Latine Heritage Month is just around the corner, taking place from September 15 – October 15! Lee & Low is proud to publish a wealth of books by Latine folks about Latine folks, and to continuously add to our collection of Spanish translations with titles new and old. Check out our offerings and read on to download FREE resources created by our in-house literacy team made up of former educators!
New in Spanish for 2025
By Cynthia Weill, with art by Avelino Pérez
"A wonderful addition to this creative bilingual series, this title shows children different types of instruments in English and Spanish while also highlighting a talented artisan from Mexico."
—School Library Journal
Go behind the scenes and learn about the creation of ¡Tocamos! with author Cynthia Weill!
By Diana Cohn, illustrated by Amy Córdova Boone
"The strength of award-winning Córdova's illustrations is in her use of vivid, beautiful colors and expression . . . . Exposing children to this kind of book encourages a global awareness that can only serve them as they grow up in a world where issues such as Fair Trade become increasingly important." —Foreword Reviews
Written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre
"This sweet early reader, part of a series about tree frog siblings, will appeal to aspiring chefs and fans of beginning readers with kid-relevant issues and resolutions. . . . This is a fun read for primary school students and a must buy in either version." —School Library Journal
by David Bowles, illustrated by Charlene Bowles
⭐"Perfect for young readers and mythology lovers alike, this graphic novel is a triumph, one that is a dazzling tribute to the past and a beacon for the future." —School Library Journal, starred review
By Claudia Guadalupe Martínez, translated by Luis Humberto Crosthwaite
"A touching story that will teach lessons on loss, family, loneliness, and the importance of being oneself. . . The novel's easy language reads like genuine narration from a sixth grader and complements the story's complex themes." —Foreword Reviews
By Paula Yoo, illustrated by Dom Lee, translated by Claudia Oemer
"Yoo's prose is ideal for middle graders, providing an ideal amount of information to attract and hold their attention. The unique and evocative art, created with a combination of painting and scratching details in encaustic wax, elevates the text." —School Library Journal
Available in English and as a picture book!
By Jen Cullerton Johnson, illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler, translated by Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz
"Forest ecosystems, how to plant a tree, and the changing role of women in Kenya are among the new sections. . . . Better designed to attract and inform middle-grade readers. These well-crafted, insightful biographies provide a useful historical context for each person's story." —Booklist
Available in English and as a picture book in English and Spanish!
By Yamile Saied Méndez
⭐4 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"This age is difficult to capture, and Méndez portrays it beautifully; Florencia has very grown-up feelings and actions interspersed with childlike observances. . . . Seeing a fellow tween navigate a difficult time will inspire not just dancers but any young person finding their way back to themselves." —Booklist, starred review
By Guadalupe García McCall, translated by David Bowles
⭐"This story inspired by Sophocles' Antigone seamlessly blends coming-of-age themes with folklore. McCall respectfully integrates well-researched Nahuatl vocabulary and Aztec mythology as she explores sisterhood, cultural identity, and blended family dynamics. . . . A rich, mythic story about selfhood and soul-deep family ties." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Watch author Guadalupe García McCall introduce Fall of the Fireflies!
By Christine Eber, translated by Camilo Pérez Bustillo
"This bold and touching story is full of real life and powerful history lessons, shining a light on the strength of women and the impact of community. . . A good choice for Spanish-language YA shelves." —School Library Journal
Free Resources
This list contains some of our most popular bilingual and dual language books written by authors from the cultures featured in the stories.
Books have the power to initiate meaningful conversations between adults and young people. Our Guide to Reading at Home with Children/Guía de Lee & Low Books para leer en casa en familia was created to help caregivers learn how to read aloud with children at home, build excitement before reading, improve comprehension, and create discussion!
This toolkit, available in both English and Spanish, was made by educators, for educators and is meant to pair alongside your instructions and facilitation of different biographies in the classroom. The resources within the toolkit are suggested activities. We encourage you to use this to complement your existing resources or lesson plans.
Mark Your Calendars!
Catch some Lee & Low creators at the 2025 Latinx Kidlit Book Festival!
Join us for a storytime featuring music and family connections. This storytelling adventure will inspire you to sing, dance, and share special moments with your loved ones. Come ready to clap along while we explore wonderful stories together.
Featuring: Anita Sanchez, author of A Sky That Sings.
Growing up can be tough. From school responsibilities and pressures to the rise and fall of friendships - staying afloat is not an easy task. Join authors as they discuss how they tackled the often overwhelming feelings of just existing.
Featuring: Yamile Saied Méndez, author of The Reel Wish and El deseo de mi corazón.
Book Recommendations
Read these books by and about Latine creators all year long!
By Anita Sanchez & George Steele, illustrated by Emily Mendoza
"Ideal for any educator teaching listening skills or the science of birding, this book is also an inclusive tool perfect for a variety of content connections, including science and ELA."
—School Library Journal
By Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
PURA BELPRÉ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER
⭐"Lyrical words by González (a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation) emphasize the intergenerational ties that bind the characters and show Indigenous knowledge in the process of being passed down. Garcia's portraits center affectionate familial gestures alongside mural-like views of sunset skies and evocative representations of fire, earth, air, and water."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
By Monica Brown, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT BOOK LIST
"Shades of purple and turquoise create a mysterious and magical atmosphere within the pages that beckons to readers and invites them to dream. . . . A love letter to Peru, dreams, and daughters everywhere." –School Library Journal
By Monica Brown and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
⭐THREE STARRED REVIEWS⭐
PURA BELPRÉ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD HONOR
⭐"A highly recommended and inspiring portrayal of dedication and perseverance for today's generation of explorers." —School Library Journal, starred review
Written and illustrated by Aixa Pérez-Prado
"Accessible Spanish terms used within context pop up throughout the pages, enriching the text. . . . The illustrations add intensity, using rich hues, cutouts, and color overlays to enhance the drama of the action, punctuating the emotions beneath Sosa's lyrics and emphasizing the courage it took to sing those songs during the repressive regime. A fitting tribute to an exceptional woman." — Booklist
By David Bowles, illus. by Charlene Bowles
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION LITTLE MAVERICK GRAPHIC NOVEL READING LIST
⭐"With seemingly simple yet vivid illustrations characterized by strong, dynamic lines, the illustrator develops cunning and endearing characters to populate this enticing tale. . . . An unmissable adventure of mythical proportions." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
By Yamile Saied Méndez
RHODE ISLAND CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD NOMINEE
"Fast-paced chapters are driven by the mystery of Mamá's whereabouts and the suspense of Minerva's struggle to maintain all of her responsibilities. Distinctive characters will delight readers, who will find themselves laughing at the cleverness of Minerva's little sisters. A strong addition to middle-grade collections, with a unique point of view and memorable characters." —Booklist
By Alessandra Narváez Varela
⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT BOOKLIST
⭐"Poignant . . . . Anamaria experiments with poetry structures and formats as she explores young womanhood and self-love, composing sentimental letters to her current and older selves and salvaging friendships gone sour. As readers meet her parents, friends, and other allies, she opens up about serious mental-health concerns and personal trauma, all conveyed through her relatable persona. Fans of The House on Mango Street or The House of the Spirits will be riveted." —Booklist, starred review
By Guadalupe García McCall
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TEXAS LONE STAR READING LIST
⭐"Written in the style of magic realism, this is an enchanting look at Mexican mysticism, coupled with the realistic celebration of the true meaning of family." —School Library Journal, starred review
Download the teacher's guide and the accompanying reading journal!
By Monica Zepeda
INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD WINNER
"Starting off as mere character sketches, the three Latinx cousins (Matt has a White father) soon develop into fully endearing heroes thanks to Zepeda's deft, potent writing. Alternating short chapters from each teen's perspective packs nuance and depth in this quick read splashed with melodrama and humor. . . . Like a missive from the soul. " —Kirkus Reviews
By Elizabeth Santiago
⭐2 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
RISE: A FEMINIST BOOK PROJECT BOOK LIST
⭐"A beautiful ode to Puerto Rican history. . . . Santiago's writing sparkles, even as it draws upon hard realities that Puerto Ricans can face in their everyday lives and sense of cultural identity. Filled with arresting prose and historical stories, this novel brings Puerto Rican history into the present, mixing in realistic themes to which most readers will relate." —Booklist, starred review
