National Hispanic Heritage Month

The Village of Flossmoor observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of our community members whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation of Hispanic heritage started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson then was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover the 30-day period between September 15 and October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period.

The following reading list features books spanning various genres that feature Latin authors from various cultures, including Afro-Latinx, Mexican, Dominican, Chicano and Boricua. The list was sourced via the Flossmoor Public Library, Boston University, Good Reads, Social Justice Books, and other local partners.

Books marked with (*) are intended for children. If you are interested in reserving any of the books below or would like suggestions for additional titles or other materials, contact the Flossmoor Public Library at (708) 798-3600.

Recommended Reading List for National Hispanic Heritage Month

Solito by Javier Zamora

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernández Castillo

Finding Latinx: In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity by Paola Ramos

Rainbow Weaver* By Linda Elovitz Marshall, Elisa Chavarri (Illustrator)

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmerelda Santiago

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Unaccompanied By Javier Zamora

Blacks & Blackness in Central America: Between Race and Place Edited by Lowell Gudmundson and Justin Wolfe

Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States by Felipe Fernández-Armesto

Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

Cool Salsa by Lori Marie Carlson*

Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros

Witness to War An American Doctor in El Salvador By Charles Clements