Books About Mexican Americans (Chicanos) · 143 titles considered

The Best Mexican Americans (Chicanos) Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about mexican americans (chicanos)? 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 Mexican Americans (Chicanos)

The House on Mango Street
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1984

The House on Mango Street

By Sandra Cisneros

A young girl navigates harsh realities and dreams of escape in a Chicago neighborhood.

110 pages· 18,014 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.7 Goodreads · 250,905 ratings
$12.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl in Chicago, dreams of escaping her run-down neighborhood and defying low expectations. Through vivid vignettes, she explores identity, hope, and self-discovery. Will she find her place in a world of harsh beauty and harsh realities? Discover her journey of empowerment and resilience in this coming-of-age classic.
Love, Amalia
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Love, Amalia

By Alma Flor Ada, Gabriel M. Zubizarreta

A girl navigates loss and discovers her heritage's power to heal.

127 pages· 21,203 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.6/5 Goodreads · 354 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amalia faces the heartache of her best friend moving away and the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother. Through cherished memories and cultural traditions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can Amalia find strength in her heritage to overcome her sorrow and realize her own worth, even when those she loves are far away? This poignant story explores the resilience found in family bonds and cultural roots.
Cinderella
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2016

Cinderella

By Chloe Perkins, Sandra Equihua (Illustrator) · Once Upon a World series

Cinderella's tale unfolds in Mexico with a magical twist.

24 pages
5.6/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 307 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: In a vibrant Mexican setting, Cinderella faces her stepmother's cruelty with the help of a fairy godmother. Will a glass slipper change her fate? Discover a multicultural twist on a classic.
Día de los Muertos
Sale price
$858
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2018

Día de los Muertos

By Hannah Eliot, Jorge Gutierrez (Illustrator) · Celebrate the World series

Discover the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, honoring ancestors and celebrating life's cycle.

24 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 308 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Explore the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos, a celebration honoring ancestors and loved ones. With colorful illustrations, this board book reveals the beauty of sugar skulls and papel picado, capturing the essence of this life-affirming holiday. How do these customs connect us to the past and celebrate the cycle of life? Dive into a world where remembrance and festivity intertwine, offering a unique glimpse into a cherished cultural tradition.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 13–+ · 2022

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School

By Sonora Reyes

A queer teen hides her identity at a new Catholic school, but love complicates her plans.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2022)
385 pages· 101,040 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 32,833 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Yamilet Flores, a queer Mexican American teen, starts fresh at a wealthy Catholic school, determined to keep her sexuality a secret. Her priorities: protect her brother, please her mom, and avoid love. But when she meets Bo, the school's only openly queer girl, Yami's resolve wavers. As she navigates the challenges of fitting in and staying true to herself, Yami must decide if hiding is worth the cost. Will she risk everything for a chance at love, or will fear keep her silent? Discover the heartaches and triumphs of living authentically in this poignant tale.
Abuelita's Gift
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Abuelita's Gift

By Mariana Ríos Ramírez, Sara Palacios (Illustrator)

A girl seeks the perfect gift for her grandmother's spirit on Día de Muertos, discovering true tributes come from the heart.

40 pages
4.5 Goodreads · 227 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Julieta eagerly awaits her Abuelita's spirit on Día de Muertos, determined to find the perfect gift to honor her. As her ideas falter, Julieta worries she won't succeed. Through cherished memories, she discovers that the most heartfelt tributes come from within. This touching tale explores the bonds of family, life, and the enduring connections that transcend time.
A Seed in the Sun
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Seed in the Sun

By Aida Salazar

A young girl must choose between her dreams and joining a pivotal workers' rights protest.

272 pages· 29,609 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 890 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Lula dreams of leading a circus, but life on a California farm is harsh. With her mother's illness and her father's temper, her dreams seem distant. Meeting activist Dolores Huerta changes everything. As farmworkers strike for better conditions, Lula faces a choice: stay silent or join the fight that could alter her family's future. Will she find her voice in the struggle for justice?
Growing an Artist
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Growing an Artist

By John Parra

A boy's first day helping his father reveals the beauty in hard work and creativity.

Americas Award (2023)
40 pages· 789 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 313 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Juanito joins his father, a landscape architect, for a day of transforming chaotic yards into beauty. As he sketches birds and plants, he learns about pride in hard work. Will Juanito's artistic eye lead him to follow in his father's footsteps?
Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza

By Laekan Zea Kemp · Omega Morales series

A girl confronts a legendary witch, unlocking hidden powers and self-trust.

336 pages· 66,022 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 190 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Omega Morales feels like an outsider in her magical family of Empaths. When the legendary witch La Lechuza appears, Omega, her ghostly friend Clau, and cousin Carlitos must unravel its mystery. As her powers shift, Omega faces a choice: trust others or herself. Can she embrace her true potential before it's too late?
Mexikid
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2023

Mexikid

By Pedro Martín

A boy's road trip to Mexico reveals family secrets and self-discovery.

Newbery Honor (2024)Americas Award (2024)Odyssey Honor (2024)
316 pages· 24,194 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 7,685 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Pedro embarks on a road trip to Mexico with his large family to bring his legendary grandfather, Abuelito, home. Amidst laughter and challenges, Pedro discovers hidden family stories and learns what it means to grow up. Will this journey help him find his own voice and connect with his roots?
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Mexican Americans (Chicanos) Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about mexican americans (chicanos) for the youngest readers and listeners.

Día de Los Muertos
Sale price
$799

Día de Los Muertos

Ages 1–4 · 2022

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with dancing, counting, and playful puppets.

My Party, Mi Fiesta
Series
Sale price
$999

My Party, Mi Fiesta

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Join a bilingual fiesta with Coco Rocho, where fun and language collide.

My Nap, Mi Siesta
Series
Sale price
$799

My Nap, Mi Siesta

Ages 0–4 · 2022

Discover the perfect siesta spots with Coco Rocho in a bilingual adventure.

Color Fiesta!
Series
Sale price
$699

Color Fiesta!

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover colors with Dora in English and Spanish.

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Mexican Americans (Chicanos) Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about mexican americans (chicanos) for preschool and elementary-age readers.

My Two Border Towns
Sale price
$1799

My Two Border Towns

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy's journey across the border reveals the heart of community care.

Between Us and Abuela
Sale price
$1899

Between Us and Abuela

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A Christmas visit to the border leads to a creative solution for a heartfelt gift exchange.

The Yellow Handkerchief
Sale price
$1899

The Yellow Handkerchief

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl learns to embrace her heritage through her abuela's yellow handkerchief.

The Princess and the Warrior
Sale price
$1999

The Princess and the Warrior

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A warrior's love faces a deadly challenge and a deceitful enemy. Will love conquer all or end in eternal slumber?

Side by Side/Lado a Lado
Sale price
$1799

Side by Side/Lado a Lado

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Farmworkers unite to fight for their rights, changing history forever.

What Will You Be?
Sale price
$1799

What Will You Be?

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A girl explores limitless futures with her grandmother's guidance.

Paletero Man
Sale price
$1799

Paletero Man

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young boy searches for his friend Paletero José to buy a cool treat on a hot day.

Soldier for Equality
Sale price
$1999

Soldier for Equality

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A soldier battles prejudice and fights for civil rights after World War I.

El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!
Sale price
$1899

El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy and his monster face fears together, finding unexpected friendship.

My Very Own Room
Sale price
$1095

My Very Own Room

Ages 5–8 · 2000

A young girl seeks her own space amidst a bustling family home.

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Mexican Americans (Chicanos) Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about mexican americans (chicanos) for developing and independent readers.

Invisible
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Invisible

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Five students must unite for community service, revealing secrets and unexpected bonds.

A Sprinkle of Spirits
Series
Sale price
$799

A Sprinkle of Spirits

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Spirits rise, chaos ensues. Can Leo fix the magic gone awry before it's too late?

The Last Cuentista
Series
Sale price
$1899

The Last Cuentista

Ages 10–14 · 2021

A girl awakens on a new planet, the sole keeper of Earth's forgotten stories. Can she revive humanity's past?

Santiago's Road Home
Sale price
$1799

Santiago's Road Home

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A boy's journey to the U.S. tests trust and survival.

Tumble
Sale price
$1799

Tumble

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A girl uncovers her family's wrestling legacy while grappling with adoption and identity.

What the Moon Saw
Sale price
$899

What the Moon Saw

Ages 8–12 · 2006

A girl discovers her roots in a mystical Mexican village, challenging her identity.

Calling the Doves
Sale price
$1195

Calling the Doves

Ages 7–10 · 2001

A poet's journey from migrant fields to finding his voice.

They Call Me Güero
Sale price
$899

They Call Me Güero

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy navigates seventh grade and border life through poetry.

Bouncing Back
Sale price
$1699

Bouncing Back

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A young athlete must save his wheelchair basketball team's gym from a corrupt mayor's plans.

Sunlight and Shadows
Series
Sale price
$799

Sunlight and Shadows

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A storm threatens a ranch. Can Josefina embrace change and save her family's future?

The Circuit
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1695

The Circuit

Ages 10–13 · 1996

A family's journey through hardship and hope in search of a better life.

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