Champaign Unit 4 Schools is proud to honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a special reading list for our students. These books celebrate culture, family, history, and identity through powerful stories and vibrant voices from Hispanic and Latino authors.
Let’s connect through reading, learning, and celebrating the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities! The books on the reading list are available at local libraries or for purchase.
Explore the full reading list here:
Pre-K – 2nd Grade (Early Readers)
“Alma and How She Got Her Name” by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma learns the story behind each part of her long name and discovers how her family’s history makes her unique.
“Islandborn” by Junot Díaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
Lola can’t remember her homeland, so she gathers stories from her community to piece together a picture of where she came from.
“Abuela” by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Elisa Kleven
A little girl imagines flying over New York City with her grandmother, celebrating family, love, and adventure.
Grades 3 – 5 (Elementary)
“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan
After a sudden tragedy, Esperanza moves from Mexico to the U.S. and must adjust to a new life while finding strength and hope.
“The Dreamer” by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illustrated by Peter Sís
A young, quiet Pablo Neruda discovers the power of words and imagination, leading him toward his future as a great poet.
“Maybe Something Beautiful” by F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell
A young girl and an artist transform their gray neighborhood into a colorful, joyful place through art and community.
Middle School
“They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems” by David Bowles
A Mexican American boy navigates middle school, family, and identity through funny, heartfelt poems about life on the border.
“Stella Díaz Has Something to Say” by Angela Dominguez
Shy Stella struggles to find her voice in school while balancing life between two cultures and learning confidence.
“The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora” by Pablo Cartaya
Arturo fights to save his family’s Cuban restaurant and learns about love, justice, and standing up for what matters.
High School
“Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo
Two sisters, one in the Dominican Republic and one in New York, reunite after tragedy unites their families.
“The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros
Through short vignettes, Esperanza shares her experiences growing up in a Chicago neighborhood, dreaming of more.
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Two boys form a deep friendship that blossoms into love, helping them discover themselves.