¡Viva la Cultura!
Ever since 1968, Americans have observed National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th through October 15th, where the contributions, histories, and cultures of those from Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean are celebrated. Scarsdale Public Library's Teen Room is no different and would like to take the time to showcase some of the best Young Adult lit written by and for those of Hispanic Heritage. The librarians at SPL would also like to note that as time goes on and individuals work to find the best ways to identify with their heritage, National Hispanic Heritage Month has evolved to include and embrace those who prefer the terms Latinx or Latine.
The start of NHHM is September 15th as it is of great historical significance, being the Independence Day of: Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile also have their Independence Days during the month-long celebration. (Source: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/)
YA Recommended Reads:
If you are looking for...
Fantasy:
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas **Also includes queer rep**
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova **Great for starting a new series**
Sal & Gabi Series by Carlos Hernandez **Great for fans of Rick Riordan**
Romance:
Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie **Queer Rep**
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
Contemporary:
When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez **Written in verse**
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera **Queer Rep**
Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
Award-Winners:
We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz **Queer Rep**
Graphic Novels:
I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina
Photographic - The Life of Graciela Iturbide by Isabel Quintero **Biography**
Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia **For fans of superheroes**
Want to know what your Librarians are reading for NHHM?
Roxanne Guzmán Vargas: The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
Jennifer Brinley: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Erika Heinzelman: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
Emily Dowie: A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey
You may also like to follow these five Latinx BookTokers:
https://www.tiktok.com/@maya.reads?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@johannawithbooks?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@stickingwithbri?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@latinxreadtoo?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@bookpapi
This blog post was composed by Roxanne Guzmán Vargas.
