Read Conmigo, recognized by The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, knows the importance of raising children in a bilingual environment. Literature is an excellent way to celebrate Hispanic culture in the U.S. With this in mind, the Read Conmigo program has printed more than one million books in English and Spanish. Read Conmigo has an extensive catalog of bilingual books for children. Don’t miss out on these incredible and award-winning titles!
Luisito’s Island
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-4
The award-winning book tells the story of a young boy named Luisito who arrives in the United States from Puerto Rico. He feels lonely and homesick, but his new friends quickly approach him to learn more about the place he comes from. Luisito shares Puerto Rico’s beauty and hidden treasures with his friends and they all get excited to learn about the island. After sharing his stories, Luisito feels welcomed by his new friends at school.
The Mariachi Brothers
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-4
A boy named David admires his older brother Gabriel’s singing skills and wishes he could also have the courage to perform in front of an audience. When Gabriel finds out about his little brother’s stage fright, he teaches him different tips to learn how to sing in public. David learns to play the guitar and becomes acquainted with Mariachi music. A music talent show is announced at school and Gabriel encourages David to participate. David continues to learn as his big day approaches.
Leonard Discovers Cuba
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-4
Two siblings and their grandmother, who is from Cuba, share the history of the beautiful Caribbean island with their new friend, Leonard. While enjoying a traditional Cuban breakfast, Leonard learns about the history of the island, its delicious cuisine with funny names such as ropa vieja (old clothes) for shredded beef, Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492, who the original people of the island were and what makes Cuba such a unique place to visit. Leonard falls in love with the island as he learns more about it and finishes his breakfast knowing he’s discovered the “Pearl of the Antilles,” as Cuba is commonly known.
Abuelita’s Surprise
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-4
Mateo and Stella are planning a surprise birthday party for their grandmother, Consuelo. With the help of their parents, the two siblings arrive at Horchatería Río Luna to buy pastries for their grandma. As they look around and marvel at the shop’s decorations, Mateo and Stella learn about some traditional Mexican antojitos, or treats, such as churros and horchata. They also find out about a board game, known as Lotería, which happens to be their grandma’s favorite. They get the traditional Mexican bingo game along with some pastries and surprise her with an amazing birthday party.
Where Are You From?
Ages: 9-12
Grades: 3-6
The story Where Are You From? teaches a classroom of students about Hispanic Heritage Month. Students from different origins share the contributions their ancestors made when arriving in the United States and explain to Leonard, a classmate of African origin, how despite all arriving from a Hispanic country, cultures, languages and traditions vary from one place to another. The book celebrates the diversity within the Hispanic community living in the United States.
Grandparents’ Game Night
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-4
In preparation for Valentine’s Day at school, a group of young kids create cards while their grandparents play dominoes in a different room. The loud laughs and jokes get the kids’ attention. Tired of drawing hearts, the kids choose to join their grandparents as they play dominoes. The grandparents show the kids that love can be expressed in different ways to other people. They finish their homework for Valentine’s Day, and the next day each one of them presents their classmates with a unique demonstration of love, including a domino game!
The Magician’s Pyramid
Ages: 9-12
Grades: 3-6
The story of The Magician’s Pyramid takes place in the Mayan Mountains. A young boy named Itzamna goes out in search for food to help his family. He comes across a man named Tepeu who grants him the wish of providing him with beans for the next 28 days.
While his family is starving, Itzamna teaches them about patience and waiting for the right moment to grow their crops. After 28 days, they had enough beans to sell and build a temple in honor of Tepeu.
Yely’s Holiday Traditions
Ages: 9-12
Grades: 3-6
As Christmas approaches, Yely feels nervous about a school project to share different holiday traditions from around the world. Yely has recently arrived in the United States and doesn’t know who to ask about Christmas traditions. She shares her concern at the park and her new friends quickly jump in to share the traditions from their countries of origin. This way, she learns about the Christmas celebrations in Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, and later shares with her classmates in school.
The Best Part About The Day Of The Dead
Ages: 6-9
Grades: 1-3
The Best Part About The Day Of The Dead shares the tradition of this unique Mexican holiday. Gabriel, the main character in the story, explains the origins of the celebration and how Mexican people honor the deceased every November 2. Gabriel shares that on this special day those who have passed return and the family awaits them with a feast. He also explains that there are some characters associated with the Day Of The Dead including La Catrina, a skeleton who is dressed up in fancy clothes. All of Gabriel’s friends marvel at the Mexican tradition and celebrate with him.
Puebla, Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
Ages: 9-12
Grades: 3-6
Emiliano and Frida are two American children of Mexican origin who love celebrating Cinco de Mayo. As the day arrives, Emiliano dresses up in a costume to look like General Ignacio Zaragorz, who led Mexico in victory against the invading French army, and shares the story with his friends at the park. They also learn about Puebla, the Mexican state where the battle took place, and find out about some of the state’s most beautiful tourist attractions as well as history.