Booklists for Children and YA

In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15). Please visit the Latinx Community Hub to learn more about LMU resources and celebrations.

Criteria for inclusion into our Booklist below:  

• The main character is Latine / Latinx / Latino / Latina / Hispanic
• Recent - book published (or awarded) during the last 5 years
• LMU library owns the book

New Books at LMU

The following books are in the CMC (Curriculum Materials Collection) which is located on the second floor behind the elevator. The CMC includes picture books, early readers, middle grades, YA (Young Adult) and non-fiction (Dewey).

Picture Books - A book in which the message depends upon pictures as much or more than text. The pictures extend the text in a way that would not be possible from the words alone.

Early Readers - A book that is written at a first through third grade level in which phrases or sentences are repeated in the text in easily recognized patterns to help new readers make meaning of the text. This includes chapter books with short chapters that serve to introduce the idea and structure of novels to beginning readers.

Middle Grade Fiction - Fiction for readers aged eight to twelve. A novel, unlike a picture book, relies entirely on text to tell the story. Newbery Medal winners often (but not always) fall within this category.

Young Adult Fiction - Young adult novels, also sometimes called teen novels, are generally read by children anywhere from age 12-18. They are longer books, with contemporary stories and often involve the contemporary problems of teenagers.

Children’s Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences. The 2024 winner is Pam Muñoz Ryan. Her award-winning works include a 2002 Pura Belpré Author Award for “Esperanza Rising;” a 2011 Pura Belpré Author Award for “The Dreamer;” a 2016 Newbery Honor for “Echo,” and a 2003 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor for “When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson,” among others.

LMU Library Guides