Books About Puerto Rican Culture

The Best Puerto Rican Culture Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about puerto rican culture? 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 8 Favorite Books About Puerto Rican Culture

With the Fire on High
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2019

With the Fire on High

By Elizabeth Acevedo

A young mother finds magic in cooking, but can she turn her culinary dreams into reality?

Golden Kite Honor (2020)
392 pages· 72,363 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 91,068 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Emoni Santiago juggles motherhood and school, finding solace in her magical cooking. Her dream of becoming a chef seems impossible, but the kitchen is where her true self emerges. As she navigates life's challenges, will Emoni dare to pursue her passion and defy the odds? Discover the journey of a young woman whose culinary creations might just change her destiny.
Planting Stories
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Planting Stories

By Anika Aldamuy Denise, Paola Escobar (Illustrator)

A young Puerto Rican woman travels to New York City and becomes a storyteller and puppeteer at a public library, sharing her abuela's folktales with children and families.

Pura Belpré Award Finalist (2020)Orbis Pictus Honor (2020)
32 pages· 606 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.1/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,226 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1921, Pura Belpré arrives in New York, carrying Puerto Rican folktales. As the city's first Puerto Rican librarian, she transforms these cuentos into books, spreading a legacy of bilingual storytelling. Her tales, once seeds, now bloom across generations, inspiring children and storytellers alike. Discover how one woman's passion for stories reshaped a community and left an enduring mark on literature. What legacy will her stories inspire next?
Grandma's Gift
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2010

Grandma's Gift

By Eric Velasquez

A boy's museum visit sparks dreams of artistry, guided by his grandmother's love.

32 pages· 1,216 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 420 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Young Eric's Christmas with his grandmother becomes transformative when a museum visit ignites his passion for art. Inspired by a painting, he dreams of becoming an artist. Grandma, recognizing his newfound ambition, gifts him paints, setting him on his creative journey. This heartwarming tale explores the powerful bond between grandparent and grandchild, celebrating the magic of self-discovery and the nurturing of dreams.
My Name Is Maria Isabel
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1993

My Name Is Maria Isabel

By Alma Flor Ada, K. Dyble Thompson (Illustrator)

A new student must fight to keep her true name and identity in a multicultural classroom.

57 pages· 7,205 words· Est. 1 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 930 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: María Isabel Salazar López faces a challenge when her teacher insists on calling her 'Mary' to avoid confusion with other students. Named after her beloved grandmother, María Isabel feels her identity slipping away. Can she convince her teacher that her name is more than just a label, but a vital part of who she is? As she navigates the complexities of cultural identity and belonging, María Isabel must find her voice and assert the importance of her heritage. Will she succeed in making her teacher understand the significance of her name?
The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2012

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano

By Sonia Manzano

Secrets and protests ignite change in 1969 Spanish Harlem.

Americas Award (2013)
224 pages· 38,318 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 1,508 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In 1969 Spanish Harlem, Evelyn Serrano hides her true feelings about her neighborhood and her bold grandmother, Abuela. When the Young Lords' protest erupts, Abuela takes charge, thrusting Evelyn into a whirlwind of activism. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Evelyn discovers profound truths about her heritage and the power of community. Will she embrace her roots or remain silent? This gripping tale, infused with historical events, captures a pivotal moment when young Latinos fought for their future.
The Trouble with Sunshine
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2025

The Trouble with Sunshine

By Yamile Saied Méndez

Grief-stricken Dori finds her voice and courage in a new town, challenging unfair rules.

272 pages· 45,427 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 167 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: After losing her mother, Dorani moves to Wyoming, burdened by grief and guilt. She bonds with a troubled horse, Sunshine, and discovers her mother's spirit within her. As she confronts unfair school rules, Dorani must decide if she can stand up for justice, just as her mother would have. Can she find her voice and bring change, or will fear hold her back?
Who Is Lin-Manuel Miranda?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · 2024

Who Is Lin-Manuel Miranda?

By Elijah Rey-David Matos, Who HQ, David Malan (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Discover Lin-Manuel Miranda's journey from college musicals to Broadway fame.

112 pages· 7,826 words
4.1 Goodreads · 136 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Explore Lin-Manuel Miranda's rise from a theater-loving child in New York to a Broadway sensation. From creating 'In the Heights' in college to the groundbreaking 'Hamilton,' his story is one of relentless creativity and success. With contributions to 'Moana,' 'Encanto,' and more, his accolades include a Pulitzer, Grammys, Tonys, and Emmys. What drives this unstoppable force in the arts?
The Story of Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2022

The Story of Lin-Manuel Miranda

By Frank Berrios · The Story of Biographies series

A biography of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, from his childhood in New York City to his rise to fame

64 pages· 4,438 words· Est. 50 min read
4.5 Goodreads · 47 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Follow Lin-Manuel Miranda from a music-loving boy in New York City to a Broadway sensation. Discover how his creativity and determination led to groundbreaking success with Hamilton. How did his journey reshape the performing arts and inspire countless others? Dive into his story and explore the impact of his artistic vision and activism.
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