Celebrate National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month!

By Isabel Estrada O'Hagin

It’s the time of the year to put Latine kidlit creators at the forefront!

A bit of history: The observation of National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 and expanded in 1988 to a full 30-day period, celebrated from September 15 through October 15. Why does this matter for kidlit creators? For too many decades, our stories, achievements, and celebrations have been omitted or overlooked by publishers and other gatekeepers. Subsequently, our stories have been absent from libraries, bookstores, classrooms, and homes. Focused on celebration and building awareness this designated “month” allows us the opportunity to learn about these diverse communities in a myriad of ways. Of course, it goes without saying that these efforts should be pursued year-long.   

Bookbug in Kalamazoo 

We, the people: In 2026, the Hispanic population in the United States is projected to reach approximately 21% of the total population, equating to around 70.1 million individuals. The buying power of this population is expected to exceed $3 trillion. This marks a significant demographic milestone, reflecting ongoing growth and influence in various sectors. (I anticipate this includes book sales!) This group accounts for over half of our country’s growth, especially among youth. Approximately 29% of the Hispanic population is under 18 years old, compared to 21% of the total U.S. population—and that number is growing.

Despite this demographic, children’s books by Latinx creators are still drastically underrepresented. However, there is some good news to share in that slow progress is being made. In recent years, the number of books that reflect the multifaceted complexity of individual lives when it comes to children and teens continues to grow.  Identifying books as being BIPOC-oriented is increasingly difficult as intersectional identities come into play. However, “the greater numbers (of books) inevitably mean more outstanding choices among the books published,” says CCBC Director Schmidt (2022 CCBC Diversity Statistics)

Do the Math: In 2022, 40% (1,364) of the books the CCBC received were by a person of color, having at least one creator (e.g., author, illustrator, or compiler) who is BIPOC. This includes 18% (634 books) that had at least one Asian creator, 13% (462) that had at least one Black creator, and 11% (371) that had at least one Latine creator. By comparison, 71% (2,448) of the books the CCBC received had at least one white creator (2022 CCBC).

In addition, 46% (1,574) of the books the CCBC documented in 2022 had significant BIPOC content, and 39% (1,362) had at least one BIPOC primary character. That’s not to say that a BIPOC creator has to fit a mold. Like other kidlit writers and illustrators, we create what we want to create. The term Latinx kidlit creators covers a wide range of people, their backgrounds, and cultures representing a rich intersectionality.

Display at Bookbug in Kalamazoo 

Higher Visibility: This year I’ve noticed a flurry of National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month posts earlier than the designated month—some even in August.  Recently, I dropped by a local bookstore before Labor Day and took photos of their displays. I asked the book salesperson to thank the owner for acknowledging this celebration. She said they thought it was a good idea to get a head start on Latinx-created book selections for the family to enjoy! I totally agree. My personal take is that the larger Latinx community is more than ready to be visible. Despite our current political climate, book bans, and undue pressure on librarians and libraries,  we want children to be able to see themselves on the bookshelf.

Part 2: National Latinx Book Events in September

Grab a cafecito while you read this second part of my post. (Please note: While not sponsored by SCBWI, these events feature many members of our organization.)

Last week, the LKBF (Latinx Kidlit Book Festival) organization hosted an online event. If you missed this event, you can view some of the sessions on YouTube. I’ve viewed several of these YouTube videos, ranging from 5 mins to 30 minutes, and found the presenters to be engaging and inspiring.  The LKBF was scheduled earlier this year to allow educators more time to select books and materials for National Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month.  

This year’s presenters included Caldecott Honor Award-winning Illustrator Zeke Peña, Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award Winner LupeRuiz-Flores, Newbery Honor Book Winner Maria Dolores Aguila, and Newbery Medal Winning author of The Last Cuentista Donna Barba Higuera. 

Database:  Want help finding books by Latinx creators from picture books to young adult? Use the database compiled by LKBF volunteers.

There’s more! This year’s LKBF Storytellers Conference is Sept 11-12 in NYC. I wasn’t able to attend this year, but I hope to be there next year.  Maybe I’ll see you there! If not, maybe this post will motivate you to pick up a book by some of these presenters. You can also ask your local library to order a book you think young readers would like to see on the shelf.

Since 2024, hundreds of writers, illustrators, literary agents, editors and publishers meet every year at the Latinx Storytellers Conference. The goal: to create a talent pipeline of traditionally published books for children and adults. During this two-day event, Latinx storytellers enjoy craft masterclasses, professional development sessions and access to hard-to-reach industry professionals. Here’s a partial list of this year’s presenters:

Keynote Speakers: Julia Alvarez, Meg Medina, Krystal Quiles

Presenters: Jacqueline Alcántara, Gabriela Belt, Ann Cardinal, Zoraida Córdoba, Jennifer De Leon, CharlesGeorge Espernza, Maritza Moulite, and Maika Moulite, among others.

In addition, numerous agents, editors, and publishers round off the faculty. 

I hope you’ll find these resources useful and inspiring. As a Latina, former educator, mom, and children’s book author, I celebrate the many publications representing the wide range of Latine cultures being published today—and I look forward to new publications in the years to come! My hope is that our regional chapter continues to welcome these diverse voices to SCBWI-Michigan. Keep in mind that some creative individuals may not have heard about SCBWI. You may want to engage them with a personal invite. Let that kidlit creator know they can register as a preview member for free! Then let’s greet them with brazos abiertos!

Isabel Estrada O'Hagin grew up in the desert borderlands of Arizona, dancing and singing her way through life. Always a dreamer, she blends her life experiences as a performing arts educator with her love of Mexican-American culture & folklore into stories. When she’s not writing, she loves to dance, cook, read, daydream, and play with her two gatitos, Dante and Cosmo. She also loves her volunteer work for SCBWI-Michigan as Outreach Coordinator and K.A.S.T. Co-Coordinator. LA MARIACHI is her debut storybook.