Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages 3–8
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long — until Daddy shares the family stories behind each piece. A Caldecott Honor gem.
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We keep this on the shelf for Latine family and culture — a story kids can feel, not just a lesson adults want to teach.
Ages 3–8. Especially helpful for celebrating the family you have — chosen or given.
Ask: How does this family show love — in big ways or small ones?
Bedtime tip: after the last page, ask one question and wait — silence is where the story sticks.
Two titles that deepen the same conversation.
Ages 3–8
Blue WillowA little girl, who wants most of all to have a real home and to go to a regular school, hopes that the valley her family has come to, which so resembles the pattern on her treasured blue willow plate, will be their permanent home.
Ages 3–8
Carmela Full of Wishes. . With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places.
Ages 13+
Clap When You LandGreat for summer reading or anytime! Clap When You Land is a Today show pick for "25 children's books your kids and teens won't be able to put down this summer! Plus don't miss Elizabeth Acevedo's The Poet X and With the Fire on High!
Ages 3–8
CousinsA little girl who lives quietly with her father and grandmother Mimi, already envious of her cousin who lives in the much more exciting home of her other grandmother, Adela, does something she regrets when an upcoming First Communion puts her cousin at the center of attention.
Ages 0–3
Dora and the rainy dayA rainy day won't stop Dora and Boots from having fun! This super chubby has a padded cover and is perfect for little hands and Dora fans!
Ages 8–12
Esperanza RisingEsperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the ...
Ages 13+
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican DaughterWhen the sister who delighted their parents by her faithful embrace of Mexican culture dies in a tragic accident, Julia, who longs to go to college and move into a home of her own, discovers from mutual friends that her sister may not have ...
Ages 8–12
Merci Suárez Changes GearsWinner of the Newbery Medal A New York Times Bestseller Thoughtful, strong-willed sixth-grader Merci Suarez navigates difficult changes with friends, family, and everyone in between in a resonant new novel from Meg Medina.
