In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here are seven books by Latin American authors to dig into. They were all recommended by Spanish teacher Maribel Maldonado, who said her students have especially enjoyed these titles. Whether you’re looking for a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story, a book on reclaiming your power, or a harrowing horror mystery, take a peek at the list below.
You Sound Like a White Girl
Julissa Arce presents a moving exploration of Latin American identity in the U.S. by challenging the pressure to assimilate into white culture. With a mix of personal and cultural stories, she argues that it is important to embrace your roots and not erase your heritage.
“I read this book in a day. It’s easy to read, and as a first generation Latina, I resonate with a lot of what she says,” Maldonado said.
Crying in the Bathroom
In her memoir, award-winning novelist Erika L. Sánchez recounts her life through a series of brutally honest and sometimes hilarious stories focused on cultural identity, mental health struggles, and the pressures of womanhood. In a witty reflection on her experience as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she shares her journey of navigating societal expectations and finding herself.
“One of my students could not put this one down. She took it home with her to read,” Maldonado said.
In the Country We Love
Diane Guerrero, who starred in Orange is the New Black and Jane the Virgin, shares her heartfelt story of resilience and vulnerability through an inside perspective on undocumented immigration in In the Country We Love. As a teen, Guerrero’s parents were unexpectedly deported, forcing her to navigate loneliness, trauma, and fear while fighting for her family and continuing her education in the U.S.
“In the Country We Love is another very popular book,” Maldonado said. “It’s written by a famous actor, so students gravitate to it.”
For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts
A powerful declaration of the struggles women of color face in a world of patriarchy and white supremacy, Rodríguez uses personal stories to encourage brown girls to embrace their culture and the complexity of their identities. The founder of Latina Rebels, she advocates for women to challenge the systems that marginalize them and reclaim their power.
“I highly recommend this book. It helps empower Latinas,” Maldonado explained. “I yelled so many times and couldn’t put it down. I took the book’s intro, made it into a poster, and gave it out to Latinas to help them remember their worth.”
Mexican Gothic
Set in 1950s Mexico, socialite Noemí Taboada is unexpectedly summoned to a remote mansion to save her cousin from a mysterious doom. As she uncovers more secrets about the ominous house and its frightening residents, she must confront a supernatural evil before it destroys her.
Maldonado called the novel “a great spooky book for those who like horror.”
Fifteen Candles
In a vibrant collection of short stories, 15 prominent Latino authors share hilarious, ridiculous, and memorable moments from quinceañeras, a typical coming-of-age celebrations in many Latin cultures. The novel dives into entering adulthood and the joys and challenges that come with it, highlighting themes of growing up, embracing identity, and honoring heritage.
Maldonado’s students related to the book’s themes. “They really enjoyed the short stories in this book, especially because most of them are celebrating their quinces or participating in their friends’,” she said.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
After the death of her seemingly perfect older sister Olga, 15-year-old Julia Reyes struggles with the expectations placed on her by her traditional Mexican-American family. She soon discovers secrets about Olga’s life, setting her off on a journey exploring cultural identity, self-discovery, and grappling with grief.
“The title of this book really catches the attention of students,” Maldonado said. “It’s one of the most popular books in my class.”
