Jumpstart’s Book Recommendation for National Hispanic Heritage Month

• With lots of Love written by Jenny Sanchez Torres, illustrated by André Ceolin
  With Lots of Love is a beautiful story about family and the ways in which we stay connected across long distances to those we love. The book is about a young girl, Rocio, who moves with her family to the United States from Central America, far away from everything she leaves behind and longs for – especially her Abuela. There are many things Rocio misses from her old life – Abuela’s cooking, her warm hugs, and of course, Abuela most of all. But Abuela finds a way to send Rocio something special just in time for her birthday – a gift wrapped with lots of love – and that fills Rocio to the brim.
• Where Wonder Grows written by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
  Join this exploration of the four elements as a grandmother shares her appreciation of rocks and crystals with her granddaughters. This family learns and values the different ways these magical rocks and the elements help their lives thrive. Encourage your child to talk about how they interact with the four elements in their life with a question like, “How do we experience the elements of air and earth during our walks around the neighborhood?”
• Mi Ciudad Sings written by Cynthia Harmony, illustrated by Teresa Martinez
  In this story set in Mexico City, a little girl and her dog experience an earthquake on their daily walk. The vibrant neighborhood she’s come to know suddenly shifts. As the community begins to rebuild after the earthquake passes, our main character sees where she can also help her neighbors. Ask your child, “When was a time you helped someone in your community?”
• A Sled for Gabo written by Emma Otheguy, illustrated by Ana Ramírez González
  Gabo moves to a new town where it snows in the winter. However, he doesn’t own a sled. Follow along as Gabo searches for a sled and his neighbors help him solve the problem. Prompt your child to share about a time a friend or other loved one has helped them problem-solve. You can ask, “When was a time one of your loved ones helped you solve a problem?”
• Where Are You From written by Yamile Saied Mendez, illustrated by Jaime Kim
  After being consistently asked where she’s from, a young girl seeks the answer from her beloved grandpa. The answer he shares is unexpected but inspires a pride in their ancestors who dreamed for their families’ happiness and futures. Support your child’s curiosity in learning about the elders in their lives with questions like, “What would you like to know about this relative?”
• Mango Moon written by Diane de Anda, illustrated by Sue Cornelison
  Mango Moon is a heart-wrenching story about the realities of being a child with a deported parent. This story about grief and the challenges of huge changes keeps a family’s love for each other at its core. Children’s books are a way to learn about other people’s experiences and perspectives. Encourage your child to consider how to be a good friend for someone going through a difficult time with a question like, “What would you do to cheer up a friend who’s missing their loved one?”

Additional Book Suggestions:

• A Song of Frutas, written by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Sara Palacios
• A New Kind of Wild, written and illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
• I Love Saturdays y Domingos, written by Alma Flor Ada, illustrated by Elivia Savadier
• Téo’s Tutu, written by Maryann Jacob Macias, illustrated by Alea Marley
• Alma and How She Got Her Name, written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
• My Papi Has a Motorcycle, written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña
• A Birthday Basket for Tía, written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Cecily Lang
• I Wish You Knew, written by Jackie Azúa Kramer, illustrated by Magdalena Mora
• Paletero Man, written by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player
• Anita and the Dragons, written by Hannah Carmona, illustrated by Anna Cunha
• Bird House, written by Blanca Gómez
• Yefferson, Actually, written by Katherine Trejo and Scott Martin-Rowe, illustrated by Karla Monterrosa
• Dinner on Domingos, written by Alexandra Katona, illustrated by Claudia Navarro
• Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match, written by Monica Brown, illustrated by Sara Palacios
• Carmela Full of Wishes, written by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
• With Lots of Love, written by Jenny Torres Sanchez, illustrated by André Ceolin
• My Mind is a Mountain, written by Cindy Montenegro, illustrated by Nqobile Adigun

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For over 29 years, Jumpstart has been fueled by the core belief that providing high-quality educational opportunities to all young children prepares them for academic and economic success later in life. Jumpstart advances equitable learning outcomes for young children by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming and drive systems change through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. Jumpstart has trained more than 60,000 college students and community volunteers, preparing over 140,000 children for kindergarten success. Jumpstart’s program is replicated across the country in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at jstart.org.