Chill with Cool Summer Reads for Kids

Grades K-3

We Are Cousins / Somos Primos by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Written in simple language for children ages 2-5, this is the loving, humorous story about playmates who are more than just friends. We Are Cousins / Somos primos celebrates the joy of family and will become a valuable tool to inspire children to think and talk about their own families.

"[A] joyous bilingual, multicultural celebration of the pleasures of the extended family." —Kirkus Reviews

Icy Watermelon / Sandia fria by Mary Sue Galindo

Hugo, María, and Sarita enjoy spending time with their abuelos. And they, in turn, enjoy teasing their grandchildren with adivinanzas, little riddles that make the children think about the world in new ways. So when Grandpa begins to reminisce about his own father, and about the watermelons they raised long ago, the three youngsters recognize yet another curious adivinanza in the telling.

"This simple, nostalgic story evokes a picture of cross generational family love." —School Library Journal

Butterflies on Carmen Street / Las mariposas en la calle Carmen 

by Monica Brown

Julianita and her friends in Ms. Rodríguez's class can't wait to receive their very own caterpillars to raise and watch transform into beautiful Monarch butterflies. Sure to entertain and educate, this is a perfect choice for children ages 4-9 who are learning about the forces of nature and migration by insects and people.

"This title seamlessly weaves two stories in one . . . the science behind the project is well explained and the bonding between [Julianita] and her grandfather rings true."  —Críticas

Sunflowers / Girasoles by Gwendolyn Zepeda

Seven-year-old Marisol helps her Grandad make a garden in the spring. They plant vegetables, watermelon, and sunflowers for Grandad because their "big black eyes with long yellow eyelashes" make him happy. And he likes to eat the seeds! One day, when Grandad gives Marisol a bag of sunflower seeds to eat, she decides to plant them instead.

The tender relationship between grandparent and grandchild is illuminated in this book and children ages 3-7 will sow and reap ideas of their own about ways to share a little joy, just as Marisol does with sunflowers.

Grades 4-6

The Ruiz Street Kids / Los muchachos de la calle Ruiz 

by Diane Gonzales Bertrand

Recipient, 2007 Skipping Stones Honor Award; Winner, 2007 International Latino Book Award—Best Young Adult Fiction-Bilingual; and Finalist, 2007-2008 Tejas Star Book Award

Filled with humor and mystery, the Ruiz Street kids' adventures unfold as they try to understand the peculiar habits of a new kid on the block named David.

"[This book] subtly teach[es] valuable lessons about gossiping, bullying, getting along, and not judging others too quickly."  —Review of Texas Books

The Case of the Pen Gone Missing: A Mickey Rangel Mystery

El caso de la pluma perdida: Collección Mickey Rangel, detective privado

by René Saldaña, Jr.

When Toots approaches Mickey at school, he knows something is up. Toots never talks to Mickey, but she has come to him because she's in trouble, and he's a detective. Rumor has it that Toots stole a valuable pen from Eddy. But as Mickey investigates, all the clues point to Toots and her newly ex-boyfriend as the primary suspects.

René Saldaña, Jr. has crafted an appealing first book for the Mickey Rangel Mystery series, and his wise-cracking, smart protagonist will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

Brujas, lechuzas y espantos / Witches, Owls and Spooks

by Alonso Perales

Based on oral tradition, these stories featuring witches, owls, and other spooky creatures have been told in Spanish-speaking barrios for generations. Now, this new edition, with a first-ever English translation provided by John Pluecker, will entertain and terrify a new generation of English- and Spanish-speaking children with the supernatural tales of the Hispanic community.

 Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys by Xavier Garza

 This collection curdles with the creepy and crawling characters of traditional folklore.

"Garza breathes new life into such familiar figures as el duende and la llorona." 

—El Paso Times

 Grades 7-9

Desert Passage by P.S. Carrillo

Miguel and Ramón are facing the summer exiled to their grandmother's house in Arizona, while the rest of their family vacations in Santa Fe. The boys quickly discover a Vespa, which turns out to be their salvation when something unexpected happens.

On a journey across the desert to join their family, the boys find themselves on a voyage of self-discovery. They encounter people and places that help them understand the endless possibilities their futures hold.

"Definitely a 'guy' book, with a strong male-bonding subtext that should appeal to boys, who will enjoy Ramón and Miguel's desert adventures." —Kirkus Reviews

Chicken Foot Farm by Anne Estevis

Finalist, Texas Institute of Letters 2008 Literary Awards

On the eve of World War II, young Alejandro comes of age on his family's South Texas farm, known as Chicken Foot Farm because of how his mother marks her chicks. Rich with the customs and traditions of rural Mexican-American life, this affecting novel depicts a multi-generational family in flux as change crawls relentlessly toward their land and lifestyle.

"Estevis's delightful book isn't only for young people; it's a gift for families to share."

—School Library Journal

Alamo Wars by Ray Villareal

"Villareal takes on several important themes including illegal immigration, bullying, parent / teacher relationships, and bilingualism. Ultimately, many of the characters—and readers— learn that there can be more than one truth, more than one point of view." 

My Father, the Angel of Death by Ray Villareal

Named to The New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age 2007, and Nominated, 2008-2009 Texas Library Association's Lone Star Reading List

The Angel of Death is the American Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. But one of the most popular wrestlers on Monday Night Mayhem is also Mark Baron, Jesse Baron's father. As Jesse negotiates all the usual middle-school problems, he can't help but wonder what his life would be life if his father wasn't a famous wrestler.

"Its appeal to its intended audience should be a smack-down."  —School Library Journal

"First love, middle school angst, fame, family problems, bullies—it is all here and readers will be caught up in the wrestling mania immediately. A good read!"   —Catholic Library World

Who's Buried in the Garden? by Ray Villareal

Seventh-grader Joshua knows his best friend Artie Mendoza is a liar. Artie has told far-fetched stories for years. So when Artie tells Josh that there's a body buried in Mrs. Foley's garden, Josh doesn't believe him—at first. But when Josh walks by the Foleys' house, he sees the mound of earth, about seven feet long and covered with flowers, and has to admit it does look like a grave.

Young adult author and educator Ray Villareal has written another fast-paced, exciting novel for middle-school students that explores the impact of making poor decisions and the importance of choosing the right friends.

"A solid glimpse at seventh-grade life from a writer who understands the age . . . This story of three Latino boys with Stephen King-ish imaginations ought to find a wide audience."  —Kirkus Reviews

Grades 9-12

Down Garrapata Road by Anne Estevis

Finalist, Texas Institute of Letters Fiction Award, and Finalist, ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award in Juvenile Fiction

In this tender novel, a medley of young voices brings to life a small Mexican-American community in South Texas during the 1940s and 1950s.

"Sly, genty, and written in lively, simple language, these are stories that will draw readers into the particulars of a culture while capturing universal family dramas." —Booklist

The Almost Murder and Other Stories by Theresa Saldana

The young characters in these short stories confront issues relevant to all teens. Many, though, must overcome suffering—whether physical or emotional—that impacts their sense of security and well-being.

"This debut collection of introspective stories offers a glimpse into the lives of young, urban Latinas dealing with painful and challenging issues. Tackling topics such as alcoholism, domestic violence and obesity, each story manages to be at once realistic and hopeful."

—Kirkus Review

"The Almost Murder is a collection of sad, but inspiring stories . . . highly recommended."

 —The Midwest Book Review

Migrations and Other Stories by Lisa Hernandez

Winner, University of California, Irvine's Chicano / Latino Literary Prize, and Finalist, ForeWord Magazine's Best Book of the Year 2007

Past and present are interwoven in this award-winning collection of eleven stories dealing with migration across geographical boundaries. Set in California and Mexico, the characters in these stories struggle with all that life throws their way, including abusive boyfriends, separation from loved ones, and unfaithful spouses, all in an uneasy search for a balance between a Mexican past and a Mexican-American future.

With vivid brushstrokes, Hernandez paints a collage of Latinas who work vigorously to overcome drastic situations. Themes of survival, identity, and cultural conflict are examined in this intriguing and entertaining collection.

"Never reverential, these stories surprise you with their honesty about dependence and duty, loyalty and denial." —Booklist

"Short and affecting, Hernandez's tales are as ardent as they are prosaic and unflinching." —Publishers Weekly