Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Speak Up, Santiago!
by Julio Anta & Gabi Mendez
Santi is excited to spend the summer in Hillside Valley, meeting the local kids, eating his Abuela’s delicious food, exploring! There’s just one problem–Santi doesn’t speak Spanish that well and it feels like everyone he meets in Hillside does. There’s Sol (she’s a soccer player who really loves books), Willie, (the artist), Alejandro (Santi’s unofficial tour guide!), and Nico (Alejandro’s brother and blue belt in karate). In between all of their adventures in Hillside, Santi can’t help but worry about his Spanish-what if he can’t keep up?! Does that mean he’s not Colombian enough? Will Santi find his confidence and his voice? Or will his worries cost him his new friendships…and the chance to play in HIlliside’s summer soccer tournament?!
A Bad Buzz Day
by Raúl the Third
A fun and zany early graphic novel series starring a crew of scissors-wielding hairdressers who must save the city from evildoers bent on tonsorial destruction.
Night, Night, Sweet Screams
by Andres Meidoso
Desmond and Andres battle Andres’ nightmares come to life.
Monster Locker, Vol. 1
by Jorge Aguirre & Andrés Vera Martínez
Pablo Ortiz is an anxious sixth-grader who had absolutely no idea his locker was a portal to the monster realm, and absolutely no desire to be the hero called to defeat the Aztec goddess who has come through it. Good thing he has new friends schooled in fighting and an abuela who has the wisdom and weapons to give him in order to be successful.
Aniana del Mar Jumps In
by Jasminne Mendez
A novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American girl who must keep her love of swimming a secret from her mother, is diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, and is forced to reimagine the person she is to become.
Merci Suárez Plays It Cool
by Meg Medina
For Merci Suarez, eighth grade means a new haircut, nighttime football games, and an out-of-town overnight field trip. At home, it means more chores and keeping an eye on Lolo as his health worsens. It’s a year filled with more responsibility and independence, but also with opportunities to reinvent herself.
Frizzy
by Claribel A. Ortega
Marlene loves three things: art, her cool tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend, Camilla. But according to her mother, Paola, the only things she needs to focus on are school and growing up. That means straightening her hair every weekend so she can have “presentable,” “good” hair. But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tía Ruby–she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.
Maribel Versus the Volcano: A Mount St. Helens Survival Story
by Sarah Hannah Gómez
Twelve-year-old Maribel daydreams at school, but when she defies evacuation orders to return home just as Mount St. Helens erupts in 1980, she must focus in order to survive. Includes historical note, glossary, and discussion questions.
Lotería
by Karla Arenas Valenti
In Oaxaca City, Mexico, ancient friends Life and Death discuss free will while engaged in a game of chance, with eleven-year-old Clara as the protagonist of their theories and a pawn in their game, moving inevitably towards her ultimate fate. Includes author’s notes and reader’s guide.
Stella Díaz Dreams Big
by Angela Dominguez
Stella is happy as a clam in fourth grade. She’s the president of the Sea Musketeers conservation club, she starts taking swim lessons, and she joins a new art club at school. But as her schedule fills up, school gets harder, too. Suddenly the tides have turned, and she is way too busy!
Lety Out Loud
by Angela Cervantes
Can Lety find her voice before it’s too late? Lety Muñoz’s first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care if she can’t always find the right word. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles–so now they have to work as a team. Hunter’s not much of a team player, though. He devises a secret competition to decide who will be the official shelter scribe. Whoever helps get their animals adopted the fastest wins. The loser scoops dog food. Lety reluctantly agrees, but she’s worried that if the shelter finds out about the contest, they’ll kick her out of the volunteer program. Then she’ll never be able to adopt Spike, her favorite dog at the shelter!
ChupaCarter and the Haunted Piñata
by George Lopez with Ryan Calejo
Jorge teams up with his friends Liza, Ernie, and Carter, the fearsome but friendly chupacabra, to solve the mystery behind an old legend about an evil piñata possessed by a ghost.
Catalina Incognito
by Jennifer Torres
Eight-year-old Catalina Castañeda uses Tía Abuela’s sewing kit to turn ordinary clothing into a magical disguise, enabling her to uncover a thief at the local library.
Each Tiny Spark
by Pablo Cartaya
Sixth-grader Emilia Torres struggles with ADHD, her controlling abuela, her mother’s work commitments, her father’s distance after returning from deployment, evolving friendships, and a conflict over school redistricting.
Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows
by Ryan Calejo
Steeped in Hispanic folklore since childhood, middle schooler Charlie Hernández learns the stories are true when, shortly after his parents disappearance, he grows horns and feathers and finds himself at the heart of a battle to save the world.