Regardless of your miles-long “to be read” list or reading goal for this year, you’re going to want to check out some (or all!) of these amazing new books from Latinx authors and illustrators! These titles cover all sorts of genres, ranging from self-help to fiction to thriller. A majority of them are published, but a few release dates might still be projected for the very end of 2022!

 

The list below is divided between books for young adults and up and books for children and middle grade. Happy reading!

 

 

Young Adult

 

 

Jefa in Training by Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda

Self-Help

 

“Jefa in Training is the only Spanglish project-launching toolkit and female entrepreneur planner specially made for a new generation of boss women. A solopreneur and small business guide. A business startup planner and toolkit for women in leadership, business, and beyond, Jefa in Training offers women entrepreneurs the female empowerment needed to take a side hustle to the next level. Whether it’s learning to define your brand, set up a beta test group, or draft an LLC operating agreement, this compendium of lessons, anecdotes, worksheets, templates, and quotes teaches the next generation of women in business how to work for yourself and turn your ideas into something much bigger.”

 

 

Reclaim the Stars: 17 Tales Across Realms & Space by Zoraida Córdova

Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

 

“From stories that take you to the stars, to stories that span into other times and realms, to stories set in the magical now, Reclaim the Stars takes the Latin American diaspora to places fantastical and out of this world. Follow princesses warring in space, haunting ghost stories in Argentina, mermaids off the coast of the Caribbean, swamps that whisper secrets, and many more realms explored and unexplored; this stunning collection of seventeen short stories breaks borders and realms to prove that stories are truly universal.”

 

 

A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande

Historical Fiction

 

“The year is 1846. After the controversial annexation of Texas, the US Army marches south to provoke war with México over the disputed Río Grande boundary. Ximena Salomé is a gifted Mexican healer who dreams of building a family with the man she loves on the coveted land she calls home. But when Texas Rangers storm her ranch and shoot her husband dead, her dreams are burned to ashes. Vowing to honor her husband’s memory and defend her country, Ximena uses her healing skills as an army nurse on the frontlines of the ravaging war. Meanwhile, John Riley, an Irish immigrant in the Yankee army desperate to help his family escape the famine devastating his homeland, is sickened by the unjust war and the unspeakable atrocities against his countrymen by nativist officers. In a bold act of defiance, he swims across the Río Grande and joins the Mexican Army—a desertion punishable by execution. He forms the St. Patrick’s Battalion, a band of Irish soldiers willing to fight to the death for México’s freedom. When Ximena and John meet, a dangerous attraction blooms between them. As the war intensifies, so does their passion. Swept up by forces with the power to change history, they fight not only for the fate of a nation but for their future together.”

 

 

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

Historical/Thriller Fiction

 

“During the overthrow of the Mexican government, Beatriz’s father was executed and her home destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposes, Beatriz ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife’s sudden demise, choosing instead to seize the security that his estate in the countryside provides. But Hacienda San Isidro is not the sanctuary she imagined. When Rodolfo returns to work in the capital, visions and voices invade Beatriz’s sleep. The weight of invisible eyes follows her every move. Rodolfo’s sister, Juana, scoffs at Beatriz’s fears—but why does she refuse to enter the house at night? Why does the cook burn copal incense at the edge of the kitchen and mark the doorway with strange symbols? What really happened to the first Doña Solórzano? Beatriz only knows two things for certain: Something is wrong with the hacienda. And no one there will save her.”

 

 

Cafe Con Lychee by Emery Lee

LGBTQ+ Contemporary Romance

 

“Theo Mori and Gabriel Moreno have always been at odds. Their parents own rival businesses—an Asian American café and a Puerto Rican bakery—and Gabi’s lack of coordination has cost their soccer team too many games to count. Stuck in the closet and scared to pursue his own dreams, Gabi sees his parents’ shop as his future. Stuck under the weight of his parents’ expectations, Theo’s best shot at leaving Vermont means first ensuring his parents’ livelihood is secure. So when a new fusion café threatens both shops, Theo and Gabi realize an unfortunate truth—they can only achieve their goals by working together to cook up an underground bakery operation and win back their customers.”

 

 

Children & Middle Grades

 

 

Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure by Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Fallon and Illustrated by Andrea Campos

 

“Jimmy Fallon tapped Jennifer Lopez for this adorable bilingual adventure, where kids can learn the basics of Spanish alongside a plucky chicken named Pollo. Illustrated by Mexican American author, illustrator and visual artist, Andrea Campos.”

 

 

Tía Fortuna’s New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar and Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

 

“From Pura Belpré award-winning author Ruth Behar comes a family story, exploring heritage and embracing new beginnings. Estrella spends the day with her Tía Fortuna, who has to say goodbye to her longtime Miami apartment building called The Seaway to move into an assisted living community. Helping her pack, Estrella learns to find esperanza, much like her ancestors did, wherever she goes. The picture book, accompanied by gouache, watercolor and colored pencil artwork, showcases the family’s Sephardic Jewish and Cuban heritage.”

 

 

Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene by Emma Otheguy

 

“Cuban-American fifth grader Sofía Acosta tries to figure out where she belongs in her ballet-loving family and affluent New York suburbs in this coming-of-age middle-grade novel from Emma Otheguy. Sofía may love dreaming up costumes, but unlike her parents, who trained under a prima ballerina, she is a ballet disaster. Luckily, the Acostas decide to host their dancer friends from Cuba, where Sofía discovers more to her family than just ballet. After confiding in her best friend Tricia about the dancers’ secret plans to defect to the United States, Sofía learns more about her community and when to speak up.”

 

 

Solimar: The Sword Of The Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan

 

“Newbery Honor Medal-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan delivers a Mexican fantasy middle grade following princess Solimar. The latter has to save her kingdom and the monarch butterflies from a greedy king. On the eve of her Quinceañera and official coronation, Solimar is given the gift of being able to predict the near future and must become the protector of the monarch butterflies. Then while her brother and father are away, she must find the courage to save her kingdom when the remaining villagers are taken hostage.”

 

 

Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno

 

“In this middle-grade debut from Nina Moreno, Maggie tries to discover her true passion. Unfortunately, her best friends Zoey and Julian are too busy with their school clubs. While Maggie’s mother is fishing her last semester in college, her perfect older sister Caro has sports to attend and a tutoring club. Then Maggie cooks up a plan involving joining as many clubs as possible! But juggling school, friends and all the clubs aren’t what she expected so she may need some help and a bit of magic from the bruja next door.”

 

 

Source: The Mujerista Blog