Stories for Young Children

Alex Rodriguez: Baseball Star
by Mary Ann Hoffman
With bright, full-page photos and large typeface, this beginning reader biography will be a homerun with little leaguers. JB Rodriguez, A

Animal Poems of the Iguazu: Animalario de Iguazu
by Francisco X. Alarcon
Inspired by the magical animals found in the Iguazu National Park of South America, Alarcon weaves beautiful and humorous poetry. J 811.54 Al

El Barrio
by Debbi Chocolate
Vibrant prose and signature illustrations by David Diaz are paired in this lively look at modern urban life in a Latino neighborhood. E Chocolate

Quinito, Day and Night
by Ina Cumpiano
The author and illustrator present a charming book of opposites featuring English and Spanish text, a bilingual glossary, and illustrations that clearly support the concepts. E Cumpiano

Kitchen Dance
by Maurie J. Manning
When they hear noises in the kitchen, two children sneak out of bed and find their parents dancing and singing while doing the dishes-soon all join in the fun. E Manning

Here, Kitty, Kitty! Ven, Gatita, Ven!
by Pat Mora
In this delightful English/Spanish installment in the series My Family/Mi familia, three children follow the antics of their new kitten. E Mora

Three Little Tamales
by Eric Kimmel
Set in the American Southwest, this charming adaption of the Three Little Pigs features kid-friendly verse and delightful illustrations. E Kimmel

What Can You Do with a Rebozo?
by Carmen Tafolla
A young girl describes all the wonderous things that can be done with the rebozos or Mexican shawls that her family members own and cherish. E Tafolla

Stories for Older Children

Dance, Nana, Dance = Baila, Nana, Baila: Cuban Folktales in English and Spanish
retold by Joe Hayes
Colorful stories from Cuban folklore represent the cultures of Spain, Africa, and the Caribbean. J398.2 Ha

Chicken Foot Farm
Anne Estevis
Alejandro learns life’s lessons from his Mexican American family as he comes of age on the family ranch in South Texas during the 1940s.

Confetti Girl
by Diana Lopez
"Lina" Flores has some questions and some growing pains as she tries to understand her book-obsessed father, the death of her mother, why her best friend's divorced mother constantly makes cascarones (hollowed out eggshells filled with rainbow colored confetti), and how to deal with her secret crush, Luis. J Fiction

Diego: Bigger Than Life
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Written in free verse, the author/poet paints a vivid portrait of the controversial artist Rivera. A chronology, glossary, notes, and brief biography complete this interesting biography. JB Rivera, D

Facts of Life: Stories
by Gary Soto
Soto, the master of capturing the angst of adolescence, delivers a fresh collection of short stories that are humorous, yet poignant.

The Smell of Old Lady Perfume
by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez
When her beloved father is taken ill and her grandma moves in to help the family, Chela’s world shatters in this novel of love, life and death.

That’s Not Fair!: Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice
by Carmen Tafolla & Sharyll Teneyuca
This picture book biography chronicles the life of Emma Tenayuca, who led poor Mexican American workers in their fight for better wages and living conditions. JB Tenayuca, E

Stories for Teens

Amor and Summer Secrets
by Diana Rodriquez Wallach
It's the summer after her first year in high school, and all Mariana Ruíz can think about is her best friend Madison's upcoming Sweet Sixteen. But then Mariana's parents force her to accompany her brother Vince on a summer-long vacation to Puerto Rico. Mariana is outraged and devastated.  Gradually, Mariana realizes she can't spend the summer pining for her hometown and its luxuries and starts to embrace her Puerto Rican family and her ethnicity. YA Hispanic Heritage Wallach

The Brothers Torres
by Coert Voorhees
Sophomore Frankie finally finds the courage to ask his long-term friend, Julianne, to the Homecoming dance, which ultimately leads to a face-off between a tough senior whose family owns most of their small New Mexico town, and Frankie's soccer-star older brother and his gang-member friends. YA Hispanic Heritage Voorhees

Hurricane: A Novel
by Terry Trueman
The story of one boy’s fear and courage in the face of overwhelming odds during Hurricane Mitch’s devastation of Honduras in 1998. YA Fiction

Imaginary Enemy
by Julie Gonzalez
Jane goes by the pen name Gabriella when she writes Bubba her imaginary enemy. All through high school she blames Bubba for the results of her impetuous acts. One day, Bubba writes back…leading to a surprising and heartwarming ending.
Fiction Hispanic Heritage Gonzalez

Messed Up
by Janet Nichols Lynch
When his grandfather figure, Earl dies, R. D. does the right thing—he calls 911 and they come to take his body—but slowly R. D. realizes that as long as no one else finds out, they can’t send him to a group home. So he begins to teach himself everything he’s always avoided: how to shop, how to cook, how to work, how to pay bills and how to avoid the Latino gang violence.
Fiction Hispanic Heritage Lynch

Mexican WhiteBoy
by Matt de la Pena
Sixteen-year-old Danny searches for his identity amidst the confusion of being half-Mexican and half-white while spending a summer with his cousin and new friends on the baseball fields and back alleys of San Diego County, California.
YA Hispanic Heritage Fiction Pena

Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing
by Gary Soto
“If only you would turn/And see me/Seeing you.” In rapid, clear free verse, young teens, both girls and boys, speak about falling in love—the jealousy, loneliness, and hurt of rejection and breaking up, as well as the romantic bliss. The speakers are as varied as their hairdos, which include curls, straight locks, afros, or green spikes.
YA Hispanic Heritage 811.54 So

The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriguez
by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
Tenth-grader Sonia reveals secrets about her life and her Hispanic family as she studies hard to become the first Rodriguez to finish high school.
YA Hispanic Heritage Fiction Sitomer

Someone Like Summer
by M.E. Kerr
An upper-middle-class white girl from Long Island and an immigrant worker from Colombia fall in love despite objections from both their families and their community.
YA Hispanic Heritage Fiction Kerr

The World in Half
by Cristina Henriquez
While returning home to take care of her ill mother, Mira uncovers a startling secret regarding her Panamanian father, long a forbidden topic. Mira had been told that he abandoned them prior to her birth, but there seems to be more to the story. To find him, and hopefully some perspective, Mira takes an extended vacation to Panama where he remains a citizen.
Fiction Hispanic Heritage Henriquez

Adult Fiction

Belong to Me
by Marisa de los Santos
Award-winning poet and author, Marisa de los Santos deftly explores the complicated relationships between three women with luminous and insightful prose. A rich and rewarding book.  Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Blackout: An Inspector Espinosa Mystery
by Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza
What do the murders of a penniless homeless man and a prominent young urbanite have in common? With no apparent witnesses or motives, Inspector Espinosa’s solution leads to a surprising ending. Hispanic Heritage Mystery
 
The Heartbreak Pill
by Anjanette Delgado
With her marriage spiraling into divorce, scientist Erika Luna desperately seeks to develop a pill that will curethe world of heartbreak forever.
Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Into the Beautiful North
by Luis Alberto Urrea
Living in a small village in rural Mexico, Nayeli realizes that most of the men of her village, like her father, have gone North to find jobs. This has been noticed by drug dealers, and they plan to take over the village. Nayeli goes North to recruit her own army to save her village.
Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Island of Eternal Love
by Daína Chaviano
Alone in Miami, a city that haunts her, Cecilia yearns for the Cuba she left behind. Under the spell of an old woman in Little Havana, she discovers the secrets of a woman, a family, and an island – all in one spellbinding tale.
Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Mexican High
by Liza Monroy
The daughter of an American diplomat posted to Mexico, discovers a world of sex, drugs, and political corruption when she attends her elite international school. Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Miami Manhunt
by Johnny Diaz
The romances of three gay men give new meaning to the phrase “manhunt” in this witty novel. It’s an exciting year where hearts get broken and mended, and true love seems on its way.
Hispanic Heritage Fiction

The Mule
by Juan Eslava Galán
Juan Castro Perez is a muleteer caught up in the politics and violence of the Spanish Civil War. By cunning he manages to survive, fighting for both sides, until he meets the love of his live – a mule named Valentina. Hispanic Heritage Fiction

Notorious
by Michele Martinez
Top prosecutor Melanie Vargas is back with a suspenseful case as she tries to take a controversial rap star to trial for a past murder. As the violence mounts, Melanie realizes she can trust no one. Hispanic Heritage Mystery

The Sista Hood on the Mic
by E-Fierce
Mariposa has a dream of becoming the best emcee around, and with a big talent show coming up, 4 divas overcome their differences to become Sista Hood!

Adult Non-Fiction

Daughters of Juarez: A True Story of Serial Murder South of the Border
by Teresa Rodriguez and Diana Montane with Lisa Pulitzer
For twelve years the Mexican border city of Juarez has been the center of hundreds of crimes against women and girls, including rape, murder, kidnapping and mutilation. In this study the authors explore the crimes, the possible motives for them, and various theories as to why this horrific series of atrocities has continued. 364.1523 Ro

Easy Entertaining for Beginners: You Can Throw a Fabulous Party from a Holiday Fiesta to a Romantic Evening for Two
by Patricia Mendez
Learn the ABCs of effortless entertaining with this primer, complete with checklists, photos, recipes for meals, drinks, and even music. This book is a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award for excellence. 642.4 Me

Financial Aid for Hispanic Americans
by Gail Ann Schlachter
This important reference work lists scholarships, fellowships, loans, grants, awards and internships open primarily or exclusively to Hispanic Americans. It cannot be checked out so it is always available for use in the library and should be a first stop for anyone with a Hispanic background looking for financial aid. R 378.3 Fi

Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness
by Mario Lopez
Actor Mario Lopez creates fun and varied workout routines in an approach that combines exercise, eating right, and beginning the quest for a better you. The star has appeared on Dancing with the Stars and is a host of Extra’s Weekend Edition.  613.7 Lo

A Member of the Family: Cesar Millan’s Guide to a Lifetime of Fulfillment with Your Dog
by Cesar Millan
All dog owners know that your pet becomes part of your family. In this book, Millan explores the most common situations dog owners face, and gives practical tips for dealing with them to create a harmonious home. Included are success stories from clients and fans. 636.7 Mi

Simply Mexican
by Lourdes Castro
This is a basic and sound introduction to Mexican cooking. It features 60 authentic recipes with step-by-step photos to guide the novice cook.  641.5972 Ca

A Simple Guide to U.S. Immigration and Citizenship
by Reverend Luis Cortes
Working in collaboration with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Cortes has fashioned a simple yet thorough guide to the many and sometimes confusing steps toward becoming a United States citizen. This title is also available in the Spanish language. 323.6 Co

World of Mexican Migrants: The Rock and the Hard Place
by Judith Adler Hellman
This is a vital resource for those studying the world of the migrant. Hellman touches all the bases, interviewing a number of migrants, examining living conditions in cities such as Los Angeles and New York, and placing emphasis on the political views and opinions of the workers themselves. 305.868 He

Biographies

Albert Pujols
by Richard J. Brenner
Discover the life of the most feared hitter of the National League. Pujols received the National League Rookie of the Year Award, a 2003 batting title, the 2005 Most Valuable Player Award, and led the St. Louis Cardinals to their 2006 World Series title.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Pujols, A

Dream in Color: How the Sanchez Sisters are Making History in Congress
by Linda Sanchez
Daughters of Mexican-immigrant parents who believed in the power of education and the American Dream, Linda and Loretta Sanchez now have the distinction of not only being the first sisters to serve together in Congress, but Linda is the first Latina to serve on the House Judiciary Committee, and Loretta is a ranking female Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. These two demonstrate the power of hard work and determination.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Sanchez, L

Extraordinary Hispanic Americans
by Cesar Alegre
Here are the lives of a diverse group of Hispanic Americans, from Cesar Chavez to Ricky Martin.  Brief biographies are arranged in chronological order and include black and white photographs.  920 Al

My Life with Che: The Making of a Revolutionary
by Hilda Gadea
This is a fully revised and updated version of the biography written in 1972 by Guevara’s first wife. Though he left her for another woman after he went to Cuba, Gadea remained loyal, as evidenced by the reverential tone of this memoir of their relationship.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Guevara, E

Soraya: A Life of Music, A Legacy of Hope
by Soraya
Grammy winner and songwriter Soraya was a top ranked talent in the Latina music world. This is the story of her struggle against the breast cancer that took the lives of her mother, grandmother, and aunt. While she lost her battle in 2006, she left a lasting impression of hope, joy, and energy in those who knew her.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Soraya

Sum of our Days
by Isabel Allende
A warm and poignant memoir by famous author Isabel Allende, focusing largely on the death of her daughter, Paula. Allende writes of her pain with humor, insight, and wisdom. Biography Allende, I

Tito Santana’s Tales from the Ring
by Tom Caiazzo
Santana, renowned WWF wrestler, shares stories from the heyday of WWF in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Get an insider’s view from this former champion, who now teaches middle-school Spanish in New Jersey.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Santana, T

Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and the Battle to Save Baseball
by Jose Canseco
Canseco spills even more explosive information about steroid use in baseball. He includes both the accurate and inaccurate parts of the Mitchell Report and backs his statements with transcripts of taped interviews.
Hispanic Heritage Biography Canseco, J

Sonia Sotomayor

With her confirmation on August 6, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice of the United States. She rose to the position from a humble beginning. Born in New York City to parents of Puerto Rican birth, Sotomayor was the older of two children. Her family lived in a housing project in the Bronx. Sotomayor’s father died when she was nine, and her mother, a registered nurse, raised her children alone, sending both through Catholic school. Celina Sotomayor continued the emphasis on a strong education which both parents had seen as a key to success. Sotomayor has said that hers was the only house in the projects to have the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Growing up, Sotomayor became fascinated by Perry Mason, the fictional attorney played by Raymond Burr. Inspired by this man, who spent each week defending the wrongly accused, she graduated from high school and was accepted into Princeton, where she earned a summa cum laude bachelor’s degree in history. From there she went on to earn a law degree from Yale, where she edited the Yale Law Journal.

Sotomayor worked for several years as an assistant district attorney in New York, then became a private-practice attorney, specializing in intellectual property cases. In 1991 she was nominated by President George H. W. Bush to fill a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Bush’s successor, President Bill Clinton, nominated Sotomayor to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, and she was confirmed in 1997. Shortly after May 1, 2009, when Justice David Souter announced his retirement, President Barak Obama put Sotomayor’s name before the public as his nominee to the Supreme Court position. Sotomayor was sworn in on August 8, 2009.