Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th to October 15th. It starts in the middle of the month to correspond with many independence dates of Latin American countries. During this time, it is important to lift up voices of Hispanic diversity, starting with books.

Here are four must-read books by Latinx authors.

1.) The Undocumented Americans By Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

A collection of stories of immigrants entering America and the struggles faced along the way. The Undocumented Americans is an eye-opening story of real stories faced by immigrants. It focuses on stories of older generations, as opposed to the stories of children always seen on the news. Villavicencio offers a new perspective, using unique moving interviews with real Latinos in America.

2.) The House on Mango Street By Sandra Cisneros

A coming-of-age story told in a series of vignettes about a young girl growing up in the Latinx section of Chicago. The main character, Esperanza, deals with issues such as identity, cultural expectations, and the challenges faced by her family and community.  Cisneros utilizes a unique writing style that brings the vividness of growing up in a poor, Hispanic community to life.

3.) The President and the Frog By Carolina De Robertis

Follows an aging former Latin American president as he reflects on his past and the challenges of leadership. Through an imagined conversation with a frog, the novel explores themes of power, resilience, and the struggle to create a better society.

4.) Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Gothic horror novel set in 1950s Mexico. It follows a young woman named Noemí, who travels to a remote mansion to check on her cousin after receiving a disturbing letter. As she uncovers the secrets of the eerie house and its mysterious inhabitants, the story delves into themes of family, power, and the supernatural.