It's the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month. I wanted to wrap it all up by looking into the future at some really cool books being published by Hispanic authors. There's a wide variety of comics, middle grade, historical, romance, and anthologies that all look interesting. I hope you are able to find one that is perfect for you.
America Chavez: Made in the USA by Kalinda Vazquez
America Chavez is incredible — her origins, her strength, her dimension-shattering star portals! But when the foundation of everything she believes is shaken, America must stand up and confront the parts of herself she’s been running from.
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
Issues #1-5 of America Chavez: Made in the USA are being collected into one volume. I have to read about her now that I know she is going to be in a Marvel movie. There aren't many Spanish superheroes so I love that she's being put into the spotlight. If you look at images of some of the pages you would be wowed by the art style. Really looking forward to this graphic novel.
Wonder Girl by Joëlle Jones
Raised in the faroff land of Boise, Idaho, Yara Flor has always felt something was missing from her life-and now she is headed to Brazil to find it. Little does she know her arrival will set off a series of events that will change the world of Wonder Woman forever.
Issues #1-4 are out now. I am not sure when Wonder Girl will come out as a volume set but I am still excited about this Latina superhero. She looks like she can destroy you in a second and I'm here for that.
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall
The Land of Stories meets Dominican myths and legends come to life in Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa, a blockbuster contemporary middle-grade fantasy duology starter from Julian Randall. Fans of Tristan Strong and The Storm Runner, here is your next obsession.
Release Date: March 1st, 2022
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa is my most hyped 2022 middle-grade novel. It has mythology, action & adventure, and of course an amazing Latina hero. I am so happy that this book is being heavily promoted. I'm hoping more Hispanic middle-grade main characters are being written about and published.
The Lost Dreamer by Lizz Huerta
A stunning YA fantasy inspired by ancient Mesoamerica, this gripping debut introduces us to a lineage of seers defiantly resisting the shifting patriarchal state that would see them destroyed—perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir.
Release Date: March 1st, 2022
I've been very iffy with YA lately. I am grown so that makes sense but I absolutely am loving the concept of The Lost Dreamer. It's all about girl power, magic, and finding your own strength. This is a top priority for YA reads.
Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos
This stunning wordless graphic novel follows a young girl in the 1960s who immigrates from Cuba to the United States and must redefine what home means to her.
Release Date: March 15th, 2022
A wordless graphic novel about a Cuban immigrant to the US? Uh, yes, please. I am so worried that this is going to have a tough time appealing to kids just because it's historical and wordless but I'll promote this whenever I can. I am for reading and promoting anything Cuban.
Miosotis Flores Never Forgets by Hilda Eunice Burgos
Miosotis Flores is excited about three things: fostering rescue dogs, goofy horror movies, and her sister Amarilis's upcoming wedding. School? Not on that list. But her papi cares about school more than anything else, so they strike a deal: If Miosotis improves her grades in two classes, she can adopt a dog of her own in the summer... At the same time, she notices Amarilis behaving strangely--wearing thick clothes in springtime, dropping her friends in favor of her fiancé, even avoiding Miosotis and the rest of their family. When she finally discovers her sister's secret, Miosotis faces some difficult choices. What do you do if someone is in danger, but doesn't want your help?
Release Date: October 26th, 2021
So this is a tough one. I've actually read reviews on how abuse is tackled well for this age group. I ordered this for my library branch because you honestly never know what is going on in a person's life. It would be great to have children read this and be able to identify an abusive relationship, speak up about it, or see what they shouldn't expect when they grow up and start dating. I'm expecting a lot of tears while I read this.
Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo
Rising star Kat Fajardo's debut middle-grade graphic novel about a girl who would rather do anything other than celebrate her quinceañera! A funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about navigating the expectations of family and cultural tradition.
Release Date: April 5th, 2022
More quinceanera books coming out makes my heart happy. I love that there are some Latina middle-grade graphic novels too. Give me all the representation!
Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie
A teen girl navigates friendship drama, the end of high school, and discovering her queerness in Ophelia After All, a hilarious and heartfelt contemporary YA debut by author Racquel Marie.
Release Date: February 8th, 2022
Ophelia is Cuban and a romantic at heart. I love her already. I have a soft spot for sweet romances and I am hoping this has one.
The Do-Over by Jennifer Torres
Raquel and Lucinda used to be inseparable. But ever since their parents split, Raquel has been acting like editor-in-chief of their lives. To avoid her overbearing sister, Lucinda spends most of her time with her headphones on, practicing her skating routine.Then a pandemic hits, and the sisters are forced to spend the lockdown at their dad’s ranch house. Suddenly Raquel sees a chance to get back everything they’ve lost. If they can convince their mom to come along, maybe they can get their parents to fall in love again and give their family a second chance, a do-over.
Release Date: April 5th, 2022
Sibling stories are the best stories. I am okay with this being during the pandemic. I've been trying to stay away from those books but we are in it. Might as well read some heartfelt books while we are here.
Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
A magical adventure for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Nevermoor, about three witchlings who must work together to do the impossible if they have any hope of earning their full powers.
Release Date: February 1st, 2022
I can never get enough of witch stories. And I'm not just saying that because we are in the spooky season. I genuinely love witch stories and am dying to get my hands on this one.
Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed edited by Saraciea J. Fennell
In Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed, bestselling and award-winning authors as well as up-and-coming voices interrogate the different myths and stereotypes about the Latinx diaspora. These fifteen original pieces delve into everything from ghost stories and superheroes, to memories in the kitchen and travels around the world, to addiction and grief, to identity and anti-Blackness, to finding love and speaking your truth.
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
I truly need to read more anthologies and why not one I can identify with? I love this title and all it represents. You know that I'm looking most forward to the memories in the kitchen parts, don't you?
Violeta by Isabel Allende
This sweeping novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea tells the epic story of Violeta Del Valle, a woman whose life spans one hundred years and bears witness to the greatest upheavals of the twentieth century.
Release Date: January 5th, 2022
Isabel Allende's writing has alluded me so far as a reader. I feel like I need to read one of her books as a Latina reader. I am not one for reading many historical fiction books but gosh that cover is gorgeous. And reading Allende is a must.
The Spanish Daughter by Lorena Hughes
As a child in Spain, Puri always knew her passion for chocolate was inherited from her father. But it’s not until his death that she learns of something else she’s inherited—a cocoa plantation in Vinces, Ecuador, a town nicknamed “Paris Chiquito.” Eager to claim her birthright and filled with hope for a new life after the devastation of WWI, she and her husband Cristóbal set out across the Atlantic Ocean. But it soon becomes clear, someone is angered by Puri’s claim to the plantation…
Release Date: December 28th, 2021
The Spanish really like to write either historical fiction or magical realism. I feel like those are the two top genres. I would like to try this one just because it seems like something that will fully immerse me into its plot. The main character has a passion for chocolate too so she seems relatable 😁.
The Family She Never Met by Caridad Piñeiro
Jessica Russo knows nothing about her mother's family or her Cuban culture. Every time she's asked about it, her mother has shut down. But when the Cuban grandmother she's never met sends her right-hand man, Luis, to offer Jessica the chance to come to Miami and meet her estranged family, she can't help but say yes, even as she knows it will pain her mother.
Release Date: February 1st, 2022
I do feel a divide between me and my Cuban culture. I feel like I know only snippets of what it was truly like living there. And since I don't speak Spanish many will say to my face that I am not actually Spanish which always pisses me off. Anyway, I get the feeling of wanting to know more about your culture and the lead is Cuban too so that makes me happy.
Ramón and Julieta by Alana Quintana Albertson
When fate and tacos bring Ramón and Julieta together on the Day of the Dead, the star-crossed pair must make a choice: accept the bitter food rivalry that drives them apart or surrender to a love that consumes them—perfect for fans of Jane the Virgin!
Release Date: February 1st, 2022
The series name is Love and Tacos everyone... Like how could you not want to read this series? As a fan of books that feature food, romance, rivalries, and also someone who loved (most of) Jane the Virgin... I'm just saying this better be good because my expectations are high.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
A blazing talent debuts with the tale of a status-driven wedding planner grappling with her social ambitions, absent mother, and Puerto Rican roots―all in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
Release Date: January 4th, 2022
This cover is *chef's kiss* There's a lot of social commentary I can see coming from this story. Olga Dies Dreaming is one of the books on here way outside my comfort zone but it's also most likely one that I absolutely fall in love with.
Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp
Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.
Release Date: April 5th, 2022
I tend to go for emotional reads and Heartbreak Symphony is no exception. It tackled grief, becoming a stronger person, and of course first love. This is a YA, so what'd you expect?
Coming Up Cuban by Sonia Manzano
From Pura Belpré Honoree and Emmy-award winning actor Sonia Manzano--best known as "Maria" from Sesame Street--comes the expansive and timeless story of four children who must carve out a path for themselves in the wake of Fidel Castro's rise to power.
Release Date: April 5th, 2022
Maria from Sesame Street is writing about growing up Cuban. Love to see it. This is set during the rise of Castro where we view multiple teen perspectives. It's Cuban. I'll give it a shot.
Stella Díaz to the Rescue by Angela Dominguez
Release Date: March 29th, 2022
I just discovered Stella Díaz talks about taking care of the environment and now I love her. There isn't a summary right now for this fourth book but I'm sure it is like the others where Stella helps marine animals.
Reclaim the Stars edited by Zoraida Córdova
From stories that take you to the stars, to stories that span into other times and realms, to stories set in the magical now, RECLAIM THE STARS takes the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world.
Release Date: February 15th, 2022
How wonderful is it that there are two anthologies about the Latin American diaspora? I love SFF so this should be a good one.
What did you think?
Did any of these pique your interest?
The Family She Never Met and The Spanish Daughter both look really appealing!
ReplyDelete