Julia de Burgos, Judith F. Baca, and Ignacio E. Lozano. The stories of these individuals and their accomplishments are truly inspiring, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in learning about Hispanic American history and the diverse contributions of these heroes.

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

written by Sarah Fabiny Illustrated by Jerry Hoare

“Who Was Frida Kahlo?” by Sarah Fabiny and illustrated by Jerry Hoare is an excellent resource for children to discover the life of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This book offers an in-depth exploration of Frida Kahlo’s life and is well-suited for young readers. The book is beautifully illustrated, making it engaging and age-appropriate. It also provides historical context about the time and places in which Frida lived, offering a well-rounded understanding of her life. If you’re interested in learning about Frida Kahlo, this book comes highly recommended for both children and anyone curious about her life and art.