Latine Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. Here are some recently published books, from bilingual board books and middle grade titles to Spanish-language picture book biographies and graphic novel memoirs.

¡Viva Valenzuela!: Fernandomania Erupts in Los Angeles by Nathalie Alonso. illus. by John Parra. Astra/Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781662680274. 
Gr 2-5–It’s April 9, 1981. On the mound for the L.A. Dodgers is 20-year-old Fernando Valenzuela, the first rookie pitcher to start opening day for the club. A southpaw with a mean screwball, he not only shuts out the Astros but will go on to win his first eight starts. Short, squat, with long hair, the youngest of 12 children from a farming family in northern Mexico, he seemed an unlikely candidate for the “Fernandomania” that erupted. He excited wild fandom not only among Mexican Americans in L.A., who had felt segregated from baseball, perceived as a white man’s game, but became a hero across Mexico for fans who started listening to games on the radio. VERDICT Beautifully presented, written with deep admiration, recommended for elementary libraries, especially where baseball is popular.

Niña del pueblo de floricanto: Luz Jiménez, hija de los nahuas by Gloria Amescua. illus. by Duncan Tonatiuh. Abrams. tr. from English by David Bowles. ISBN 9781419768576.
K-Gr 3–This Spanish-language picture book biography brings to light the inspirational life of Luz Jiménez and the impact she made. As a young girl in Milpa Alta, Mexico, Jiménez learned how to weave with her mother, loving stories that were passed down about Nahua culture. She modeled for artists who wanted to portray and honor Indigenous peoples through paintings and photographs. Through her work, Jiménez was able to provide firsthand accounts and teachings of the Nahua culture and language, as well as have a profound effect in art. The stunning artwork brings the subject to life, depicting her love for her culture as well as struggles and disappointments. The text reflects her bright spirit, along with the reality of the discrimination Indigenous peoples face as well as the harsh changes brought by the Mexican Revolution. VERDICT This Spanish-language biography brings to light the incredible life and contributions of Luz Jiménez and is highly recommended for all Spanish children’s collections.

Frida Kahlo y su corona de flores by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez. illus. by Loris Lora. PRH Grupo Editorial. tr. from English by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez. ISBN 9798890983985.
Gr 2-6–This Spanish-language edition of Frida Kahlo’s Flower Crown about Frida Kahlo and her love of nature is a wonderful way to introduce children to this artist. The lyrical writing includes lists of plants and animals, which is helpful for children learning new words but also offers a unique access point to Kahlo’s story. The illustrations help to bring the text to life and allow readers to see the world through the subject’s eyes. VERDICT This lovely homage to the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and nature is a must-buy for all Spanish-language picture book biography collections.

What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria by Kyle Casey Chu & Andrew W. Shaffer. illus. by Cindy Lozito. Abrams. ISBN 9781419780806. 
Gr 4-6–This book presents a fairy tale of a story that happens to be true, complemented by illustrations that distance readers from some of the darker aspects of its subject’s journey while still telling a complete story of a civil rights hero. José Sarria was a pioneering activist and drag queen who would become and the first out gay candidate for public office in the United States, and it all started with his childhood dream of a world where there was dignity and justice for all people. Born in San Francisco in 1922 to Colombian immigrant parents, Sarria grew up with strong family support and a belief that everyone deserved respect. As a young man, he served in World War II, helping to liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Upon returning home, he embraced his identity as a performer and activist, becoming a celebrated drag queen who performed at San Francisco’s Black Cat Café, a vibrant center for artists, dissidents, and LGBTQIA+ pioneers. VERDICT Conveying Sarria’s enduring message and honoring the struggle for civil rights, this book is a worthy addition to biography collections.

La distancia entre nosotros: Version juvenil by Reyna Grande. S. & S./Aladdin. tr. from English by Raúl Silva de la Mora, Alicia Reardon & Reyna Grande. ISBN 9798347102655. 
Gr 5-10–A resonant translation of the young readers edition of Grande’s adult memoir focuses on her childhood experiences as an immigrant with a fractured family. Tween and teen readers will find young Reyna’s challenges relatable as Grande recounts the circumstances that forced her family to move often. Traumatic experiences once buried are unearthed chapter by chapter as Grande looks back at how her migration history made her the person she is today. VERDICT This bold memoir is a strong choice for biography and nonfiction collections serving Spanish-speaking families.

Leyendas/Legends: 60 Latine People Who Changed the World by Mónica Mancillas. illus. by Isadora Zeferino. Chronicle. ISBN 9781797211985. 
Gr 8 Up–This compiled biography sheds light on a variety of little-known and big-name Latine legends. Sixty scientists, politicians, activists, artists, actors, musicians, athletes, and more are included from across the Latine diaspora. The age demographic of those featured skews older, which is to be expected, as legendary status tends to be acquired with age. The diversity of figures is sure to be appreciated by students or faculty researching Latine contributions. Mancillas summarizes each individual’s early experiences, what inspired their life’s path, and their most legendary achievements. VERDICT Recommended for high school libraries in need of a collective biography of prominent Latine figures to inspire further study.

Mexikid Dreams: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín. illus. by author. Dial. ISBN 9798217002481. 
Gr 5-8–The sequel to the widely honored Mexikid may be even better than the original. In this graphic memoir, Martín recounts his family losing their restaurant to an earthquake and becoming sharecroppers. The back-breaking labor and unforgiving conditions of strawberry fields in California make for long and arduous days for the Martín children and their parents, but when one of his older brothers gets a job elsewhere, Martín realizes that his father will allow him to stop picking fruit if he can find a viable career. When his music teacher suggests he plays the trombone, he sees an opportunity to change job paths. Realizing that his work is valuable to the entire family, Martín questions his own ambitions and must choose where his time should be spent. With arresting and vibrant art, readers follow the Martín family through trials and tribulations, and yet, despite the hardships, there’s always time for humor and levity. VERDICT Insightful, moving, hilarious—it’s simply a masterpiece. Every library should have one or more copies of this must-have.

Béisbol Begins: How Nemesio Guilló Brought Baseball to Cuba by Ramon Olivera. illus. by author. Lerner/Millbrook. ISBN 9798765649343. 
Gr 2-4–With some justice Olivera dubs baseball the “national sport of Cuba,” and looks back to profile a figure who may have done more than any other to popularize it there. Scion of a prosperous Havana family, Nemesio Guilló was sent in 1858 at age 11 to a private school in Mobile, Alabama, where over the next seven years he was not only exposed to a new language and culture but also to a then-new game called “baseball.” Returning with “un bate de bèisbol” in his luggage, Guilló recruited fellow “peloteros,” and by 1868 had formed a team good enough to beat visiting American sailors. VERDICT A significant addition to baseball’s early history.

Los inicios del béisbol: Cómo Nemesio Guilló llevó el béisbol a Cuba by Ramon Olivera. illus. by author. Lerner/Millbrook. tr. from English by Alberto Rojas Pinto. ISBN 9798348066642. 
Gr 3-5–The “Father of Cuban Baseball” Nemesio Guilló (c. 1847–date unknown) brought a baseball bat home to the Pearl of the Antilles in 1864 and established the first baseball club in Havana. This colorfully illustrated Spanish-language picture book biography offers readers a poignant glimpse into an island nation’s customs and history during Spanish colonial times. Guilló taught others to play baseball after studying in the US, and the sport caught on quickly. Alongside his older brother, Guilló ultimately made béisbol a household word in Cuba and a precious national pastime. VERDICT An informative and inspirational picture book biography for all Spanish-language nonfiction collections.

From the Fields to the Fight: How Jessica Govea Thorbourne Organized for Justice by Angela Quezada Padron. illus. by Sol Salinas. S. & S./Atheneum. ISBN 9781665946704. 
Gr 2-5–This spotlight on American labor organizer Jessica Govea Thorbourne (1947–2005) is a stirring picture book biography that traces a life shaped by injustice and sustained by collective action. Opening in California’s fields, the narrative follows Thorbourne from a young child laborer picking crops under harsh conditions alongside her family to a determined organizer who learns, listens, and leads. Encounters with César Chávez and the burgeoning United Farm Workers movement propel her into activism. Salinas’s illustrations, rendered in warm, earthy palettes that shift to cooler tones during moments of hardship, balance intimacy with scale. Some complexities of the labor movement are necessarily condensed, and this book was written before the recent news stories about Chávez and sexual abuse were published. VERDICT A compelling, accessible introduction to labor activism and an inspiring portrait of youth-driven change.

For the Love of Soccer!/¡Por amor al fútbol! by Pelé. illus. by Frank Morrison. Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316576444. 
PreS-Gr 1–The bilingual book, written by the great soccer player himself, opens with two parallel visuals: a young child receiving a soccer ball for his birthday and Pelé, the famous Brazilian soccer player. The book follows this same pattern, with Pelé’s journey from childhood to adulthood on the verso, while the young boy’s story unfolds on the recto. Throughout the story, there are various children with different brown skin tones and hairstyles. Pelé emphasizes his natural love for soccer, but also the importance of practice and teamwork. In a heartwarming conclusion, Pelé and the child meet, and Pelé signs the boy’s soccer ball. Morrison’s painterly illustrations are warm and filled with energy and motion, perfectly conveying the action and suspense of the sport. VERDICT This bilingual version is a strong addition for early elementary readers and bilingual collections.

Messi’s Magic: How Lionel Messi Became the G.O.A.T by Caroline L. Perry. illus. by Luciano Lozano. Scholastic. ISBN 9781546147534. 
PreS-Gr 3–Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi’s life gets the picture book treatment with special attention paid to his childhood. With a push from devoted Grandma Celia, Leo joins a soccer club with much older players at the tender age of four. School-age Messi was shy and the smallest in his class, but soccer allowed him to shine. Colorful illustrations capture Messi’s facial expressions and the joy soccer gives him. The obstacles young Messi must overcome to become the champion of today are sensitively portrayed, including the death of beloved Grandma Celia and a growth hormone deficiency for which his middle-class family can’t afford treatment. After years of hard work during his trial with the Barcelona football club as a teenager, he makes the first team and is shown with his signature move of dedicating his goals to his grandma Celia with two fingers pointed up to the sky. VERDICT At a time when Messi biographies are in abundance, this one stands out for its celebration of the phenom’s dedication and resilience in the face of childhood struggles.

The Life of/La vida de Valenzuela: A Bilingual Picture Book Biography by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein. illus. by Citlali Reyes. Lil’ Libros. ISBN 9781962227407. 
K-Gr 2–This brightly colored board book tells the story of baseball player Fernando Valenzuela’s (1960–2024) origins in a small farmer’s village to his baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and beyond. He signed with a local team but was later recruited for the Dodgers. The short book packs a lot of facts in its board pages, such as how his teammates learned how to speak Spanish to communicate with him, and how he became a voice on the radio and TV, covering the Dodgers in Spanish. Right before he died, the team retired his Number 34 jersey. Pride and admiration exude from the pages in this work for the youngest readers. Cheerful digital images in primary colors add joy to the work, perfect for catching the attention of little ones. VERDICT Add the latest volume of the publisher’s adorable board book biographies to collections lacking Latine representation.

Jenna Ortega by Heather E Schwartz. illus. by Luz Tapia. Random/Little Golden Bks. ISBN 9798217120543. 
PreS-Gr 3–“I’m a proud Latina.” That declaration anchors this biography of Ortega, positioning identity not as backdrop but as foundation. Schwartz frames Ortega’s story through family, heritage, and early self-assurance, beginning in California’s Coachella Valley with birthdays, piñatas, and homemade Hispanic treats. From the outset, cultural pride and performance exist side by side. The narrative emphasizes resolve. Advocacy threads through the middle chapters, highlighting Ortega’s work with DoSomething.org’s Pride Over Prejudice campaign and UNAIDS, expanding the portrait beyond career milestones. Tapia’s illustrations balance warmth and drama. Family scenes glow with sunlit color, while performance spreads shimmer with purples and stage lights. The stylized dance sequence captures intensity without sacrificing accessibility. VERDICT A confident, identity-centered introduction that presents cultural pride, persistence, and preparation as defining elements of Jenna Ortega’s rising career.

Lionel Messi: Big Goals by Erica Wainer. illus. by Claudia Marianno. HarperCollins/HarperPop. ISBN 9780063494886. 
PreS-Gr 3–An opening image of children around the world wearing Lionel Messi’s jersey immediately frames his identity as aspiration and shared affiliation. The narrative then returns to his childhood in Argentina, tracing the disciplined routines that shaped his growth as a player. His diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency and the financial strain of treatment are addressed with clarity, situating later success within perseverance and communal support rather than inevitability. Marianno’s digital illustrations amplify that momentum. The recurring motif of the iconic jersey reinforces global connection and cultural impact. While the aesthetic leans celebratory and streamlined, it mirrors the narrative’s optimism and forward motion. VERDICT A vibrant, engaging introduction that underscores athletic development and the shared imagination inspired by global sport.

A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality by Debbie Zapata. illus. by Laura Sandoval Herrera. little bee. ISBN 9781499817003. 
Gr 2-5–This vibrant picture book biography describes the life of a Mexican immigrant whose efforts helped end segregation in Austin, Texas. Mexican and Black people were relegated to one side of town, and the streetcar lines ended far from their homes. Roy Velásquez (1910–1981) was disturbed by the “White Riders Only” signs in taxicab windows in 1920s Austin. Unable to secure a job with a taxi company because of his ethnicity, Roy borrowed $5.00 from a friend to get his taxi license and a tank of gas. He began picking up anyone who needed a ride. Roy’s Taxi Service grew quickly to 35 cabs, and he organized volunteers to help 3,000 people pay their poll tax so they could vote. Upbeat illustrations rendered in a festive palette, accompanied by collaged elements, help tell the story of an enterprising man who looked for solutions that would improve all people’s lives. VERDICT An excellent example of citizen activism and immigrant contributions rolled into one.

Un taxi para todos: cómo Roy Velásquez luchó por la igualdad by Debbie Zapata. illus. by Laura Sandoval Herrera. little bee. tr. from by Nuria Mendoza. ISBN 9781499817324. 
PreS-Gr 3–Zapata writes about Roy Velásquez’s (1910–1981) taxi service, which transported people of color when segregated Austin, TX, did not help this segment of the community get where they needed to go. Mendoza’s Spanish translation and Sandoval Herrera’s stark and vibrant illustrations document how Roy’s family moved from McNeil to Austin when he was 14 and how he observed discrimination firsthand. Roy started a business with a three-dollar taxi driver’s license and a tank of gas. As word spread throughout marginalized neighborhoods, Roy’s service grew, which drove him to become a community organizer to combat racism and help fellow citizens defend their civil rights. Zapata’s must-read picture book is a tribute to Velásquez, a Texan activist who personally impacted her family when they moved to Austin. VERDICT A well-written picture book biography about a truly American civil rights hero.