Resources for Finding Latino Kid Lit

SLJ1301w Libroimages FT Resources for Finding Latino Kid Lit
Celebrated author Benjamin Alire Sáenz swept the Youth Media Awards on Monday with Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (S & S, 2012). The young adult novel about two Mexican-American teen boys whose friendship deepens into romance in 1987 El Paso, Texas, won the Pura Belpré Author Medal, the Stonewall Medal, and a Michael L. Printz Honor. Yet Saénz is just one of the many talented writers of children’s literature with Latino characters and themes. Below is a compilation of tools for locating books and program ideas for not only Spanish-speaking patrons, but for all of those interested in reading more diverse titles. Please list any resources we might have missed in the comments section below.

Click here to read the complete feature in School Library Journal.

  1. 🌟🌟2024 Starred Reviews🌟🌟for our Full Circle Literary books! 
    Congratulations to our amazing creators that empower and bring book joy year round. 

    THE RIBBON SKIRT by Cameron Mukwa

    ⭐️ Booklist Starred review 

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review 


    JAM TOO by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review 

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review 

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review 

    NCTE 2025 Notable Books in Poetry

    Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books of Year


    THIS LAND by Ashley Fairbanks, illustrated by Bridget George 

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review 

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review 


    LOST STICK by Anoosha Syed

    ⭐️School Library Journal

    Society of Illustrators The Original Art 2024 selection


    SLEEPY by Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Robin Page

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    NSTA-CBC OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOKS 2025

    NCTE 2025 Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title


    UNO MAS, ONE MORE by Siliva Lopez, illustrated by Olivia Sua

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review

    Society of Illustrators The Original Art 2024 selection


    MEMORY GARDEN by Zoe Ghahremani, illustrated by Susie Ghahremani

    ⭐️School Library Journal  


    SARI SISTERS by Anitha Roo-Robinson, illustrated by Anoosha Syed

    ⭐️ School Library Journal starred review

    CBC’s 50 Canadian kids books to read


    UNBECOMING by Seema Yasmin

    ⭐️Booklist starred review


    WORDS ARE MY SUPERPOWER: A KID’S GUIDE TO AFFIRMATIONS, MANTRAS, AND POSITIVE THINKING by Harold Green III, illustrated by Andrea Pippins

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review 


    LEGENDARIOS The Beginning of All Things illustrated by Vanessa Morales

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review

    Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2024 


    ON THE BLOCK: Stories of Home Edited by Ellen Oh with stories by Adrianna Cuevas and David Bowles

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️ Booklist Starred review

    Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year


    BARRIO RISING / EL BARRIO SE LEVANTA: LA PROTESTA QUE CONSTRUYÓ EL PARQUE CHICANO 

    Translated by David Bowles, written by María Dolores Águila, illus. by Magdalena Mora

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews 

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly 

    Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year


    TE RECUERDO by Xelena Gonzalez, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

    Chicago Public Library Best Books of 2024


    EL RIO ES MI MAR by Rio Cortez, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin

    New York Public Library Best Book of the Year 


    DONA FELA'S DREAM: THE STORY OF PUERTO RICO'S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR by Monica Brown, illustrated by Rosa Ibarra

    Society of Illustrators The Original Art 2024 selection


    NO BRAINER’S GUIDE TO DECOMPOSITION by Adrianna Cuevas

    Texas Lone Star Reading List 2025


    HEARTS OF FIRE AND SNOW by David Bowles & Guadalupe Garcia McCall

    CSMLC Best Books of 2024








  2. Honor Native American Heritage Month with THE RIBBON SKIRT a debut graphic novel by Cameron Mukwa. 


    Powwow is almost here! Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by girls in the Anishinaabe tradition, for an upcoming powwow. Anang is two-spirit and nonbinary and doesn't know what others will think of them wearing a ribbon skirt, but they're determined to follow their heart's desire. Anang sets off to gather the materials needed to make the skirt and turns to those around them -- their family, their human and turtle friends, the crows, and even the lake itself -- for help. And maybe they'll even find a new confidence within themself along the way.

    Available now from @graphixbooks


    Visit our FCL Native & Indigenous Bookshop for more recommended titles for young readers. 




  3.  



    Looking for books in English and Spanish for Latine & #HispanicHeritageMonth? The beloved classic THE RAINBOW FISH is now available in a special English/Spanish flipbook edition. Read the book in English, then flip it over and enjoy the beloved tale of friendship in Spanish! 🐟 🐟


    THE RAINBOW FISH/ EL PEZ ARCOÍRIS by Marcus Pfisher, translated into Spanish by David Bowles, published by NorthSouth Books. Available exclusively at Barnes & Noble bookstores. visit link here





  4. We are heartbroken by the passing of Michaela Mabinity DePrince and Elaine DePrince. Their stories will forever remain with us in TAKING FLIGHT and BALLERINA DREAMS 🩷 Their family has shared the statements below.

    Mia Mobility DePrince would like to share the following statement: 


    I am truly in a state of shock and deep sadness. My beautiful sister is no longer here. From the very beginning of our story back in Africa, sleeping on a shared mat in the orphanage, Michaela (Mabinty) and I used to make up our own musical theater plays and act them out. We created our own ballets. She would choreograph, and I was the composer and conductor. When we got adopted, our parents quickly poured into our dreams and arose the beautiful, gracefully strong ballerina that so many of you knew her as today. She was an inspiration. Whether she was leaping across the stage or getting on a plane and flying to third-world countries to provide orphans and children with dance classes, she was determined to conquer all her dreams in the arts and dance. Michaela (Mabinty) has left her footprints in the sand and on so many stages across the world. She will be truly missed.


    I love you, my beautiful Butterfly,

    Mia Mabinty DePrince


    OFFICIAL FAMILY STATEMENT UPDATE 9/14/24: 

    Thank you to everyone for your outpouring of support in response to Michaela’s passing, as well as those in the press who have reached out directly to the family for statements. The entire family is so grateful and comforted by your support.

    There has been a great deal of speculation online so the family would like to officially set the record straight about a few things. The last few days have been even more difficult than most people realize because the family has also been dealing with the death of Michaela’s adoptive mother Elaine DePrince.

    Michaela passed away on September 10th, not the 13th as some places have reported. Her mother Elaine died during a routine procedure in preparation for a surgery on September 11th. Michaela died before Elaine and Elaine did not know of Michaela’s passing at the time of her procedure. As unbelievable as it may seem, the two deaths were completely unrelated. The only way we can make sense of the senseless is that Elaine, who had already lost three children many years ago, was by the grace of God spared the pain of experiencing the lost of a fourth child.

    What the family is going through right now is truly unimaginably painful. Grieving two family members who died within a 24 hour period is tragic and devastating. We continue to ask for privacy and appreciate you directing anyone sharing incorrect information and speculation to this post.

    Please continue to direct all press inquires and words of support for the family to Jess Volinski, the family spokesperson, via email at jessicavolinski@gmail.com

                                                 Michaela & Elaine discuss TAKING FLIGHT


    OFFICIAL FAMILY STATEMENT: 
    It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of our beautiful sister, Michaela Mabinty DePrince. Michaela touched so many lives across the world, including ours. She was an unforgettable inspiration to everyone who knew her or heard her story. From her early life in war-torn Africa, to stages and screens across the world, she achieved her dreams and so much more. Her passion and impact on the dance world, especially in inspiring young Black dancers to pursue their dreams, has been tremendous. We will miss her and her gorgeous smile forever and we know you will, too.

    Michaela is survived by her sisters Mia, Bee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie, and her brothers Adam and Erik.The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time. Services will be private.

    In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to War Child, an organization Michaela was closely involved with for many years as a War Child Ambassador. This work meant the world to her, and your donations will directly help other children who grew up in an environment of armed conflict. Thank you. www.warchild.net




    OFFICIAL FAMILY STATEMENT:
    After many years of battling a hereditary disease and heart failure, we are saddened to bring you this news. Elaine DePrince passed away on September 11 at the age of 77. She is survived by her children Mia, Beelee, Jaye, Mariel, Amie and two sons, Erik and Adam. The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time. 



  5. Congratulations to our 2024 ALA Youth Media Award Winners and Best Books of the Year —it has been a great year of shining stars for our Full Circle Literary books and we’re so honored to work with such amazing creators! 


    ANIANA DEL MAR JUMPS IN by Jasminne Mendez (Penguin/Dial)

    ⭐️BCCB Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books 

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review

    ⭐️School Library Journal 

    Pura Belpré Author Honor Book

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

    NCTE Notable Poetry Book and Verse Novel Selection

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

    New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2023

    2023 Nerdies: Novels in Verse

     

    THE PRINCE & THE COYOTE by David Bowles, art by Amanda Mijangos (Levine Querido)

    ⭐️BookPage

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review 

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review 

    Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book 

    BookPage Best Book of 2023, Top 10 Selection

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 


    REMEMBERING by Xelena Gonzalez, illustrated by Adriana M Garcia (S&S/Atheneum)

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review 

    ⭐️ School Library Journal starred review

    Pura Belpré Illustration Honor Book

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year



    SPANISH IS THE LANGUAGE OF MY FAMILY / EL ESPAÑOL ES LA LENGUA DE MI FAMILIA by Michael Genhart, illustrated by John Parra (Holiday House/Neal Porter Books)

    ⭐️ Booklist starred review

    ⭐️ Horn Book starred review

    ⭐️ Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️ Publishers Weekly starred review

    ⭐️ School Library Journal starred review for Spanish Edition 

    ⭐️ School Library Journal starred review for English Edition

    Booklist Editors' Choice Best Books for Youth of 2023

    Horn Book Fanfare 2023 

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2023

    Common Sense Media Best Book of the Year 

    Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Finalist

    Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

    Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in Spanish


    ANCIENT NIGHT / NOCHE ANTIGUA story and art by David Alvarez with David Bowles (Levine Querido)

    ⭐️BookPage starred review

    ⭐️Horn Book starred review

    ⭐️Foreword Reviews starred review

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review 

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review 

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review

    BookPage Best Books of 2023

    Horn Book Fanfare 2023

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 

    Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

    Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

    2023 Nerdies: Fiction Picture Books

    Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in Spanish


    BREAKING TO THE BEAT by Linda J Acevedo, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Lee & Low)

    ⭐️Horn Book starred review 

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review 

    ⭐️School Library Journal 

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

    New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

    2024 Notable Books for a Global Society 


    A LETTER FOR BOB by Andrea Rogers, illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Harper/Heartdrum)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Award

    Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2023

    American Indians in Children's Literature Best Book of the Year 


    AUTUMN PELTIER, WATER WARRIOR by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Bridget George (Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press)

    ⭐️BCCB Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

    ⭐️ School Library Journal starred review

    RISE: A Feminist Book Project Top Ten 

    2024 Notable Books for a Global Society

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2023

    American Indians in Children's Literature Best Book of the Year 

    Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Finalist

    Junior Library Guild Selection


    SECRET OF THE MOON CONCH by David Bowles & Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Bloomsbury)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2023

    New York Public Library Best Book of the Year  



    ALL THAT’S LEFT TO SAY by Emery Lord (Bloomsbury)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    Kids IndieNext List

    Kobo’s Best of the Month selection

    USA Today Bestsellers List

    Cosmopolitan’s “30 Young Adult Books of 2023 That You Don’t Want to Miss”


    YOUR FREEDOM, YOUR POWER: A Kids’ Guide to the First Amendment by Allison Matulli with Clelia Malaspina-Gore (RP Kids)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year


    WARRIOR GIRL/GUERRERA a novel-in-verse by Carmen Tafolla (Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books)

    ⭐️Publishers Weekly starred review

    Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Finalist



    ALMA HEAD TO TOE / ALMA DE PIES A CABEZA by Juana Martinez-Neal (Candlewick)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review

    Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in Spanish


    LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE by Sophia Lee, illustrated by Christine Almeda (S&S/Atheneum)

    ⭐️School Library Journal 

    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year


    EL SEÑOR PANCHO TENÍA UN RANCHO by René Colato Laínez illustrated by Elwood Smith (Holiday House)

    ⭐️School Library Journal starred review


    MARTINA HAS TOO MANY TÍAS / MARTINA TIENE MUCHAS TÍAS by Emma Otheguy illus by Sara Palacios (S&S/Atheneum)

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    ⭐️School Library Journal

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year

    Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Book of 2023

    Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in Spanish


    NOT A MONSTER by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, illustrated by Laura Gonzalez (Charlesbridge)

    ⭐️Kirkus Reviews starred review

    Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids

    Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year


    EAT YOUR SUPERPOWERS! HOW COLORFUL FOODS KEEP YOU HEALTHY AND STRONG by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Serge Bloch (Penguin Workshop/RISE)

    ⭐️Booklist starred review 

    ROCK YOUR MOCS by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Harper/Heartdrum) American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor Book

    WATER DAY/ EL DÍA DE AGUA by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Olivia Sua (S&S/Atheneum)   Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in Spanish

    DEB HAALAND: She Persisted by Laurel Goodluck (Philomel)                                                                   American Indian Youth Literature Middle Grade Honor Book

    GHOSTS OF RANCHO ESPANTO by Adrianna Cuevas (Macmillan)                                                                   2024 Edgar Award Nominee Best Juvenile Novel




  6. This month, We Need Diverse Books chatted with author Laurel Goodluck, whose Rock Your Mocs is out now. Laurel was a 2019 WNDB mentee, paired with award-winner author Traci Sorell; and is now a 2024 mentor. WNDB talked with Laurel about her new book, ROCK YOUR MOCS, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Heartdrum, October 2023), her thoughts on book bans, and much more.

    Read more here, on We Need Diverse Books Blog

    Tell us about Rock Your Mocs Day

    Rock Your Mocs Day began in 2011 with a young woman, a teen at the time named Jessica “Jaylyn” Atsye, from Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico, declaring that moccasins shouldn’t be saved only for ceremonies and powwows. What if Indigenous people could show their Native pride and use them as everyday wear? She chose November 15, during Native American Heritage Month, as a day for Native and First Nations people to wear moccasins.

    Rock Your Mocs Day is important because it celebrates our tribal cultures through our unique moccasins. Native people can express themselves while allowing the world to see that Native people are still here in this modern world. Unfortunately, according to a 2015 report in Theory and Research in Social Education, 87 percent of state history standards do not mention Indigenous people after the year 1900. This discrepancy perpetuates stereotypes of Native people.

    Rock Your Mocs Day steadily grew in popularity when Jessica involved Emergence Productions to spread the celebration across the United States, Canada, and worldwide. Schoolchildren and adults began to wear their mocs on November 15. Eventually, the organizers selected an entire week in November for Rock Your Mocs events. This year, it is November 12 – 18.

    For more information, to view the inspiring celebrations and share your events, go here and here.



  7. Just in time for Halloween — Adrianna Cuevas’s A FRIGHT TO REMEMBER is the first book in the new fangtastic middle grade book series inspired by Nickelodeon’s MONSTER HIGH show!


    It’s Latine/x Heritage Month and #HispanicHeritageMonth 🎊 Celebrate with us as we highlight new 2023 releases by Latine creators and books now available in Spanish throughout the month.

    Today we’re thrilled to showcase some of our fabulous middle grade and young adult books published this year! These new titles join the #mglit shelves with some of FCL’s backlist favorites, THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK, CONFETTI GIRL, THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF NESTOR LOPEZ, THEY CALL ME GÜERO, GABY LOST AND FOUND & many more.

    What books are you reading to celebrate? Visit our Full Circle Lit Bookshop for more great book recommendations 🎊



  8. Summer is in full swing and so is summertime reading! Whether you’re planning to spend this summer on a road trip or keeping cool in the water, we have some great recommended reads for all ages. This Recommended Summer Reading list includes backlist favorites as well as exciting new 2023 releases. 

    New Releases for Summer Reading!


  9.  This National Poetry Month, Discover Your Gateway Poetry Read!



    April is National Poetry Month, our chance to be reminded of the power of poetry. 

    Before you tell me that you’re “not a poetry reader” or “don’t know poetry”, I’m going to tell you I’ve said the same thing! But over the years I’ve learned that anyone can become a self-identified poetry lover once they discover that gateway books that opens their eyes to the power of poetry as literature. 

    For me, Harold Green III’s BLACK ROSES: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women and BLACK OAK: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Men (HarperDesign, illustrated by Melissa Koby) were two of my biggest gateway poetry reads. When I first met Harold, I was blown away by his way with words. One day I was an agent who didn’t represent poetry; the next, I couldn’t imagine letting anyone else bring these words to the shelves! 

    Harold’s poetry uses rhythm and turn of phrase to elevate biography to an even higher art form. BLACK ROSES and BLACK OAK were born from his video performances of odes to Black individuals making history. The way poetry allowed him to infuse those life stories with more personal energy captivated me. How could a poetry book leave me thinking for days? Had I misjudged poetry all this time?? His poems, which he describes as “flowers for the living”, completely expanded how I thought about the possibilities of poetry. 

    And I’m not the only one: pick up one of his books and watch some of his videos to understand why thousands up thousands of people share and repost his work. Harold’s poetry continues to stretch the bounds of what poetry can do— and where it can be sign. His words have adorned Nike stores in Chicago to Chicago Transit Authority; he has spoken at Mayoral inaugurations, and has been commissioned to fly across the country and deliver personalized odes. There’s more, but I’ll stop there. Let’s just say: he’s good, and he’s likely to change your mind, too.

    For me, his books are a beautiful example of how relevant poetry is to the lives we live today. Please join me in celebrating National Poetry Month, and reach out on Twitter and let me know some of your poetry discoveries this month, too!

    Harold Green III’s BLACK ROSES and BLACK OAK are available everywhere books are sold. Learn more about him at HaroldandtheBeard.com. See more FCL recommended books for National Poetry Month, here.

    For now, I leave you with his spectacular video ode to Colin Kaepernick, Colin’s Proposal. 

    Happy National Poetry Month!

    - Lilly 


  10. Every March, Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women in the past and all around us.  As a woman owned and operated literary agency, Full Circle Literary honors the many women who have paved the way and are an inspiration for generations to come! 

    Our Women’s History Month FCL Bookshop list is filled with many book recommendations, such as Monica Brown’s Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, illustrated by John Parra (NorthSouth Books). Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos honors the artist and her many animal muses. Mae Makes A Way illustrated by Andrea Pippins celebrates entrepreneur hat maker and activist Mae Reeves. Sing with Me/Canta Conmigo by Diana López is the story of beloved Selena Quintanilla. Child of the Flower Song People by Gloria Amescua is a lyrical biography of Luz Jimenez. Black Roses by Harold Green III shares poetic odes to powerful Black woman and Leading the Way by Theresa & Janet Howell highlights women political leaders. 

    On International Women's Day, we’re spotlighting award-winning author Monica Brown, author of more than 30 books for children. Monica’s books are inspired by her Peruvian and Jewish heritage and desire to bring diverse stories to children, including picture books My Name Is Celia/Me llamo Celia illustrated by Rafael López and Side By Side/ Lado a lado: The Story of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Her books have received multiple starred reviews, Pura Belpré Honors, Américas Award, NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor for Nonfiction, and The Christopher Award, among others. Monica is also an English professor at Northern Arizona University. 

    Celebrate International Women's Day with this Monica Brown video sharing her inspiration for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos!

Welcome!
Welcome!
Full Circle Literary is a full-service literary agency celebrating 11 years representing young adult, middle grade, picture books, nonfiction, and creative books for all. Our diverse experience in book publishing includes editorial, marketing, publicity, legal and rights, which we use to help build authors one step at a time.

We work with both adult and children's books writers, and our staff has a knack for discovering and developing new talent. Visit our website: www.fullcircleliterary.com and follow us on Twitter: @fullcirclelit.
TAKING FLIGHT: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina new in paperback January 19, 2016
TAKING FLIGHT: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina new in paperback January 19, 2016
TAKING FLIGHT: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina new in paperback January 19, 2016
“Michaela is nothing short of a miracle, born to be a ballerina. For every young brown, yellow, and purple dancer, she is an inspiration!” —Misty Copeland, world-renowned ballet dancer
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