Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Day with Books for Kids

by Paloma Valdivia
Ages 3–5
Recommended by Mia L., Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

This beautiful book, written for both English and Spanish speakers, focuses on the relationship between a mother and her child, and the strong and heartwarming bond between the two. The illustrations are colorful, playful, and adorable, with such a unique art style. This book shows that the bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable. Paloma Valdivia does a magnificent job of bringing this powerful message to life in Nosotros Means Us.

written by Nicholas Solis; illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Ages 3–7
Recommended by Luna M., Van Cortlandt Library

It’s easy to look at others and immediately see our differences. When you think of someone who lives in another country, you probably don't imagine someone just like you. My Town / Mi Pueblo, written by Nicholas Solis and illustrated by Luisa Uribe, might make you think a bit differently. Two cousins live right near each other, but they are separated by a border dividing Mexico and the United States. Sometimes, they cross the border and visit each other. From the outside, they seem so different, but they actually have so much in common. My Town / Mi Pueblo shows us that we can always find connections with people, regardless of our differences. 

written by Monica Brown; illustrated by Adriana M Garcia
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Antonasia T., Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

The Turquoise Room / El Cuarto Turquesa by Monica Brown is a bilingual story that shares the journey of three generations of imaginative and artistic women. The wonderful colors throughout the book enhance the storytelling. This book is an engaging read for English and Spanish readers, and readers who are trying to learn a little bit of both languages.

Also recommended by Mollie K., Jerome Park Library

The Turquoise Room / El Cuarto Turquesa is a beautiful story about generations of women passing down their unique talent of imagination to their daughters. The book delves into how three women, Esther, Isabella, and Monica, develop their own talents and travel—both in their heads and in reality—to make their dreams come true. Read this bilingual story to picture yourself flying off to mysterious new places, and think about the people in your family who came before you, and what their aspirations might have been.
 

written by Lisa Bullard; illustrated by Paula J. Becker
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Belkis M., Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

My Language, Your Language is an excellent book for young readers to learn about diverse languages. Romelie’s the new girl in class, and Camila tries to teach her new friend Spanish. Other classmates share the languages they speak, too! What other languages do you think they speak? Join Romelie as she learns just how many languages there are in the world! 

by Jose Pimienta
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Bryan Z., Seward Park Library

Two different worlds with their own unique and complex experiences. Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta follows the story of a set of twins, one who attends middle school in Mexico and one who attends school across the border in the United States. Both live under the same roof, but what happens when their two worlds clash? At home, the twins have the chance to connect, yet it feels like they drift further apart every day. How will they reconnect? Follow the story of Teresa and Fernando as they explore their new lives as middle schoolers in Mexico and the United States.

written by Christina Diaz Gonzalez; illustrated by Gabriela Epstein
Ages 9–12
Recommended by Bryan Z., Seward Park Library

Five students: George, the brain; Sara, the loner; Dayara, the tough kid; Nicole, the rich kid; and Miguel, the athlete. They couldn’t be more different, but they have one big thing in common: Spanish. Being forced to complete community service hours in the cafeteria at school isn't the best experience. But the five unlikely friends find connection and understanding in their shared experiences. Invisible shows us that everybody feels invisible sometimes, and that’s alright. George, Sara, Dayara, Nicole, and Miguel learn to embrace and accept who they are, even if at times they feel invisible to others. 

by Jack Cheng
Ages 10–12
Recommended by Ramata T., Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

Have you ever felt like sometimes you don't belong? Or everyone is judging you? If that's the case, this is the perfect book for you. Join Andy on an exciting journey as he discovers who he really is and learns to love his identity. Set in Detroit, Michigan, this story addresses topics such as cultural assimilation and the search for finding one's true self. As he tries to fit in with his American classmates, Andy struggles to balance his traditional Chinese background and family responsibilities. Through his experiences and relationships, Andy learns to embrace his intersectional identity. If you're looking for a heartwarming, fun, and meaningful story that teaches you it’s okay to be yourself, this is the perfect book for you!