National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. Bellingham Public Library staff will celebrate with in-house displays, readings lists, and staff recommendations. We hope you join us in recognizing the contributions and influence of people with Latin American heritage to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
The National Museum of the American Latino states: “Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.”
Hispanic Heritage Reading Lists and Staff Recommendations for Adults
Library Staff Recommend:
I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times by Mónica Guzmán, (Adult Nonfiction)
“Mónica Guzmán is a Mexican immigrant, dual US/México citizen, and local thought leader. I first encountered Mónica when she was artist-in-residence at Town Hall Seattle. Since then, she’s continued to shine a clear path on how one can
connect with people who think very differently. Her primary advice? Get curious! Mónica has done important work not only for our region but for our nation in how to bridge opposing ideologies. She has inspired me to ask good questions, maintain respect, and take an honest look at my own assumptions.”
– Miranda, Library Events Coordinator
Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs by Camilla Townsend (Adult Nonfiction)
“Fifth Sun is a history of 16th century Mexico based primarily on the Nahuatl Annals – the only surviving account in Nahuatl, the Aztec language, of the years surrounding the Spanish conquest. Townsend is a good storyteller and a brilliant scholar, and one of the few to give the native accounts the respect they deserve. Highly recommended for adult readers, with the usual warnings about graphic violence – it is, after all, a war story.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Cenzontle by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo (Adult Nonfiction eBook)
“A lyrical, kaleidoscopic selection of poems. Castillo writes on immigration, grief, queerness, and belonging with an aching sincerity that must be admired from every angle. The kind of poetry that gives you something new to notice with every reading.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (Adult Fiction)
“Set in a fantastical word inspired by pre-contact Mesoamerica, four peoples’ lives become intertwined in the events leading up to the Winter Solstice.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez (Adult Fiction)
“This is a story about the untold stories that we carry with us and that haunt us sometimes for our entire lives, whether we are writers or not. How they affect us and what we ultimately choose to do with them. There is sadness, beauty, magic, and the power of connection in this one.”
– Jenni, Community Relations Specialist
Hispanic Heritage Film Recommendations
Hispanic Heritage Month Films from Kanopy
In recognition of #HispanicHeritageMonth, Bellingham Public Library presents this collection of narrative and documentary films honoring the Hispanic community. To view these titles with your library card, go to Kanopy.
Library Staff Recommend:
Cronos by Guillermo del Toro (Recommended for ages 18+)
“When presented with a curious relic that promises to grant eternal life, an aging antiques dealer must confront his own mortality while dodging the grasp of a merciless hunter.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
La Llorona by Jayro Bustamante (Recommended for ages 18+)
“The haunting beauty of the cinematography combined with the deliberate pacing makes this an immersive treat. The story seamlessly weaves Guatemalan history and folklore, giving a new light to the ghostly figure of La llorona.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Tigers Are Not Afraid by Issa López (Recommended for ages 18+
“A dark fairytale about a group of children forced to band together and care for each other in a war torn city.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Book Club Kit Titles for Hispanic Heritage Month
Each book club kit contains 10 copies of the same title and a general reading guide for discussion. Book club kits check out for 32 days and can be reserved for pickup on a specific date. To browse a complete list of our book kits visit KitKeeper and select a search option. For more information, visit our Book Club Resources page.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
Solito by Javier Zamora
The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
Hispanic Heritage Reading Lists and Recommendations for Teens
Library Staff Recommend:
Breaking to the Beat by Linda J. Acevedo (Recommended for ages 6 to 100)
“In the 1970s Bronx, Manolo, a shy Puerto Rican boy, overcomes his fears and insecurities to become part of a new innovative dance style called breaking. This is a wonderful overview of break dancing with gorgeous art throughout!”
-James, Public Services Clerk
Hispanic Heritage Reading Lists and Recommendations for Kids
Library Staff Recommend:
Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera (Recommended for ages 11+)
“A companion to The Last Cuentista, Alebrijes is a stunning postapocalyptic tale following 13-year-old pickpocket Leandro as he fights through exile and danger to rescue his sister and their loved ones from the oppressive regime that has held their community captive for years.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
Tumble by Celia C. Perez (Recommended for ages 9+)
“I like how Addie is a realistic character with a unique story. She is close with her mother and stepfather but can’t shake her curiosity about her biological father. Her investigation leads her to discover that her dad, Manny, is part of a famous wrestling family…and that family is complicated.”
-Mandee, Children’s Programming Specialist