Evocative Books by Afro-Latine Authors To Read With Your Child

Discover a vibrant and diverse collection of children’s books by Afro-Latine authors. Whether you’re looking for gorgeous picture books with poignant messages or middle grade novels about kids finding their place, our hand-picked selection showcases the rich voices and talents of Afro-Latine storytellers.

Octopus Stew

by Eric Velasquez

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Dinner turns dangerous in this unique picture book that tells two stories in one. When Abuela gets captured by the octopus she was cooking, Ramsey must save her from the tentacled villain. Fold-out pages show the story’s events as a tall tale while folding them in shows it happening in real life. Kids will love reading both versions of this exciting book.
(Ages 4 - 8)

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Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa

by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Julie Maren

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Introduce your kids to Celia Cruz, the world-renowned salsa singer. This picture book biography celebrates her vibrant personality and passion for salsa music that touched millions of fans. The stunning artwork and captivating narrative will have you pressing play on a Celia-inspired playlist when you’ve finished reading.
(Ages 5 - 8)

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Mama’s Nightingale

by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Leslie Staub

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Immigration, family, and the power of stories combine in this book’s heartfelt and moving narrative. It tackles heavy themes, such as parental incarceration and family separation, in a way children can understand.
(Ages 5 - 8)

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Freedom Soup

by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

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Food, freedom, and family make this rollicking picture book a delight to read. A little girl and her grandmother sing and dance as they make a traditional Haitian soup together. As they cook, the grandmother tells the girl about the Haitian Revolution and their family’s history. It’s the perfect story for young foodies!
(Ages 5 - 9)

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Flora la Fresca & the Art of Friendship

by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Sujean Rim

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This heartwarming story follows Flora, a Panamanian American girl, as she navigates the ups and downs of friendship and family. Between her best friend moving away and her sister’s all-consuming quince preparations, readers can't help but relate to Flora and her experiences.
(Ages 8 - 12)

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Hands

by Torrey Maldonado

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This deeply moving story will captivate tweens and teens from cover to cover. It’s about a boy named Trev who must decide what kind of man he wants to become. To protect his family from his abusive stepfather, Trev takes up boxing. But when his talent for art opens an alternative path for protecting his family, Trev must decide whether to fight against an immediate threat or work toward a better future.
(Ages 10+)

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Undercover Latina

by Aya de León

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Spy and heist fans will love this young adult novel about a Latina who goes undercover to infiltrate the world of white supremacists. An unexpected crush and the pressure of pretending to be someone else complicates the job. It will take all of Andréa’s smarts not to blow her cover before she can expose the white supremacists’ plans.
(Young Adult)

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