Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in September by choosing a title or two from Naperville Public Library’s digital display.
Our collection of books, movies, TV shows and audiobooks recognizes the indispensable contributions and influences of Hispanic Americans. Here are some of our recommendations below or go to www.naperville-lib.org/hispanic-heritage
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for the full list.The library’s also excited to be a part of Naperville’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Festival, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at Nichols library. There will be crafts, scavenger hunts, stories performed in English and Spanish, and other activities.
Here are some of the books we recommend you check out if you’re interested in Hispanic heritage, culture and literature.
ADULTS
“Gods of Jade and Shadow,” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Mayan God of Death sends a young woman on a harrowing, life-changing journey in this dark fairy tale inspired by Mexican folklore.
“Afterlife :a novel,” by Julia Alvarez
A literature professor tries to rediscover who she is after the sudden death of her husband, even as a series of family and political jolts force her to ask what we owe those in crisis in our families, biological or otherwise.
“Mexican Gothic,” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A darkly enchanting reimagining of Gothic fantasy in which a spirited young woman discovers the haunting secrets of a beautiful old mansion in 1950s Mexico.
“A Long Petal of the Sea,” by Isabel Allende
In the late 1930s, civil war grips Spain. When General Franco and his Fascists succeed in overthrowing the government, hundreds of thousands are forced to flee in a treacherous journey over the mountains to the French border, including a pregnant widow and an army doctor. Together they embark to Chile as they embrace exile on a new continent.
TEENS
“Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From,” by Jennifer De Leon
Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new, nearly all-white school, but when family secrets come out and racism at school gets worse than ever, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand.
“Sanctuary,” by Paola Mendoza & Abby Sher
In 2032, when 16-year-old Vali’s mother is detained by the Deportation Forces, Vali must flee Vermont with her little brother, Ernie, hoping to reach their Tía Luna in the sanctuary state of California.
CHILDREN
“Esperanza Rising,” by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and privilege in Mexico to 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 Great Depression.
“I am Sonia Sotomayor,” by Brad Meltzer
This book introduces the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice of the United States and how her life experiences shaped who she would become.
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“Vamos! Let’s Go Eat,” by Raúl the Third
Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabé, his dog, gather tacos, frutas picadas, cuernos and more to deliver to los luchadores preparing for Lucha Libre.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.