There are so many benefits to reading to children and it is never too early to start. Even when your kids can’t understand all the words you read to them, they love the sound of your voice and the time spent together is a great way to bond. As they get older, reading is a fun way to share culture and sociopolitical issues that matter to you with them in an age-appropriate way. Sadly, it’s still not all that easy to find books for kids that represent us all. For example, Afro-Latino children’s books just aren’t as easy to find as books about white kids.
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That has a lot to do with the publishing industry and what it thinks will be marketable and profitable. Someday soon, hopefully, publishers will realize that they need to publish more Afro-Latino children’s books and market them to everyone because they aren’t just for Afro-Latino kids. Yes, Afro-Latino kids need to see themselves represented, but let's not forget that all kids need to see that representation. OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now and get to the part where I share some wonderful Afro-Latino children’s book titles with you. If you don’t have the funds to buy these books, look for them at your local public library. If they don’t have them there, ask the librarians if they can get them for you or have them sent from another library.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, MamásLatinas may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
'If Dominican Were a Color' was written by Sili Recio and illustrated by Brianna McCarthy.
$14
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Recommended for children ages preschool to third grade, this wonderful book celebrates the joy of being Dominican and beautifully describes what Dominican would be if it were a color with words like:
If Dominican were a color, it would be the sunset in the sky, blazing red and burning bright.
If Dominican were a color, it’d be the roar of the ocean in the deep of the night,
With the moon beaming down rays of sheer delight.
'Bad Hair Does Not Exist!¡Pelo Malo No Existe!' was written by Sulma Arzu-Brown and illustrated by Isidra Sabio.
Great for anyone 3 to 99 years old, this book calls out the bullying and nonsense associated with deeming some hair good and some hair bad. All hair is good hair because there is no such thing as pelo malo. There never has been and the sooner we teach our children this, the better.
'Sulwe' was written by Lupita Nyong’o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison.
Written by the Oscar-winning Kenyan-Mexican actor Lupita Nyong'o, this book is recommended for children ages 3 to 7 years old. It deals with colorism as the title character tries to figure out why she is the color of midnight.
'Stella’s Stellar Hair' was written and illustrated by Yesenia Moises.
This fun book about natural hair is recommended for children in first and second grades. The author explains: "This fantastical reenvisioning of the solar system came about after my own experiences with learning to love my natural hair."
'Drum Dream Girl' was written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López.
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke the taboo against female drummers in Cuba, this book is recommended for children in first through fourth grades.
'My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia' was written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Rafael López.
This book about the one and only Celia Cruz, aka the Queen of Salsa, is recommended for second to fourth graders. It's also perfect for parents trying to raise bilingual children as it is in both English and Spanish.
'Boogie Boogie Y’All' was written and illustrated by C.G. Esperanza.
This book recommended for kids up to third grade celebrates the colorful street art of Boogie Down Bronx. “C.G. Esperanza’s joyous picture book, the graffiti, sounds and scenes of the Bronx are a feast for the eyes and ears," says NPR Books.
'I Am Enough' was written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo.
This #1 New York Times bestseller is recommended for children 4 to 8 years old. Publishers Weekly describes it as "an ode to self-confidence and kindness from actor and activist Grace Byers, this picture book depicts girls of diverse body shapes and skin tones."
'Amarita’s Way' was written by Amara La Negra and illustrated by Heddrick McBride.
Written by singer Amara La Negra, this book is recommended for children 4 to 8 years old. The book contains three stories that are meant to empower and motivate. Amarita is an example of someone who doesn't let obstacles stop her.
'A Song for Bijou' was written by Josh Farrar.
This book is for children 8 to 12 years old and is told from alternating perspectives. It's a sweet love story between Alex, who goes to an all-boys prep school, and Bijou. Bijou recently moved to the Bronx from Haiti.
'Grandma’s Records' was written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez.
This story about a boy named Eric and his grandmother is recommended for children 5 to 8 years old. One enthusiastic reviewer wrote: "This is a beautiful book—the story and the illustrations will truly touch your heart as they did mine. I am in my thirties and just happened to see this book when passing through the children's section of the library. I had to have this! Eric Velasquez passes on the special gift of remembrance of the close bond that he shared with his abuela."
'Capoeira: Game! Dance! Martial Art!' was written by George Ancona.
Recommended for children ages 7 to 13 years old, this book is an ode to capoeira. Follow a group of kids at Mandiga Academy in Oakland, California, as they learn, practice, and even travel to Brazil—the birthplace of capoeira.
'Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella' was written by Robert D. San Souci and illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
Recommended for children 5 to 10 years old, this tale is adapted from a Creole story and has the familiar romance and magic of Cinderella. One fan wrote: "My kids and I love this story, a Caribbean version of the classic Cinderella tale. The art is gorgeous and lively, as is the storytelling."
'Julián at the Wedding' was written and illustrated by Jessica Love.
This joyful story about friendship and individuality is recommended for children 4 to 8 years old. One reviewer shared: "We love this book. The message is so sweet in this book. Julian is a caring, thoughtful, and very imaginative child. While this book normalizes LGBTQ love, to me the main message in this book is how children use their imagination, while showing love and empathy to others."
'Eight Days: A Story of Haiti' was written by Edwidge Danticat and illustrated by Alix Delinois.
Recommended for children 4 to 7 years old, this story focuses on a child who survived the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Seven-year-old Junior is rescued from the rubble that used to be his home. When he gets asked if he was scared, her responds, “I missed Manman and Papa … in my mind, I played.”
