Books About Latin America · 186 titles considered

The Best Latin America Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about latin america? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Latin America

The Most Beautiful Place in the World
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1988

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

By Ann Cameron

A young boy in Guatemala dreams of school but fears his grandmother's refusal.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (1989)
64 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 1,503 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the heart of Guatemala, seven-year-old Juan dreams of escaping his shoe-shining routine for the classroom. Abandoned by his mother, he lives with his grandmother, who holds the key to his future. As he gathers the courage to ask for her permission, Juan faces a surprising response that challenges him to stand up for himself. Will he find the strength to pursue his dreams amidst the harsh realities of his world? This poignant tale of hope and resilience unfolds with warmth and dignity, inviting readers to journey with Juan as he navigates his path to education.
Juana & Lucas
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2016

Juana & Lucas

By Juana Medina · Juana & Lucas series

A young girl navigates the challenges of learning a new language and growing up in Colombia

96 pages· 6,273 words· Est. 49 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 1,610 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Meet Juana, a spirited girl from Bogotá who adores her dog, Lucas, but struggles with English lessons. Why must she learn a language that seems so confusing? As Juana navigates school challenges and itchy uniforms, her journey is filled with humor and heart. Will she discover the value of embracing new languages and cultures? Dive into Juana's world, where every day is an adventure, and find out how she wins over hearts with her lively spirit and relatable dilemmas.
Forest World
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

Forest World

By Margarita Engle

A boy discovers a sister and a dangerous secret in Cuba.

208 pages· 18,347 words· Est. 2 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 393 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Edver, a Cuban-American boy, reluctantly visits Cuba and discovers a sister, Luza, he never knew. As they bond over a shared love for the jungle, their online prank attracts a poacher, threatening the land they cherish. Can they unite to protect their newfound home?
Shadow of a Bull
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1964

Shadow of a Bull

By Maia Wojciechowska

A young man must choose between his father's legacy and his own path, confronting fear and expectations.

Newbery Medal (1965)
160 pages· 31,158 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 5,307 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In the town of Arcangel, young Manolo faces immense pressure to follow in his late father's footsteps as a legendary bullfighter. Yet, he harbors a secret fear and lacks the passion for the sport. As the day of reckoning looms, Manolo grapples with a profound dilemma: should he embrace the dangerous legacy expected of him, or forge a new path that defies tradition? This journey of self-discovery challenges Manolo to redefine courage and confront the true meaning of destiny. Will he succumb to the weight of expectation, or will he find the strength to pursue his own dreams?
Día de los Muertos
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Día de los Muertos

By Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Carles Ballesteros (Illustrator)

Celebrate life and honor the departed with vibrant Day of the Dead traditions.

32 pages· 384 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join the children of a lively town as they prepare for Dia de Los Muertos, decorating altars with marigolds and sugar skulls. Experience the music-filled streets and learn about this rich cultural tradition. As the community honors their ancestors, discover the beauty and joy of celebrating life and memory. Will you join the parade and festivities?
Alma and How She Got Her Name
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Alma and How She Got Her Name

By Juana Martinez-Neal

A young girl learns the story behind her long name and the ancestors it represents.

Caldecott Honor (2019)Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2019)
32 pages· 361 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 6,067 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long. Seeking answers, she turns to her father and uncovers the rich histories of her ancestors—each name a story of love, adventure, and creativity. As Alma learns about her grandmother's passion for books, her great-grandmother's wanderlust, and her grandfather's artistry, she begins to see her name as a tapestry of her heritage. Will Alma embrace her name and the stories it holds, and what will her own story be? Discover a journey of identity and belonging in this heartwarming tale.
Ada's Violin
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ada's Violin

By Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Americas Award (2017)
40 pages· 1,265 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,158 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, young Ada Ríos dreams of playing the violin. With no money for instruments, hope seems lost until music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He crafts violins from trash, sparking a musical revolution. As the Recycled Orchestra gains global attention, Ada and her community discover the power of innovation and resilience. Can music truly change lives? Explore the journey of a girl, a visionary, and an orchestra that defies the odds.
Letters from Cuba
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2020

Letters from Cuba

By Ruth Behar

A young girl escapes Poland for Cuba, striving to reunite her family amidst rising dangers.

272 pages· 50,715 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,007 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On the brink of World War II, Esther flees Poland for Cuba, leaving her sister behind. In a new land, she discovers unexpected kindness and a hidden talent, but also faces the shadow of Nazism. Through heartfelt letters, Esther chronicles her journey, determined to reunite her family before time runs out. Can she bridge the distance and overcome the looming threats? This tale of resilience and hope explores the power of connection in the darkest times.
Little Frida
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Little Frida

By Anthony Browne

A young Frida Kahlo's imaginary friend transforms her pain into art.

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 203 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: After polio leaves young Frida Kahlo with a limp, her vivid imagination conjures a friend who dances without pain. This ethereal companion becomes a muse, inspiring Frida's future art. Journey with Frida as she navigates loneliness and dreams, finding solace in her creative world. Will this imaginary friend help her transcend her struggles and shape her destiny? Discover the early flights of fancy that foreshadow the iconic artist she is destined to become, beautifully illustrated in a style reminiscent of Kahlo's own work.
In Fear of the Spear
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016

In Fear of the Spear

By Marianne Hering · Book #17 in the The Imagination Station series

Lost in the Amazon, can Beth be found before it's too late?

144 pages· 10,827 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 177 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Patrick and Beth's adventure takes a perilous turn when Beth vanishes into the Amazon jungle. As Patrick and Eugene race to repair the Imagination Station, Beth encounters the mysterious Waodani people. Can Patrick reach her in time, and what secrets does the jungle hold? Dive into a thrilling journey of discovery and danger.
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Latin America Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about latin america for the youngest readers and listeners.

Brazil
Series
Sale price
$999

Brazil

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Explore Brazil's vibrant culture and language in a day of discovery.

Argentina
Series
Sale price
$999

Argentina

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Explore Argentina's vibrant daily life from dawn to dusk.

Vámonos a Antigua
Series
Sale price
$999

Vámonos a Antigua

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Explore Antigua's charm, volcanoes, and traditions in a bilingual journey.

Vámonos a Havana
Series
Sale price
$1099

Vámonos a Havana

Ages 0–5 · 2020

Explore Havana's vibrant culture through bilingual adventures.

Count with Me
Sale price
$999

Count with Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover numbers with vibrant animal illustrations inspired by Ye'kuana basket weaving.

Frida Catlo
Series
Sale price
$799

Frida Catlo

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Frida Catlo's art and resilience in a whimsical feline tale.

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Latin America Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about latin america for preschool and elementary-age readers.

I Am La Chiva!
Sale price
$1899

I Am La Chiva!

Ages 4–7 · 2024

A vibrant bus journeys through the Andes, celebrating Colombia's spirit.

Pele
#46 in Series
Sale price
$1599

Pele

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A boy with a rag ball dreams of World Cup glory.

Mother of Sharks
Sale price
$1999

Mother of Sharks

Ages 5–8 · 2023

A young girl discovers her destiny in the ocean's depths.

The Little House of Hope
Sale price
$1899

The Little House of Hope

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A small house becomes a haven for immigrant families seeking hope and community.

Run, Little Chaski!
Sale price
$999

Run, Little Chaski!

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A young messenger's kindness may cost him his mission. Will he make it in time?

Island
Sale price
$999

Island

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Discover the Galápagos: a land of unique creatures, born of fire, facing an uncertain future.

Digging for Words
Sale price
$1899

Digging for Words

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A garbage collector transforms discarded books into a community library.

Drum Dream Girl
Sale price
$1799

Drum Dream Girl

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A girl defies tradition to become a drummer in a music-filled world.

The Quest for Z
Sale price
$1799

The Quest for Z

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A daring explorer seeks a legendary city in the Amazon jungle.

Ode to an Onion
Sale price
$1795

Ode to an Onion

Ages 3–7 · 2018

A poet finds unexpected joy in an onion's layers of life.

Bravo!
Sale price
$1999

Bravo!

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover the inspiring stories of Latinos who shaped history through diverse talents and backgrounds.

My Day with the Panye
Sale price
$1899

My Day with the Panye

Ages 5–9 · 2021

A young girl struggles to master the art of carrying a basket to market, discovering family tradition and self-discovery.

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Latin America Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about latin america for developing and independent readers.

A Little Book of Sloth
Sale price
$1899

A Little Book of Sloth

Ages 5–+ · 2013

Discover the charming world of baby sloths at a Costa Rican sanctuary.

My Sweet Orange Tree
Sale price
$1799

My Sweet Orange Tree

Ages 14–+ · 1968

A misunderstood boy finds solace in a magical tree and a new friendship, facing tenderness and sorrow.

Miss Quinces
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Miss Quinces

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A surprise quinceañera threatens Sue's summer plans. Can she escape tradition?

The Wind Rises
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

The Wind Rises

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A girl seeks her lost brother amid the perils of the slave trade, while a thief hunts treasure on a ship.

Luciana
#3 in Series
Sale price
$799

Luciana

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A desert trip tests trust and reveals hidden truths.

What Is the Panama Canal?
Series
Sale price
$799

What Is the Panama Canal?

Ages 8–12 · 2014

The construction of the Panama Canal is a story of human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

View all latin america chapter books
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Books about family historyBooks about cultureBooks about family lifeBooks about namesBooks about povertyBooks about school and educationBooks about self-esteem and self-reliance