Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15, and it honors the dynamic U.S. Latino stories that have shaped our national experience and identity.In light of Puerto Rico’s ongoing rebuilding efforts after last year’s devastating hurricane, we wanted to highlight our titles that celebrate the Puerto Rican people and their culture.
The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos
by Lucía González, illus. by Lulu Delacre
978-0-89239-237-7, $9.95
View the Teacher’s Guide here.
The award-winning team of Lucía González and Lulu Delacre have crafted an homage to Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Latina librarian. Through her vision and dedication, the warmth of Puerto Rico came to the island of Manhattan in a most unexpected way.
Parrots Over Puerto Rico
by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore, illus. by Susan L. Roth
978-1-62014-004-8, $19.95
View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Puerto Rican parrots, once abundant, came perilously close to extinction in the 1960s due to centuries of foreign exploration and occupation, development, and habitat destruction. In this compelling book, Roth and Trumbore recount the efforts of the scientists of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program to save the parrots and ensure their future. Woven into the parrots’ story is a brief history of Puerto Rico itself, from before the first human settlers to the present day.
Rafi and Rosi Series
by Lulu Delacre
$8.95 per title
View the Teacher’s Guides below:
Rafi and Rosi/Rafi y Rosi
Rafi and Rosi Carnival!/Rafi y Rosi ¡Carnaval!
Rafi and Rosi Pirates!/Rafi y Rosi ¡Piratas!
This popular early reader chapter book series follows two tree frog siblings as they explore science, art, and culture on their island of Puerto Rico. Each book is available in both English and Spanish editions. This collection includes Rafi and Rosi/Rafi y Rosi; Rafi and Rosi Carnival!/Rafi y Rosi ¡Carnaval!; and the recently released Rafi and Rosi Pirates!/Rafi y Rosi ¡Piratas!
Get Set! Swim!
by Jeannine Atkins, illus. by Hector Viveros Lee
978-1-60060-336-5, $9.95
View the Teacher’s Guide here.
The day of the big swim meet has finally arrived, and Jessenia is excited, but a bit worried too. It’s her first meet away from home, and the other team is on a winning streak. Her coach tells the team that everyone is equal in the water, but Jessenia wonders if their team spirit is really enough to lead them to victory.
What are your favorite books about Puerto Rico? Let us know in the comments!
