Hispanic Heritage Month: Books & Activities

~ What is Hispanic Heritage Month? ~

Established by President Lyndon Johnson, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th and ends on October 15th. During this month, we celebrate the achievements of American citizens who came from or whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. September 15th was chosen because it is the day many Latin American countries gained their independence from Spain. You can learn more about the establishment of this month or recognition at National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The theme for the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Month is  “Hispanic Americans: A History of Serving Our Nation.” 


Hispanic American Heritage

Over 57.5 million people, about 18% of the American population, are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Many of these have made major contributions to our economy and to our culture. Millions more have Hispanic roots.

From the Spanish names of states such as California, Arizona, and Montana to barbecue sauce, Texas chili, and cowboy culture, many elements of American life come from Hispanic culture.


Books about Hispanic Americans

Here are some children’s books to share about famous Hispanic Americans.

American Son by Oscar De La Hoya TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage Month American Son: My Story by Oscar de la Hoya

The autobiography of Olympic gold medalist boxer Oscar de la Hoya illuminates how he rose to fame. High School to Adult

 

 

 


The AStronaut with a Song for the Stars TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthThe Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Ellen Ochoa by Julia Finley Mosca

The first Hispanic woman astronaut refused to listen to the people who told her her dream was impossible. An Amazing Scientist biography with a rhyming text and full biography. Elementary


My Beloved World a TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthMy Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor

A memoir of Sotomayor’s struggle to reach her dreams. Middle School through Adult

 

 


My Name is Celia A TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthMy Name is Celia/ Me Llamo Celia by Monica Brown

A bilingual recounting of Cuban American singer Celia Cruz retold for young children with a vibrant text and brilliantly colorful illustrations, Elementary

 

 


Roberto Clemente TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthRoberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Jonah Winter

Despite facing racism and poverty, Roberto Clemente became “The Great One,” the first Latin American to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Clemente died when his plane crashed as he was carrying aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This colorful, upbeat book tells his story in simple text. Elementary


Sonia Stomayor TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthSonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter 

Illustrated with colors drawings, this book focuses on Sotomayor’s early life with a gentle English and Spanish text. Lower Elementary

 

 


Toto Puente TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthTito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo by Monica Brown

A vivacious bilingual retelling of the life of Tito Puente who grew up in Spanish Harlem and became the Grammy Award winning King of Mambo. the bouncing text makes it fun to read aloud. Elementary


Turning Pages TPN recommended book for Hispanic Heritage MonthTurning Pages: My Life Story by Sonia Sotomayor

Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor shares her inspirational story. Illustrated with her family photographs.  Elementary

 

 


Activities for Hispanic Heritage Month

Book reviews Create a display of Hispanic heritage-themed books. Have your students choose a book and write a short review.

Mini-Bio  Research an American of Hispanic descent and write a short biography or create a portrait of the person showing doing something they accomplished or worked on. Find biographical facts  about well-known Hispanic Americans here.

Hispanic Heritage Food: Plant food common in many Spanish-speaking countries, such as corn, beans, squash, and peppers or have a pot luck in which students bring Hispanic American dishes. Resource of Latin American recipes

Pen Pals: Select a school in Puerto Rico and write letters to each other. Here is partial listing of possible schools.

In the News Clip and discuss articles about Hispanic Americans and immigration issues. Do a survey of student and find out from where their ancestors immigrated.

Spanish Dictionary: As a class create an illustrated dictionary of Spanish words, complete with visual or verbal memory tricks for remembering words’ meanings.

Label It: Give pairs of students a Spanish-English dictionary and some sticky notes. Play Hispanic music while they work together to label items in the classroom with a bilingual label. When the song ends, they must stop. Next, have them go around the room and practice the new words.


Learn more…

Videos about Hispanic Contributions

Teacher Guides & Primary Sources developed by the National Park Service

Photographs of famous Hispanic Americans

Smithsonian’s Latino Center’s Kid’s Corner


What are you doing for Hispanic Heritage Month?

We welcome your thoughts and comments


 

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