The Best Books to Read and Films to Watch for Hispanic Heritage Month (and Where to Buy or Stream Them)
In this curated list you will find 25+ books and films to inspire you or make you feel proud to be Latino/Latina during Hispanic Heritage Month.
by Jazmin Guizar September 03, 2020
Latinx-Owned Brands
Image: Alejandra de la Fuente/Getty Images
Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month — a month to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans who have positively enriched the history, culture and achievements of the United States. Observing Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to show recognition and support for the Latino community. One easy way to show support is by supporting and learning from Latinos in the arts and the stories they tell. Books and films are great ways to learn more about the Latino community's culture, lifestyle and the inspirational things that they have done for their community and the U.S.
Below are some books and films that I recommend during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Books for Hispanic Heritage Month
Image: Lil' Libros, Arte Público Press, Cinco Puntos Press, One World
"Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriguez": Autobiography of a minority student who pays the cost of his social assimilation and academic success with painful alienation.
"Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America": A history of Latinos in America. The story spans five centuries — from the first New World colonies to the first decade of the new millennium.
"The Distance Between Us: A Memoir": A memoir of a childhood spent torn between two parents and two countries.
"I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter": YA contemporary novel following a young Mexican American girl coping with wanting to leave the nest after her "perfect" sister has passed away.
"My Time Among the Whites: Notes From an Unfinished Education": Candid collection of essays that examines the political and personal hardships of American identity and the physical places where those hardships find themselves smashed.
"The House on Mango Street": Story of a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago, inventing herself and what she will become. Told in a series of vignettes, some heartbreaking and some are deeply joyous.
"How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents": Story of four sisters growing up in two cultures, their parents try to hold on to their old ways as the girls try to find new lives.
"Piñata Theory" and "This Is Not a Frank Ocean Cover Album": Millennial poems on identity, immigration and culture.
"A Peculiar Kind of Immigrant's Son": Luminous stories told through the lens of an immigrant adrift in the 21st century.
"A Dream Called Home: A Memoir": One woman's quest to find her place in America as a first-generation Latina university student and aspiring writer determined to build a new life for her family.
"The Undocumented Americans": The hidden lives of undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation.
Variety of Hispanic Heritage Picture Books and Lil' Libros: Variety of books for kids about Hispanic history, culture, influencers and language.
Films for Hispanic Heritage Month
Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures, Warner Bros., Pantelion Films, Walt Disney Co
"Under the Same Moon/La Misma Luna": Drama about a Mexican American boy crossing the Mexico/U.S. border alone to reunite with his mother. (Amazon Prime)
"Selena": Biographical musical drama of the life of Mexican Tejano-style singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez and the progress of her career, resulting in her No. 1 U.S. album. (Amazon Prime)
"Stand and Deliver": Based on the true story of an inspiring math teacher in a struggling inner-city high school who, through his hard work and tireless dedication, helps his students live up to their full potential and succeed. (Amazon Prime and Netflix)
"Cesar Chavez": Biographical film about the life of Mexican American labor leader Cesar Chavez. (Amazon Prime)
"Frida": Biographical drama depicting the professional and private life of the surrealist Mexican artist Frida. (Amazon Prime and Netflix)
"Book of Life": The story follows a bullfighter who, on the Day of the Dead, embarks on an afterlife adventure to fulfill the expectations of his family and friends. (Amazon Prime and Hulu)
"Coco": Vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure; an aspiring young musician embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors to uncover the mysteries behind his family's stories and traditions. (Amazon Prime and Disney+)
"Real Women Have Curves": A Mexican American teen struggles to find balance between going to college and living the American dream or staying home to continue her traditional cultural heritage (Amazon Prime, HBO Max and Hulu)
"The Latino List": Highlights some of today's most accomplished Latino artists & leaders. (Amazon Prime and HBO Max)
"La Bamba": Biographical film written and directed by Luis Valdez that follows the life and career of Chicano rock 'n' roll star Ritchie Valens. (Amazon Prime and Hulu)
"Dolores": Documentary on Latina feminist Dolores Huerta and her fight for racial and labor justice. (Amazon Prime)
"My Family, Mi Familia": The story of a Mexican American family over the course of three generations and how they dealt with various political and social hardships. (Amazon)
"Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America": Documentary on the history of Latinos in America, spans five centuries-from the first New World colonies to the first decade of the new millennium. (YouTube)
I hope some of these books and films help to enlighten you on the contributions of Latinos in America, and their heritage and culture. No matter what culture you are a part of, it is always a good idea to educate yourself. Being culturally aware enables us to open up to understanding one another and building a better tomorrow.
Jazmin Guizar
Jazmin Guizar is an expert deal hunter at Offers.com. When she isn`t searching for deals or trying to figure out how to get the most from a millennial`s budget, she`s hanging out with her two dogs and S.O. Jazmin mixes her love of shopping and staying up to date with the latest trends to always find the best deals. She`s just another millennial trying to make it in a millionaire`s world!
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