In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we gathered just a few of the most meaningful books written by Latinx authors we’ve read in our lifetimes. This is an ideal time to pick up a new-to-you book and explore the varied, complex experiences of Latinx authors and the characters they’ve brought to life in these stories.
Ruben’s Personalized Recommendations:
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
A powerful fictional narrative about three teens leaving home to seek a better life in the United States that brought out so many emotions and a new sense of empathy for immigrants.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
A charming, coming-of-age story about two Mexican American boys that develop a friendship that alters their lives forever. This is the first novel I read where I saw myself represented in a book.
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
A poignant novel about a gay teenage boy, whose life has been rough, but everything can change for the better with a new memory-alteration procedure. For me, this novel perfectly captures the struggles queer people face towards self-acceptance.
Nathaly’s Personalized Recommendations:
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
This book gave me the opportunity to identify with a character that is Puerto Rican, queer and radically feminist in a world where even our idols have their flaws.
The Aguero Sisters by Cristina García
With twists and turns out of a novella, this book is brimming with magical realism and vivid imagery that brings you into the lives of the Aguero sisters with plenty of mystery to spare.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Through love and with integrity, Emoni finds that the last thing she should sacrifice is herself; Priorities do not cancel out dreams, even With the Fire on High.
