September 2026 Latinx Releases

On Sale September 1

The Patron Saint of White Menageries: Stories by Lauren T Davila | FICTION

In a sticky diner, a waitress fits wisps of cloud into coffee mugs, trying to solve her patrons' problems. A motherless girl defies her father's rules, rubbing fish scales from her eyes and learning her mother's half-remembered Spanish. Spectral ballerinas haunt alleys and dance studios, and red bumps rise on the arms of an assistant whose employer has been alive too long. The prophet Cassandra, exhausted from reincarnating and never being believed, tries one last time to escape her fate.

 

Witness: Poems to Address the Past, Present, and Future of Policing | Edited by Ari Tison & Ty Chapman | Illustrated by Damon Davis | POETRY

This wide-ranging collection springs from a simple invitation to share stories. It includes contributions from nearly forty poets, including Ada Limón, Jason Reynolds, Erin Entrada Kelly, Danez Smith, and Amanda Gorman. The multifaceted chorus of voices explores experiences and emotions related to policing and over-policing by various law enforcement officers and agencies, touching on everything from the slave trade to an ICE agent killing Renee Good in early 2026. Evocative pieces of artwork by Damon Davis are interspersed, adding additional layers of meaning.

In this deeply moving collection, anthologists and poets Ari Tison and Ty Chapman give readers an opportunity to reflect, to discuss, and above all, to witness.

 

Asmodeus by Rita Indiana | Translated by Achy Obejas | FICTION

A hallucinatory thriller about a failing demon’s search for a new host in post-dictatorship Santo Domingo

Asmodeus, a millennia-old demon, has inhabited Rudy, a once-legendary Dominican rock star, for decades. But in 1992, the demon’s powers begin to fade. What follows is a desperate weeklong odyssey as Asmodeus ricochets through the bodies of the inhabitants of Santo Domingo’s underworld: from Guinea, a young metalhead plotting a warehouse heist, to Mireya, the daughter of a former torturer, to other souls caught in his chaotic orbit. Each possession reveals another layer of a city still reeling from the Balaguer dictatorship. And each new host engenders a surprising tenderness in the demon.

 

The Eye of Goliath by Diego Muzzio | Translated by Rahul Bery | FICTION

In 1920s Edinburgh, war veteran Dr. Edward Pierce develops experimental therapies to treat mentally ill patients whose cases have been rejected by conventional psychiatry. One night, he receives a visitor who asks him to take on an unusual new patient: David Bradley, an engineer who was sent to inspect the conditions of a lighthouse on a remote island in southern Argentina. The sojourn was a disaster, and he returned completely mute, his body overwhelmed by a single compulsion: to swim and swim, in any environment, to the point of total exhaustion.

Bradley’s fragmentary diary reveals how this rational, disciplined man became the deranged individual brought to the sanatorium. Full of bizarre details and echoes of macabre events, it guides Pierce in his studies of his patients, propelling him into scientific terrain that grows increasingly grotesque.

 

An Immaculate Deception by Isabela Livino | FICTION

1877, Pernambuco, Brazil: Raised in a deeply religious household, Madalena knows Dante’s Inferno by heart and fears her mother’s reaction as much as she fears God. When she falls pregnant with a child conceived in sin, her mother issues a threat: marry or surrender the baby. Madalena is confident that the father, the dashing Leandro Neves, will do right by her and propose. But just as she is about to tell him about the baby, a violent storm sends their carriage careening off the road.

Madalena awakens in Leandro’s sprawling, secluded home, under the care of the mysterious and larger-than-life Doctor Lobo. Leandro is there . . . but he is no longer the charming poet she knew. He’s silent. Obsessed. Always watching.

Strange perfume haunts a locked room. Pages vanish from books. Jewels lie untouched in a forgotten wardrobe. And mirrors begin disappearing after Madalena sees something—or someone—ghastly in the reflection.

Leandro is unraveling. Doctor Lobo may be hiding something even darker. Trapped in a decaying house of secrets, Madalena must uncover the truth before the men around her destroy her, and before the hell she fears becomes the one she’s living in.

 

In the Time of the Butterflies: The Graphic Novel by Julia Alvarez | Illustrated & Adapted by Krystal Quiles | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Set during the waning days of Trujillo's rule in the Dominican Republic, In the Time of the Butterflies was inspired by the true story of the three Mirabal sisters, known as Las Mariposas, or the Butterflies, who were murdered on November 25, 1960, for their part in an underground plot to overthrow the government.

This magnificently illustrated edition of the 1994 novel reintroduces readers to the Mirabal sisters and renders these historical figures as they've never been seen before. A longtime reader of Alvarez, illustrator Krystal Quiles has honored the literary icon's portrayal of the sisters' teenage years, their resistance against Trujillo's rule, and their terror as their involvement in the revolution is revealed. This is a stunning rendition of a beloved classic, sure to captivate a new generation of readers.

 

Waiting on a Miracle: A Twisted Tale by Anika Fajardo | YOUNG ADULT

Mirabel’s worst fear is confirmed—she is responsible for the faltering powers of the Familia Madrigal. Guilt-ridden and feuding with her sisters, Mirabel decides to save the magic herself. Sure, she may be the only gift-less member of her family, but she knows she can put their crumbling pieces back together again.

Unfortunately, Mirabel’s youngest cousin, Antonio, beats her to it. He overhears Tío Bruno’s vision and does the unthinkable—leaves the Encanto to find a solution. Terrified of what could happen outside the safety of their home, Mirabel has no other choice but recruit Strong Luisa and Perfect Isabela to help find their baby cousin.

But what starts as a rescue mission turns into a magical quest with a band of brothers whose family has a deep secret connection to theirs.

And soon, Mirabel learns that missing cousins and disappearing gifts may be just the beginning of their problems….

 

The Singing Tamales Present: 'Tis the Season for Tamales! by Andrea Campos | CHILDREN’S

Tis the season for tamales! Led by a singing, strumming, drumming band of tamales, young readers are invited to join in the fun holiday tradition of making tamales while singing along to the tune of, "Deck the Halls." From New York Times bestselling illustrator of Con Pollo, this adorable bilingual book is a delightful introduction to tamales, togetherness, and the joy of food. Qué rico!

 

Surf's Up by Kwame Alexander | Illustrated by Daniel Miyares | CHILDREN’S

Surf’s up, Bro! Not yet, Dude. Books are boring. Not this one!

Bro and Dude have very different ideas about how to spend a day at the beach. But as Bro continues to gasp and cheer while he reads his book (Moby Dick), Dude can’t help getting pulled in—literally. Before you can shout “Surf’s up!” both frogs are sharing the same adventure— that is, until they get to the beach. Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and illustrator Daniel Miyares join forces to give readers a wild ride, celebrating the joys of summer and reading.

 

Mighty Myths by Thiago de Moraes | CHILDREN’S

Beware, this book is full of monsters! The mythical world is a place of peril, but this handy guide will help you survive these tales. Mighty Myths is a spectacular fun-filled intro to the magnificent myths and legends of different cultures around the world. Discover many fearsome creatures, brave the end of the world, feast like a god, and more in this fantastic book complete with dazzling illustrations!

 

C is for Chupacabra | Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago | CHILDREN’S

A journey into folklore, C is for Chupacabra invites readers into a shadowy world where legends rise from the caves of Bolivia, the jungles of Colombia, and the rivers of Mexico. Each letter of the alphabet unveils a creature from Latin American and Caribbean folklore - mischievous, mysterious, and unforgettable!

With lyrical text and breathtaking art, this hauntingly beautiful alphabet book celebrates the stories whispered across generations - tales that once frightened us and now fill us with wonder.

A stunning tribute to cultural storytelling, C is for Chupacabra transforms fear into fascination, sparking curiosity, pride, and imagination in readers of all ages.

 

Alebrijes: Numbers / Números | Illustrated by Stefany Plaza | CHILDREN’S

Step into the vibrant world of numbers and animals with Alebrijes: Numbers / Números. This board book introduces little ones to the numbers 1 through 10 through the playful imagery of Alebrijes—fantastical creatures from Mexican folklore. From one whimsical axolotl to ten colorful chameleons, every page is bursting with mesmerizing patterns and details to explore.

Perfect for little learning readers, this board book introduces the concepts of numbers while celebrating culture, creativity, and imaginative play. Whether it is bedtime snuggles or playtime learning, Alebrijes: Numbers / Números is a beautiful first step into the world of numbers and fantastical storytelling. Your little ones will be counting and discovering animals in no time!

 

Mami’s Heart by Ana Siqueira | Illustrated by Nomar Perez | CHILDREN’S

Lara and Mami are best friends.

They have their weekend traditions and their weekday dances, and above all else, they love each other with their whole hearts.

So, what happens when Mami begins to make space in her corazón for her new boyfriend, Pedro? ¡Qué horrible!

Will Lara's plans to stop him work, or . . . might there be room in her and Mami's hearts for one more after all?

 

La Bandera: Poems of Resistance and Pride by Anika Aldamuy Denise | Illustrated by Ericka Lugo | CHILDREN’S

The missing piece of history you are about to read begins with a brave woman, a swath of fabric, and a spool of thread.

Puerto Rico’s complex and deep history is woven throughout each thread of its flag. A symbol of opposition to occupation and injustice, la bandera represents the great pride of a people and its diaspora. With lyrical poetry and vibrant art, the deeply layered origins of the Puerto Rican flag are stitched together in this poignant reflection on the island’s history from the 19th century to the present day.

Includes 14 poems. Further historical context about Puerto Rico and an author's note is included in the backmatter.

 

Autumn's Abundance: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature by Kaitlin B. Curtice | Illustrated by Eduardo Marticorena | CHILDREN’S

Bo, a proud Potawatomi boy, loves the coming of autumn—the turning of the leaves, the cooling weather, the last harvests from his garden. All around him he can see the love and abundance that Creator and Mother Earth give to all living creatures. But Bo knows that not everyone feels abundance in their lives. What can Bo and his friends do to share love and abundance with those around them?

 

Mexikid Dreams by Pedro Martín | CHILDREN’S

Pedro Martín is sick of strawberries. Since he was seven, he’s spent every weekend and summer picking berries with his family under the hot sun. Sometimes it’s not so bad—Pedro’s an ace at “strawberry wars” with his siblings, and when a good song comes on the radio, the fields can come alive with music. But mostly, Pedro wishes he could just stay home watching Saturday cartoons, head to the beach like other kids, and not worry about immigration patrols.

When his older brother gets a job away from the farm, freedom suddenly seems within arm’s reach: Pedro just has to prove to his dad that he’s ready to follow a different path! Maybe he can be a trombone player, or a cartoonist—if that’s even a real job. But as Pedro learns more about his parents’ and abuelito’s past, and the choices they made in order to open up more choices for him, he starts to understand that freedom isn’t just about leaving the fields—it’s about knowing where you came from and having the courage to draw your own life.

 

Quetzal's Labyrinth by Karla Arenas Valenti | CHILDREN’S

Diego never believed his abuelo's stories of gods and monsters and the ancient magic woven through Mexican history. Not until he finds himself sprinting down a dark hallway, chased by a beast straight out of lore—its fur as coarse as iron and five human hands clawing furiously at his throat.

Turns out, the myths are real, and their magic is erupting into Diego's world. As shadowy creatures besiege his apartment, abuelo's dog Cholo fixes Diego with a human gaze and speaks. Cholo reveals they've been unwittingly ensnared in a centuries-old rivalry between the great God Quetzal and his ruthless brother Tezca. Tezca is rising, summoning an army of minions, while Quetzal, the only one strong enough to stop him, has vanished.

Humanity hangs by a thread, and Diego has no choice but to enter Quetzal’s labyrinth—accompanied by his friends Violeta and Cholo, a sassy rubber chicken, and a bloodthirsty kitten—to face a power older than civilization itself.

The stakes are legendary, but maybe, deep down, Diego is too.

 

Dream Big by Shannon Hale | Illustrated by Marcela Cespedes | CHILDREN’S

A movie is being filmed right in Cassie’s neighborhood! Is this her chance to be a star? Dreams come true when she and her best friend Vali get hired as extras. Plus, she’ll get paid, which will help her parents with their money troubles. But when Vali drops out of the movie, Cassie is stuck with the mean kid actors. Even worse, it turns out she’s in a horror movie, and the monster in it scares her. Will she get called a "baby" or "scaredy-cat". Can Cassie make it through the movie without her fears driving her away?

Join Cassie as she finds the courage to face her fears and dream big!

 

Gabby Torres Knows What You Did by Angela Dominguez | CHILDREN’S

Gabby is excited when the "For Sale" sign next door is gone one morning. She's getting new neighbors!

But when mysterious packages, wrapped in white plastic, show up at the house, Gabby is suspicious. Is that a couch... or a coffin? As other mysteries begin to pile up—like a strange howling in the middle of the night—Gabby knows only SHE can get to the bottom of it. With binoculars in hand, Gabby is ready to spy!

But not everything is as it seems, and making assumptions about others can quickly turn sour. Luckily, sometimes the truth can be even sweeter!

 

A House in My Barrio by Paola Santos | Illustrated by Olivia Sua | CHILDREN’S

Mamá Elena always knows just what to do when someone needs help. Whether it’s by cooking a delicious meal or simply by lending an ear, she keeps her community together. And because of her warmth, her home is young Manuel’s favorite.

But when Mamá Elena suffers a fall that leaves her bedridden, the barrio changes overnight. Missing Mamá Elena and her house, Manuel is determined to help lift her spirits. In a selfless act of organizing, he gathers his neighborhood so they can give back all the love and support Mamá Elena has shown them.

 

Earth and Moonie by Andrés J. Colmenares | CHILDREN’S

Earth and Moonie. Moonie and Earth. They’re as close as can be (and not just because of gravity).

Take off into a galaxy not unlike our own and join big sister Earth and little brother Moonie as they tackle challenges such as being too small (spoiler: no such thing), the nefarious Boredom, and the super, strange mystery of Vitamin C—what does the C even stand for anyway? Clouds? Color?

The only thing more stellar than Earth and Moonie’s adventures is the love they share, centered around a literally heartwarming family—their mom the Sun gives the best hugs in the universe.

 

My Animalitos: A Frida Kahlo Story by Monica Brown | Illustrated by John Parra | CHILDREN’S

There’s no one Frida Kahlo loves more than her animal friends—her beloved animalitos. In this bilingual board book, toddlers will learn to identify the different animals Frida kept as pets throughout her life in both English and Spanish. Each animal also represents Frida’s many characteristics, from her strength and independence to her profound intelligence, with each page reading as an affirmation for toddlers to repeat as they grow—just as we see Frida grow throughout the story.

Award-winning creators Monica Brown and John Parra have made an English and Spanish dual-language board book to honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo and inspire confidence and imagination in a new generation of creatives.

 

On Sale September 8

Bodega Stories by Amaris Castillo | FICTION

A bodega is much more than a neighborhood grocery store--it's a lifeline to community and culture. In Bodega Stories, Amaris Castillo takes readers inside Orlando Latin Market, a bodega owned and operated by her parents in St. Petersburg, Florida, to reveal a thriving local hub that bridges generations, languages, and traditions.

Meet the regulars: Castillo's glamorous Tía Margarita, who has worked part-time at the bodega for years; longtime cook Alberto, who arrives early to prepare the store's rice, beans, empanadas, and croquetas; Chico, the owner of the barbershop next door; and Esther, who visits after church every Sunday for her crispy chicharrones. Through captivating and charming true stories of visitors who come looking for products from Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela, Cuba, and many other countries, readers get a glimpse into the lives of employees and customers as they navigate matters of immigration, love, history, food, and identity.

Interwoven are snapshots of daily life, like a bulletin board outside the store where local residents post apartments for rent, messages through the bodega's Facebook page asking for hard-to-find items, and photos from the past and present. Including Castillo's own family's story from the Dominican Republic to New York to Florida, Bodega Stories is a portrait of finding home--between the cultures we inherit and the ones we embrace.

 

Bury Your Dead by Ana Paula Maia | Translated by Padma Viswanathan | FICTION

Edgar Wilson has a gruesome job, one he is entirely unsentimental about--he cleans up roadkill in rural Brazil. But one day vultures are circling in the woods, and he can't not go see what they're gathering for. What transpires is a quest--a miserable day-long journey--for a couple of poor working men who only want to acknowledge that everybody (and in this case, every literal body) has the right to be treated as more than just scrap or trash.

Dead animals, defrocked priests, corpses abandoned in the woods, and a criminal outfit trafficking in body parts--Bury Your Dead is an exhortation, a road trip, a story of friendship, and a hymn to the small ways we can shape the world.

 

East of the River: A Memoir of Los Angeles Girlhood by Guadalupe Rosales | BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR

Guadalupe Rosales chronicles her Boyle Heights childhood and adolescence in East LA, finding joy and danger from Commerce Center to Whittier Boulevard. Her frank, intimate prose captures the freedom and fear pulsing through that time and how sisterhood helped her survive it.

After losing loved ones to violence and struggling with drugs and depression, Rosales moved across the country to New York City. A stack of starshots from her youth became a lifeline and eventually inspired her to create two Instagram archives while she was away from home: Veteranas and Rucas celebrates ’90s LA women, while Map Pointz focuses on the party crew scene. Thanks to her, they’re thriving online communities.

Now this beloved artist—whose work hangs in the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and elsewhere—extends her project of collective memory by sharing her own story of adolescence in a treacherous time, finding herself as an artist far from home, coming to terms with her own queerness, and returning to her beloved Los Angeles transformed. Elegantly designed, the text is interspersed with photography, flyers, Rosales’s own artwork, and social media conversations.

An altar to a past era and a map to the future, this book is a reminder that memory, celebration, and community make us whole.

 

Cemetery Boys: Espíritu by Aiden Thomas | YOUNG ADULT

Julian used to be a ghost and now he can’t stop seeing them.

Ever since Julian was sacrificed as part of a forbidden ritual, he has been able to see and talk with spirits. And that’s really cool, since it allows him to be part of his new boyfriend's community. But Julian’s seeing other things, too: flickers at the edge of his vision, eyes burning in the night, and “dark spots” on people—gaping wounds that thrum and bleed shadow. Yadriel has never heard of anything like it, either, and he’s so busy with his new brujx responsibilities that Julian hates for his problems to ruin what little time they have together.

Then a strange new brujx shows up. Angel, as a nonbinary bruje, can heal the living and release the dead, but more than that, they can also see the same dark spots as Julian. Despite Yadriel’s reservations, Julian eagerly accepts their help. But, Angel’s ruthless methods feel wrong to Julian.

With the shadows growing darker and the discovery of a gaping dark spot on his friend Luca, Julian has to decide who he wants to put his trust in, and just how far he’s willing to go to save what is his.

 

Evamar by Margarita Engle | YOUNG ADULT

Just before she was transformed
into an invisible spirit
my grandmother whispered her last wishes
into my ear:

Sprinkle my ashes in a patch of girasoles,
wait patiently, harvest the seeds,
fly to la isla, find el jardín,
plant las semillas.
Then and only then—
read my diaries.

Evamar has arrived in Cuba with her abuela’s ashes and her mother’s warnings: Don’t talk politics, boil the tap water before you drink, y por favor absolutamente, don’t fall in love. But then she meets Río, a captivating drummer whose music and presence she can’t ignore.

Río bears his own scars, separated from his family in the United States. As their bond deepens, Evamar discovers an ancestral treasure that could change her future—and the lives of millions of Caribbeans.

 

Fénix in Flight by Latorre Moore Luna | YOUNG ADULT

When seventeen-year-old Fénix discovers her late mother’s hidden journals and an unfinished bucket list, she uncovers a truth that shatters everything she thought she knew: her grandparents vanished decades ago in Mexico, and her mother spent her life searching for them. Now it’s Fénix’s turn.

Her road trip quickly spirals into something otherworldly. Haunted by her mother’s loss, stalked by vengeful spirits, and tested by creatures from Mexican legend, Fénix must navigate a world where myth bleeds into reality and monsters step out of story and song. Each mile brings her closer to the truth—and to the darkness that has been following her since childhood.

But the greatest battle isn’t against what lurks in the shadows. It’s with the grief, guilt, and secrets buried inside her. If Fénix can’t face her past, she may never find her family—or herself.

 

Barbie: The Nutcracker by Lorelai Hart | Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega | CHILDREN’S

Barbie “Malibu” and Barbie “Brooklyn” step into a modern version of The Nutcracker. The beautiful illustrations by capture the ballet’s dazzling enchantment as the girls glide from snow-lit streets to the Land of Sweets—peppermint paths, chocolate fountains, and lollipop roads—before they return home for a cozy holiday ending. Timed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Barbie’s classic Nutcracker film (2001), this storybook is a keepsake families will reach for year after year to read aloud.

 

Little by Little: A Story of Grief by Jenny Torres Sanchez | Illustrated by Andy Chou Musser | CHILDREN’S

After a little girl loses someone she loves, a new friend appears: Grief. At first, Grief is not who the little girl wants as her shadow. But then Grief journeys with her, sailing through stormy seas . . . and lights the way on an unfamiliar shore. Grief encourages her to do what she needs to: cry and shout . . . or sit in silence. Through it all, her new friend stays with her. And helps her remember.

 

We're Going on a Parranda! by Mayra Cuevas | Illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodríguez | CHILDREN’S

During the holiday season, a little girl joins her family on a parranda for the first time. The parranderos arrive at each new home, singing and dancing to their favorite Christmas songs. The little girl tries singing and playing different instruments, but nothing seems quite right.

As the night nears its end, she starts to worry she’ll never find a rhythm of her own—until a special gift from Papi helps her realize that la música del corazón (the music of the heart) has been inside her all along!

 

Day of Little Angels by Natasha Wing | Illustrated by Robert Casilla | CHILDREN’S

Tomorrow is Día de los Angelitos, the Day of Little Angels, a time to welcome the spirits of children back home and honor their lives. Pablo doesn’t feel much like celebrating, though.

Still, he joins Papa in baking the traditional pan de muerto sweet bread and helps Mama decorate sugar-candy skulls. But his cousin Angelina’s ofrenda, adorned with fragrant marigolds and incense, is missing something—something special from Pablo to help guide her home.

This moving story reminds us that those we love are never truly gone as long as we carry their memories in our hearts.

 

Lowrider for Sale by Laura De La Cruz | Illustrated by Vanessa Morales | CHILDREN’S

Gabi knows that Papi’s lowrider, Pico Nights, is more than a car. It’s a family scrapbook on wheels—a treasure trove of memories for her, Papi, and Abuelo Chucho. It chauffeured Gabi’s cousin to her quinceañera, rolled through years of Fourth of July parades, and was detailed most Saturday mornings by Gabi, Papi, and Abuelo.

So when Papi places a FOR SALE! sign on Pico Nights, Gabi tries everything she can to save their beloved car.

While Gabi offers her own money, organizes a community fundraiser, and even enters Pico Nights in a car show to try and combat the inevitable, she comes to realize that even though their time with Pico Nights may not last forever, the memories they’ve made in it will.

 

On Sale September 15

Silencio by Clyo Mendoza | Translated by Christina MacSweeney | FICTION

Silencio tells the story of Águeda, a young woman mourning the death of her mother. When the townspeople deny her a grave in the local cemetery, the mother’s body vanishes. Águeda knows her father is hiding it, and when she confronts him, he punishes her defiance with confinement.

Serving her sentence in a house, Águeda lives within those walls as if in a second maternal womb—one that will transform her. In chapters alternating between the real and the imaginary, she mourns the destroyed futures of those who were silenced as she listens to her neighbors’ stories of loss—a child worker; a boy from the Tacuate community; and Mexican refugees in Canada. Through the walls, she senses the world: birds in dialogue, the beauty of the arid landscape, experiences of love and devastation. She comes to realize that in this mountain region that resembles the author’s hometown of Oaxaca, where organized crime holds sway, many—like her—mourn their dead and search for the disappeared.

 

Rooted by Leopoldo Goût | FICTION

There’s nothing wrong with Aurora.

A successful art lawyer, she has returned to Mexico to celebrate a recent campaign for the repatriation of stolen artifacts—in particular a mysterious statue of an Aztec god, The Flayed One.

But Mexico City isn’t as she remembered. Nothing is. Elements of her past hint at darkness and power, and reality begins to crack and warp the streets.

There’s nothing wrong with Aurora.

As Aurora’s sanity unravels, she must pry apart her family’s secrets and accept the simplest of truths: The Flayed One cannot stay buried.

 

Daughter of the Dark by R.J. Valldeperas | FICTION

Supay lives under a curse of eternal death. For the greed of their god, the people are damned to live as human... and then again as muki.

For Solana, survival means staying sharp and staying alone. Armed with only a blood-forged dagger, she's carved out a life as Supay's fiercest slayer, freeing souls even as she's trapped by duty.

But when a twist of fate offers her the title of Royal Demon Hunter, Solana finally finds a path to the freedom she's always craved... but it draws her closer to the darkness threatening Supay—darkness that calls to her soul alone.

Torn between turning her back on a fight she never asked for and the pull of loyalties old and new—including an irresistible connection to a man who should be her enemy—Solana must decide...

Choose fate and freedom?

Or death, destruction... and revolution.

 

Story Telling: A Writing Life by Isabel Allende | BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR

In this deeply personal and insightful book, Isabel Allende delves into her creative process, reflecting on nearly half a century of writing that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

For Allende, writing is more than a craft. It is an addiction, a means of preserving memory, and a way to make sense of life. She offers readers an intimate glimpse into her creative world, where stories take shape through intuition, discipline, and deep connection to the human experience. It is also a glimpse into the life of a writer who views literature as a portal to understanding the chaos of life.

Story Telling is not a prescriptive guide to writing. Rather, it is a conversation. In it, Allende shares her triumphs, her mistakes, and the lessons learned through the challenges and joys of writing. She intertwines her own stories with invaluable wisdom for anyone pursuing the craft, making this book equally a memoir, a master class in the alchemy of storytelling, and a celebration of the enduring power of narrative.

 

Terrestrial by Cristina Rivera Garza | Translated by Christina MacSweeney | NONFICTION

In this new collection of genre-defying stories by Cristina Rivera Garza, a woman visits what she thinks could be her old lover's hometown after being abandoned by her, years earlier. Two herons hitchhike across Mexico. A group of workers build a new home, only to see it destroyed by the state.

With little baggage and much bravado, the characters in Terrestrial hitchhike, migrate, take trains, wander or, at times, fly, to survive the mandates of patriarchy and capitalism. On dusty roads or by a lake turned suddenly ominous, they remain in close contact with the earth's surface, sensing its wild promise and capacity for violence, its degradation and enduring beauty.

As she did in her Pulitzer Prize winning memoir Liliana’s Invincible Summer, Rivera Garza forges new forms, experimenting with structure and time as she tails the intrepid travelers with shimmering and honest prose. Combining journalism, novelistic writing, and themes of female freedom, gore capitalism, and class struggle, Terrestrial is a meditation on travel and distance, and our ties to the earth we tread on.

 

Comemos: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Contemporary Mexican Cuisine by Alejandra Graf | NONFICTION

Comemos (let’s eat or we eat) is Alejandra Graf calling her family, friends, and readers to the table. Her fresh, contemporary, and vegan Mexican recipes, often with dairy and meat options, and warm writing style, make sure that everyone is welcome and well fed.

Like many home cooks, Graf was faced with a dilemma: she is vegan, but the rest of her family is not. Her challenge was to create delicious, healthy, easy recipes that would appeal to vegans and omnivores alike. As she developed recipes for family meals, she also shared them through her blogs, Piloncillo&Vainilla and AleCooks. And now those much-sought-after recipes, plus more, have become a cookbook.

 

Pati Jinich Foods of La Frontera: Recipes and New Taste Frontiers from Both Sides of the Border by Pati Jinich | NONFICTION

To Pati Jinich, the word “border” sounds forbidding. She much prefers the Spanish name, “La Frontera,” or “frontier,” suggesting not just one place, but the beginning of another, a place of origins, opportunity, and invention. Throughout her zigzag travels in the U.S. and Mexico, Pati shows that where our two nations meet, exciting things happen, and nowhere is that more true than in food. After all, several of the world’s favorites were born in La Frontera: nachos, burritos, Caesar Salad, and margaritas.

As Pati reveals, the food of the Borderlands is richer and more varied than in any single Mexican state. Though it’s often equated with Tex-Mex food, it’s much more than that, encompassing styles from all over Mexico. And when it is Tex-Mex, it comes in a surprising range of forms and flavors—from the outstanding barbecue with pickled jalapeño slaw and grilled corn in Marfa, West Texas, to the silkiest queso with roasted poblanos in the Rio Grande Valley.

 

Sword and Backpack: The Three Companions by Gabe Soria | Illustrated by Alfredo Cáceres | CHILDREN’S

In the once-blazing city of Lanternport, the College of the Three Companions was an esteemed institution, but now, for nearly a century, it's stood abandoned. Elsewhere in the city, young Archivist Apprentice Ehmett is fascinated by the College and is determined to discover what knowledge has been lost behind its walls. By chance, or more likely by fate, Ehmett's solo mission to infiltrate the school soon becomes a team endeavor when he is joined by Barten, a sneaky crook with a knack for lock picking, and Kellis, a skilled warrior determined to carry on her family legacy of sword wielding.

After unknowingly binding themselves together, Ehmett, Barten, and Kellis must embark on their Wanderyear—a months-long "study abroad" journey that will take them away from Lanternport and into a world filled with magical creatures and ancient lore, on a quest to revive their city's lost spark.

 

Anger Is Only a Shadow by Elizabeth Acevedo | YOUNG ADULT

Lil is anything but small. She’s rebellious, she's loyal; she's figuring out what kind of good person she wants to be, or if she wants to be a good person at all. But more than anything? Lil wants to be free.

When her instinct for freedom leads to another stay in D.C. juvenile detention, Lil knows she’s lucky to just be on probation. But judgment, guilt, and an ankle monitor weigh heavily on her, and she can’t shake that pinned-down feeling.

The only person who might understand is her big brother, Aldwin. Except he’s more distant now than just the hundred miles where he’s away at college. Something’s been off with him for a couple of months, but only Lil seems to realize how important it is to get to him.

As her court hearing ticks closer, a question looms over Lil as the missed phone calls and strange texts from her brother pile up: will she follow the rules until her sentencing, or put her future freedom on the line?

 

In Case of las Moscas by Jackie Morera | Illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson | CHILDREN’S

When Diego hears Abuela preparing “por si las moscas," in case of the flies, alarm bells go off in his mind and he preps his schoolmates for an epic attack of winged insects. Except. . . some phrases don't translate literally.

What follows is a zany adventure filled with tactical meetings at recess, combat training in gym class, and keeping watch from the highest point of the playground, with illustrations that incorporate English and Spanish, and enough silliness for readers to enjoy in whatever language they speak.

 

The Dia de Los Muertos Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families to Celebrate by Andrea Jáuregui de la Torre | Illustrated by Alejandra Barajas | CHILDREN’S

Join Little Andrea and her family in The Dia de Los Muertos Cookbook as they celebrate this Mexican holiday with 13 delicious recipes and 5 creative activities. As they welcome the souls of their deceased loved ones for a short homecoming, Andrea's family cooks the amazing food of the culture while engaging in fun and educational activities.

Featuring simple instructions, accessible ingredients, and vibrant illustrations, this celebratory and empowering cookbook makes it easy for kids 8-years-old and up to recreate delicious meals and drinks like:

  • Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea)

  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Ice Cream

  • Jicama (Mexican turnip) Fries

  • Esquite (Mexican corn)

  • Dulce de Calabaza (caramelized pumpkin)

  • Two types of tortillas from scratch

  • And so much more!

 

Julieta and the Cryptic Rose by Luisana Duarte Armendáriz | CHILDREN’S

Ten-year-old (and budding detective) Julieta and her family head to Guanajuato, a colonial town in Central Mexico, where Julieta's mother has been hired to restore several paintings from the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Unfortunately, the paintings, which call the breath-taking Diego Rivera Museum home, have been damaged by a mysterious flood. Is it possible that someone damaged the paintings on purpose? Julieta can't help but to want to find out.

Julieta once again finds herself mixed up in an enchanting art-related mystery. Risking a whole lot of parental disapproval and bad grades, Julieta begins investigating a potential Rosicrucian conspiracy unfolding in Guanajuato. But what if the conspiracy isn't real? Is Julieta really wiling to risk disappointing her parents (and eternal grounding) for thieves that may not even exist?

With the help of her cousins Mario, Elissa, and Sofía (lovingly named the MES) Julieta must crack the case to save the work of Diego Rivera, and test the limits of her parents' patience.

 

On Sale September 22

To Our Untamed Core by Sonido Reyes | YOUNG ADULT

Centuries after the conquistadors claimed the Afueras for their own, Temo spends his life obeying the Holy Order’s decree, undergoing their sacraments to tame his supposedly violent nature.

The only rule he breaks: hiding that he’s trans. If that fact is discovered, Temo will face El Torneo, a brutal, fight-to-the-death game pitting the untamed against one another. No Afuereño who enters El Torneo ever escapes with their life.

But when Temo’s boyfriend is unexpectedly arrested and thrown into the deadly tournament, he’ll do anything to rescue Ollin from his gruesome fate, even if it means entering El Torneo himself.

Only there's far more to this tournament than meets the eye—survival is just the beginning. When the cost of saving the one he loves the most might be higher than he ever imagined, is Temo willing to pay it?

 

Mischief and Monsters by Adrianna Cuevas | CHILDREN’S

Jordi Acosta wants nothing more than to be invisible. He’s a six-foot-tall twelve-year-old who wishes he could blend in with the rest of his classmates and avoid trouble.

Over spring break, Jordi’s mom, a wildlife biologist, has him volunteer at the Yaupon Creek Wildlife Refuge, much to his dismay. But Mami is keeping secrets, and when Jordi has a close encounter with a surprisingly humanlike bear, she comes clean: her unofficial job at the Wildlife Refuge is to care for Cryptids, creatures like the Chupacabra that are only supposed to exist in stories.

When a greedy corporation called Harvest Sunrise Energy arrives wanting to expand their drilling operations into Yaupon Creek, cattle start getting injured and fences damaged on their neighbors’ farms. Jordi and his friends realize that the company is manipulating the townspeople to believe the creatures are responsible for the damage they’ve wrought. It’s up to them to save their town from this insidious threat—and clear their cryptid friends’ names.

 

Peek-a-Flap Fairy Tales Little Red Riding Hood by Gemma Román | CHILDREN’S

There is so much to discover on Little Red Riding Hood’s journey to Grandma’s house! This interactive retelling turns a beloved classic into a hands-on adventure filled with lively characters and hidden surprises.

Young explorers can lift the 100 flaps to peek behind trees, spot the wolf’s clever disguises, and help Red find her way, transforming storytime into a playful game of hide-and-seek. Lift every flap to uncover a new secret—but wait, does Grandma look a little different to you?

 

Peek-a-Flap Fairy Tales Three Little Pigs by Gemma Román | CHILDREN’S

There is so much work to be done to build these houses, and the three little pigs could use your help! This new adaptation of the beloved fairy tale turns storytime into an interactive adventure, featuring sturdy lift-the-flap pages that hide lively characters and hilarious surprises.

Young explorers can help the brothers build with straw, sticks, and bricks—all while sharpening their curiosity and observation skills. Lift 100 flaps to uncover the secrets of each home and find out if they are strong enough to withstand a huff and a puff... but wait, you haven’t seen a wolf around here, have you?

 

On Sale September 29

Something Followed Us Home: Tales of Latiné Horror by Cynthia Pelayo | FICTION

Something followed us home. It crawled in with our prayers, slipped into our beds, watched from mirrors, waited in water, and learned our names.

Gathering chilling work from some of today’s most acclaimed Latiné voices, this horror anthology moves through haunted households, brutal landscapes, sacred spaces turned dangerous, and bodies claimed by forces both ancient and intimate. The dead murmur behind locked doors. Bones rebuild themselves under merciless suns. Love becomes a doorway for demonic hunger. Blood, devotion, and memory intertwine as the past presses back with teeth.

Something Followed Us Home is an unnerving, visceral, and impossible-to-shake collection that proves that what is carried forward does not remain quiet, and what follows us rarely leaves without taking something in return.

 

The King of Aloe Vera by Tomas Moniz | FICTION

Seventy-five-year-old Rey has lived on the same block in San Francisco's Mission District for most of his life, watching his city transform. A widower for ten years, he spends most of his time volunteering at the library, but by the end of the month, Rey must move into a senior retirement and leave his neighborhood behind. It's at the library during one of his last shifts where he meets Q, on probation, post breakup with her girlfriend and dealing with a troubled family. As Rey tries to decide what to do with the rest of his days, literally counting them off and cutting his remaining ties, Q begins to insert herself into his world in a way that he can't deny.

A story about Latinx identity, intergenerational friendship, and chosen family, Moniz's novel takes us on a journey through senior dance classes, illegal bike trips over the Bay Bridge, and fair housing rallies. And as the days tick down, Rey and Q find themselves leaning on each other for answers on how to find community and purpose, make amends, and process grief.

 

Ply by Hernan Diaz | FICTION

Centuries from now, at the dawn of a historical epoch filled with both uncertainty and promise, an orphan is adrift in a city on the brink of a great transformation. The state has been dismantled, and humans are reinventing social bonds and learning new ways to coexist with nature. Following a childhood defined by loss, survival, and found family, the orphan grows up to become a “pincher,” someone who steals electricity from the grid to sell it on the black market. It’s a high-risk life, one that brings her into a rich art and music scene where she powers underground concerts. It also leads her to a colossal scientific invention that could change the very fabric of reality.

 

The Man of Wind and Moss by Alex Gonzalez | FICTION

Without job prospects, without a girlfriend, without a sustainable future, he desires something to anchor him, to give him direction in life. Unlike his brother, who found his purpose by returning to Puerto Rico to discover himself, Marco has no such aspiration to return to his roots. Instead, Marco decides to risk it all and confess his love for his best friend Pansy during the last hurrah before their college friend group continue on their separate ways through life.

Except, he’s worried Pansy isn’t interested. She’s also pregnant, and an item with her on again, off-again boyfriend Dean. But as Marco joins his friends for a weekend getaway to a cabin in upstate New York, they will soon discover a demonic creature older than forest, waiting to give direction to those who find themselves lost, for a bloody cost.

As the group crumbles apart because of sexual escapades, misplaced confessions, and eerie mishaps, they soon find themselves at the mercy of the Man of Wind and Moss. After a heinous and tragic ordeal, only Marco, Pansy, and their friend Sasha, a witchy and headstrong academic, survive.

But their trauma does not end when they are released from the forest. Unbeknownst to Marco, Sasha may have made an impulsive decision to save them all. Because Dean also returns from the woods… Only he’s a little tweaked …missing some fingers…missing his eyes…and driven by the Man of Wind and Moss to enact its bloody purpose.

 

The Twelve Loves of Christmas: An Advent Romance Collection | Contributions by Alexandria Bellefleur, Elise Bryant, Olivia Dade, Alexis Daria, Sarah Hogle, Zakiya N. Jamal, Rebecca Jenshak, Jessica Joyce, Susan Lee, Joss Richard | FICTION

The Twelve Loves of Christmas is a swoon-worthy short story collection about finding love during the most magical time of the year. Including a playful forced proximity romance featuring a woman and her older brother’s grinchy (yet unexpectedly endearing) best friend, a tender love story of two neighbors who decide to skip Christmas together, a second-chance spark reignited between exes stranded at the airport, and many more festive love stories, there’s a little holiday magic waiting for every reader.

Open one sealed story each day in the lead-up to Christmas to unwrap a season full of love, warmth, and happily-ever-afters.

 

A Cozy Kitchen Cookbook: 100 Easy, Comforting Recipes for Every Mood and Desire by Adrianna Adarme | NONFICTION

To Adrianna Adarme of A Cozy Kitchen, “cozy” isn’t just about comfort—though, yes, comfort is very much invited. It’s also about ease, intention, and beauty. Cozy is food that tastes good, looks good, and makes you want to tie on an apron even when you’re still wearing your pajamas.

A Cozy Kitchen Cookbook is a celebration of mood-based cooking. Of cozy cravings. Of trusting yourself enough to say: “What do I actually want to eat right now?” and then making it happen without any stress. Whether you’re in lazy mode, party mode, I-just-need-to-get-dinner-on-the-table mode, or all three in the same week, the 100 recipes in this book contain the solution.

 

The House of Gardenias by Isabel Cañas | YOUNG ADULT

Growing up in a city wracked by political violence and a home where she’s more likely to receive a beating than a meal, Minerva Treviño’s cowardice has kept her alive for sixteen years. But even she has a limit. Hungry and desperate, she musters enough courage to run away and take a job as lady’s maid to a wealthy widow who supports the deposed viceroy.

Minerva is happy serving Encarnación del Valle. She has food in her belly and the safety of a warm house lit by magical chispa. Why should she care who runs the country or how her employer affords the magic?

When the viceroy sweeps back into power, Minerva retreats with her gleeful employer to the family’s mountainside stronghold to wait out the inevitable rebel slaughter. At la Casa de las Gardenias, Minerva faces new threats in the haughty servants and cruel, scheming del Valles.

But the living residents of the house are the least of her worries. As Minerva quickly discovers, the ancient estate is home to forces far older and more bloodthirsty than anything she could have imagined.

 

When the World Was Happy by Benjamin Alire Sáenz | YOUNG ADULT

CheChe knows that he and his twin sister Emma lead an unusual life. They enjoy spending time with their parents and grandparents, love to read, and don’t have a huge circle of friends—and they’re happy. Then, just a few months after they turn seventeen, three gunmen show up one morning at their El Paso, Texas, high school, and everything changes.

CheChe loses a leg, and both he and Emma have friends who die. Suddenly, the world feels like a very different place. But what they find hasn’t changed—or has only gotten deeper—is their love for their family, their close friends, and one another, and as they begin to heal, they create their own little community, one that wields the power of humor, kindness, and hope.

CheChe finds himself doing all kinds of things he never expected from his junior year: relearning to walk, falling in love with the boy he’s nursed a longtime crush on, making friends with a kid he always found intimidating. By the end of this life-changing school year, none of them will be the same, and many of them will have found their voices in ways they never imagined.

 

Second Generation Blues: A Graphic Novel by Julio Anta | Illustrated by Red Dryer | CHILDREN’S

Luis Menendez wants to be free from his immigrant Cuban-American parents’ expectations. Instead, he’s spending the summer delivering food for his family's faltering restaurant, sweating under the hot sun and the crushing weight of a future he didn’t choose.

At least there’s Yara. Confident, assertive, and basically Luis’s dream girl, she might be the only person who understands him. If only he had any free time to spend with her.

Amid the chaos, Luis starts carving out his own path. But when trying to be the son his parents need clashes with the life he wants, he’s forced to face the question he’s most afraid of answering: Is family loyalty worth sacrificing his own happiness?

 

Ugo by Dr. Habib Sadeghi | Illustrated by Abraham Matias | CHILDREN’S

Ugo has been trained from a young age to follow the trail to the market, carrying the farmer’s grain to sell. He knows it’s important to stay on the path. But when the music of the trees calls to him, he just can’t resist the urge to drop the grain and…

Shake! Spin! Stomp!

To tame Ugo’s wandering spirit, the farmer trains ShinShin the monkey to be his guide. But when an accident befalls Ugo on this well-worn path, the music fades away, and he must dig deep inside himself to find his true place in the world.

 

Firulais| Illustrated by Duenas Anika | CHILDREN’S

Uh-oh—what's that mess?

Meet Firualis, the family's new dog, a silly little pup with fast paws and a curious nose. One moment he's zooming through the neighborhood, the next he's tugging toilet paper, stealing snacks, and leaving muddy paw prints everywhere! Can you spot what Firulais gets into next?

Turn the pages to follow Firulais from room to room as he plays, tumbles, and causes a little chaos along the way. But no matter how big the mess, one thing is always clear—this mischievous pup is full of love and just wants to be close to his family.

 

Mariposa's Journey by Belen Medina | Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal | CHILDREN’S

The journey looms long and dangerous, but Mariposa is not migrating alone. Every year when the cold winter months threaten, monarch butterflies embark on an incredible migratory journey from the northern United States and Canada to the warmer climates of southern California and Mexico. Every year, humans migrate too. For survival. For family. For a better life. The path will not be easy. Will Mariposa find the way to the warmth and safety of home?

 

I Am Kind / Soy amable by Cindy Montenegro | Illustrated by Jayri Gómez | CHILDREN’S

From a mouse who uses gentle words to a bear who patiently waits for their turn, I Am Kind models the everyday moments where little ones' kindness can shine. Through simple, relatable scenarios—sharing, helping, and being there for others—children see how small choices help them grow and connect with others.

Written by a therapist, this mindful board book encourages a growth mindset by showing that kindness is something we practice every day. With clear language and warm illustrations, I Am Kind helps children build empathy, self-awareness, and emotional confidence—one thoughtful moment at a time.

 

Emilio and His Dream Circus by Nayeli Reyes & Alejandro Ochoa | Illustrated by Citlali Reyes | CHILDREN’S

fter a long day at school, all Emilio wants is to play with Mom and Dad. But between after-school activities, chores, and a whole lot of "maybe later," playtime never comes. Disappointed and tucked into bed, Emilio drifts off to sleep... and tumbles into a dreamlike circus where the impossible comes alive.

Beneath a glowing big top, Emilio explores a world of wonder—leaping peanuts, juggling dinosaurs, unicycling robots, and dazzling surprises at every turn. Yet amid the magic, something feels familiar. Again and again, Emilio catches glimpses of Mom and Dad, woven into the spectacle. As the dream whirls on, it becomes clear just how deeply Emilio longed for their time together. This warm, enchanting bilingual picture book celebrates imagination, family connection, and the moments that matter most—reminding families that the simplest moments of togetherness are often the ones worth choosing first.

 

Grandma Fina's Wonderful Umbrella by Benjamin Alire Sáenz | Illustrated by Raúl the Third & Elaine Bay | CHILDREN’S

Grandma Fina loves her trusty yellow umbrella. Yes, it may be worn and torn, but it protects her from the sun and keeps her company on her daily walks. Her friends and loved ones, however, are secretly convinced her umbrella needs replacing. But Grandma Fina knows better. And where others see a problem, she sees an opportunity—and she uses their good intentions to solve a true need.

 

A Tanta Wawa for Abuelito by Sara Andrea Fajardo | Illustrated by Duda Oliva | CHILDREN’S

It’s Tortolito’s first Día de los Muertos without his abuelito, and Tortolito misses him every day. He’s determined to celebrate his grandfather to the fullest. And that means buying Abuelo’s favorite foods, wearing new clothes, and, of course, bringing a delicious tanta wawa—a traditional Andean bread—to visit Abuelo’s grave.

Even during his family’s celebration, Tortolito misses how close he and Abuelo used to be. By remembering and honoring his abuelito with his loved ones, can Tortolito learn to keep Abuelo’s spirit with him every day?

 

Marty Milagros Dooms the Earth by Veronica V Jones | MIDDLE GRADE

Twelve-year-old Marty Milagros is used to getting in trouble. Little does he know, his upstairs neighbor, Mr. Albert, is secretly a galactic scientist defending the planet from alien invaders--with an AI built to keep Earth safe. Then Marty accidentally downloads it into his own brain.

Now, with the help of his friends Alex and Mia, Marty has to stop the aliens. Can Earth's WORST defender overcome his self-doubt and save the world before he loses Mr. Albert for good?

Suit up with Earth's most unlikely hero--the planet is counting on him!

Book Review and Author Interview: 'Bodega Stories' by Amaris Castillo

Bodega Stories is referred to as a “love letter to [Amaris’s] Dominican immigrant parents and their bodega” by Booklist, and I agree, but I’d add: and to working-class Latine immigrants in the United States. Amaris Castillo spent years researching, interviewing, and observing the communities that entered Orlando Latin Market, her parents’ convenience store, and she wrote love letters to them. In this compelling nonfiction collection of interconnected short stories, Castillo creates this vibrant and seasoned narrative about Latine immigrants making a living in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Undoubtedly, Castillo’s parents, Damaris and Freddy, are the protagonists here, and what a pair of charismatic people to follow. The author lets us in on the moment her parents first met, when they immigrated to the US, and, of course, when they opened their first bodega in Brooklyn. We also follow them on their journey to Florida and to the opening of Orlando Latin Market and are invited into their day-to-day operations. Castillo cleverly draws these vignettes for us in a nonchronological way that enriches the story while giving it a pleasant dynamism. 

When talking to her about the process of interviewing her parents, Castillo said, “It was like peeling an onion. I would pull on a layer, then another, followed by another. My parents would remember something, and then I’d follow up with another question about a detail they shared.” She continued by explaining that in the year she had to finish the manuscript, they did countless interviews, and it sometimes was hard to separate her research from their family time. “When was I their daughter? When was I the author?” she would ask herself. Even if it was difficult, Castillo had a clear goal: to capture her parents’ story as bodegueros and the spirit of their store. And, at least to this reader, she achieves just that. 

Speaking of the store, there would be none without employees and customers. Castillo welcomes us to Orlando Latin Market as if we were right there buying groceries and eavesdropping into her conversations with the regulars. We get to know them by the items they put in their baskets and by their peculiar stories. A barbershop owner who survived more than one life-threatening situation, a grandmother who would not leave Cuba without her spoiled puppy, a former bodega employee carrying a tattoo with a story of longing, a grieving daughter who goes to the bodega to recall her grocery shopping memories with her mother, and many more touching and inspiring stories fill this book with a kaleidoscope of journeys that are special in their own way. Castillo weaves these testimonies around her parents’ because, in her own words, “Bodega Stories would be incomplete without their voices.” At its core, this book is about community, and the Orlando Latin Market community is made up of all the people that come in and out of the store. These employees and customers tell Castillo about their struggles, their faiths, their memories, and their traditions. We even get to know about those the author didn’t interview by seeing their postings on the bodega’s bulletin board (a refreshing touch to the narrative). Through them, readers learn the differences and similarities among immigrant communities, and the diversity of the Latine experience in the US. 

To me, the most charming element in this collection is the way Castillo shows us the beauty of everyday life without romanticizing it. She makes sure we know the hardships of the working class while portraying the magic of frying a plátano for your loved ones. When asked about what she wanted to tell readers about the immigrant working class, Castillo shared, “They pour their energy, often physical and almost always mental, in exchange for the income required to pay rent and other living expenses. And sometimes it’s not enough.” She shows this restrictive way of living and the way people thrive within it. After a long shift, they go to the bodega to get some chicharrón, they walk the aisles of the store, they crack jokes with witty Freddy, they sing bachatas with Damaris, and sometimes, they stop and tell stories to Amaris, the daughter of two Dominican immigrants who is there to capture the colors of their community.


Amaris Castillo is a journalist and a writer. Her debut, Bodega Stories, a collection of true stories from her parents’ Latin market in St. Petersburg, Florida, will be out September 8, 2026 from the University Press of Florida.

Her writing has appeared in several anthologies and she’s received support from Periplus Collective, Las Musas, Latinx in Publishing, and We Need Diverse Books. She also cares deeply about good literary citizenship. She is the lead book reviewer for the Dominican Writers Association and a contributor to Latinx in Publishing and Debutiful. She holds an MS from Columbia Journalism School and a BA in journalism from the University of South Florida. She currently lives in Florida with her family.

Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares (she/they) is a Venezuelan-born writer and poet who was Latinx in Publishing’s Communications Intern in 2024. They graduated with honors from The City College of New York with a B.A. in English and a Publishing Certificate in May 2026. They’re a We Need Diverse Books Internship Grant recipient (2025) and a Women’s Media Group fellow (2026). Currently, they work as editorial assistant at Scholastic Inc.

Author Interview: 'Offside' by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is a graphic novel whose story revolves around five middle schoolers; Palmer Jamieson, the writer; Fabiola Amortegui, the new student; Nicole “Nicky” Fernandez, the civil rights activist; Alvaro “Al” Gomes, the soccer team leader; and Sebatian “Seba” Louk, the mediator. They earn their membership on their Jackson Middle School soccer team, while each have their own challenge to defeat. Through school sports, family, and shenanigans, Offside’s quintet demonstrate how differences can make a better and harmonious impact.

Yvonne Tapia: Great to have you here, Christina! Your graphic novel, Offside, gives a modern look to an ancient social stereotype: women not being included in activities, such as sports. What inspired you to write about this concept?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Thank you so much, Yvonne! Well, I didn’t grow up being a footballer or soccer fan, I came to the sport late. I came to the sport late as a mom, my kids loved soccer and, I have two sons whom became huge soccer players. I became not only their soccer mom; I became the team mom. Just by interacting with the sport, I would see not only my sons playing but the girls playing, and there were girls teams playing.

Sometimes there was a battle about which team would get the better field, and a lot of that just stayed with me. [After the first graphic novel I had written], Invisible, when it came time to write a new graphic novel, [I decided to showcase] kids who are bilingual; kids who are learning English; who are recent immigrants; and, the differences between the Spanish-speaking communities.

I knew I wanted to touch base with [those topics] again, but I needed a new setting. It seemed so obvious that soccer, being a sport that’s played around the world, that so many people love, that I could start using that as the basis. I started thinking about it more and more, what I had seen firsthand, about the differences between girls’ and boys’ soccer oftentimes. I did research, and learned that in Brazil it was illegal for girls to play soccer until the 1980s. I knew it was something I could really delve into, and use it to highlight how sometimes we have preconceived notions about each other, about boys or girls, and we just have to see each other as human beings.

Yvonne Tapia: This can be tied to present day, how there are still some activities that girls and/or women are not encouraged to do, from sports to careers. For example, construction is a field where it’s not usual to see a woman in that sector.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Yeah absolutely, and I think it also comes down to the preconceived notions. If someone is good at something, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re a boy or a girl or other if you’re bringing something to the sport. You should be looked at on your talent, skill, and openness to learn. It is to showcase how we all deserve the opportunity to follow our dreams.

I hope that people keep the idea that if they see an issue or a problem within their own community, that no matter the age, your voice matters and you can do something about it.

Yvonne Tapia: Each character has their own cultural and family background. Fabiola is Colombiana; Sebatian has Peruvian lineage; Alvaro has Brazilian ancestry; Nicky has divorced parents, and so forth, and they each have a different challenge to surpass.

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: We come in from different cultures and different ways of speaking Spanish. I strive to remind people that even though everyone might be speaking Spanish, the accents or dialects can be a little different. In the case of Nicky, her last name is Fernandez but she does not speak Spanish. She carries the name, but she is not carrying the culture because she was not taught that. Yet you have another character, Palmer, who is not Hispanic and not [of] Latino background, and yet he is the one who is mainly bilingual because he learned it at school. I showed how different people from different family backgrounds can come together, and how their language can be a bridge or a little bit of an impediment, and one has to figure out other way to communicate and connect with people.

Seba is Asian-Peruvian, so it’s a different homelife for him. Fabiola has older brothers while Seba is an only child. Everyone has a different family dynamic so that’s one of the main things, to show that we’re all different, and just remind people that we each have our own story.

Yvonne Tapia: Additionally, Fabiola is trying to fit in the school setting; Palmer is healing from his injury while trying to be a writer; Sebatian is trying to bring his classmates together; Alvaro wants a male-only soccer team, and, Nicole is so determined to prove herself. How did you develop the dynamic between the characters?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I approach each one as their own character with their rolling backstory, and their own homelife and how that influences them. I wanted to show a little bit of that. Alvaro is adamantly opposed to having girls be on the soccer team. He is absorbed with thinking males are the only ones supposed to be in sports. You see Alvaro’s evolution when he starts understanding what some of the girls are going through and how good they are on the soccer field. His views start to change also when he starts seeing how he is treating his younger sister, based on views trickled down to him from his father.

The graphic novel also highlights the idea that even though you’re young, you can also change your parents’ perceptions. [Switching to Nicky now], I wanted that evolution, I wanted Nicky to go from being so completely self-centered and ambitious to selfless and understanding – it is great to be ambitious, but you can’t lose sight of other people.

It's the learning that you can be ambitious but you can also look out for other people. It was little stories within the story that I wanted to show.

Yvonne Tapia: Yes, and that also highlights another theme; the home environment also shapes how they are as individuals. How did you approach each home environment to reflect who these characters are?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I imagined the character first. With Nicky and her ambition, for instance, I thought, “What is influencing her? What else might be going on at home that might be influencing her?” So I wanted to show her home life of divorced parents and always trying to get her father’s attention.

Fabiola, at first, is kind of quiet and does not want to cause a stir vs her two older brothers who are loud, and then she finds a way to stand up for herself.

It was more about thinking what the characters’ personalities are like. What type of homelife would lead or add to their personalities? I would make notes as to what the homelife would be like. I would [ask] “How many siblings? Maybe single child? Give her a pink room? Then, Mari Costa the illustrator, she just knocked it out of the ballpark. She took those ideas, did the sketches and lark-handed all the coloring and brought everything to life. Even though I did not write the [setting description], the illustrator was able to show it. It was great team effort.

Yvonne Tapia: The beautiful illustrations also highlight the language, whether it’s formal or slang, such as “esa vaina.” What was your approach for selecting Spanish slang for the characters?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Being from Miami, I wrote it in the language that’s in my head, and I had friends from Colombia and other different ethnicities, read it and to make sure I got everything right. I told them, “If there’s a word like ‘pura vida!’…

Yvonne Tapia: Or “chévere.”

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Exactly! To let me know if there’s a word they suggest and I can add it, so that helps.

Yvonne Tapia: Great. When you were writing the characters, which one was the most rewarding to develop?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: The character most rewarding to develop for me was Palmer because he goes through the evolution of always considering himself only an athlete. He has to figure out, “What else can I be if I cannot be an athlete?” He has to try something new out of his comfort zone, such as managing the team.

Yvonne Tapia: Which character was the most challenging to develop?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I think Al was the most challenging character to write because I knew he was going to be difficult in his personality. He has beliefs that are opposed to mine and I had to try making him a sympathetic character. Al is someone who you start understanding a little bit more [as the story goes], and I wanted to show that evolution without being too simplistic like, “Oh now we’re all friends and now we all get along.”

Yvonne Tapia: Definitely, and without including spoilers, when one reads about Al’s background, the reader might think it’s just one parent figure that’s influencing him. But then the reader finds out there’s more beyond that. What is one thing readers will be surprised about when they read Offside?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I think that a lot of readers think it’s just going to be a soccer story. A story about a soccer team. I think it’ll be surprising when they realize that it’s really a story about friendship and growing up challenging your own preconceived notions. There’s a much bigger story than just about a soccer team.

In terms of the word bubbles – in a graphic novel, you’re very limited to how much dialogue you can put in since it has to fit into the word bubbles. [Since] I try to be authentic to the characters and if the characters are predominantly Spanish-speaking, they are going to be Spanish-speaking in the world. I am also cognizant that the person reading a book might not understand Spanish, so I needed a method to have the translation in Offside.

I did not want it to be just “oh it’s translated for the reader.” That takes up more space in a graphic novel, so the dialogue had to be as succinct as possible, and the [word bubbles with the translations were placed]. I relied on the artwork to be a third language. There’s English, Spanish, and the art to tell the story.

The art is incredibly important, because even though I might be telling the illustrator in the art notes what is happening, so they can understand what’s happening in the background, “this character looks really angry, etc.” they have to not only show the characters, they have to show the surrounding, and show the emotion.

Yvonne Tapia: Is there an illustration in the story that might surprise readers?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Yes there’s a couple – I love where Nicky is sitting in her room and Al is sitting in his room and they are in juxtaposition in the illustration. Readers see how different they are and the details in their rooms show you a bigger understanding about their home life. You also see the page where Palmer explains to his mom how he translates – the words arrive to his brain which is almost like “steam-punk” style, and he has to translate everything into English in his brain, and then he can translate. A lot of readers will find that way of processing relatable.

Yvonne Tapia: That brings us to how the household influences them as well. How did you develop Al, given how his family history goes beyond his parents?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I wanted to show that people’s belief systems sometimes come from more than just our immediate family. That’s why I wanted to bring in Al’s grandfather who does not even live with them, and Al’s father just worrying about what his father will think about Al and his soccer team. It goes to preconceived notions of what you think someone else is going to think, and it is easier to just ask and have a discussion. The belief systems may or may not be true and that can influence people and multigenerations.

Yvonne Tapia: Absolutely. In this graphic novel we see how the students are shaped by interactions with each other as well. What do you hope readers learn from the book?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I’d like for readers to enjoy the experience of seeing these five main characters with their journeys. For it to be like going to the movies where they escape into a world. Readers can also learn to consider other people, and that other people may be more than what they appear to be. We don’t always know what’s really going on in people’s lives unless we are curious and just ask, and get to know them. After reading Offside, hopefully walk away with a better understanding of not only these characters but maybe other people in your community. This graphic novel can also assist a person in reconsidering their opinions of other people.

Yvonne Tapia: Beautifully said. How should Offside be incorporated in the classroom?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I hope that it’s for everyone, not just for people who love sports. Sports is one way to bring characters together and this book is more than that – it’s a story about friendship, rivalries, interacting with people that are not like you and that you might not like too much, but learning more about them so that you can work together respectfully.

Yvonne Tapia: What would you say to someone who has not picked up a graphic novel before?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: Graphic novels are an incredible way to read a book. It is also important reading because it is using a different part of your brain. It does so because when you’re reading a traditional novel, it is all words and the author is really having to paint the picture. With a graphic novel, you have to use other skills – you are learning visual literacy – where you’re reading the words and you’re following the story with the dialogue, and you’re also simultaneously having to look at the pictures and interpret what is happening visually. It’s a different form of reading and it is great especially for reluctant readers who may be put off a little bit by just seeing so many words on a page. Graphic novels provide an extra support for reluctant readers to still understand the story without being intimidated by so many words on a page.

Yvonne Tapia: Can we expect a sequel to Offside?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: While it’s not a sequel, I am working on a new graphic novel similar to Invisible and Offside, where five individuals come together because of a situation. Never say never to the Offside universe expanding.

Yvonne Tapia: What is something you hope readers take with them long after reading Offside?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez: I hope that people keep the idea that if they see an issue or a problem within their own community, that no matter the age, your voice matters and you can do something about it. You can rally your friends and you can make the change. You can be the catalyst of change that you want to see in the world.

For more updates on her latest works, follow author Christina Diaz Gonzalez on:

Instagram: https://www.christinagonzalez.com

Website: https://www.christinagonzalez.com


Christina Diaz Gonzalez is the Edgar Award-winning and USA TODAY best-selling author of several novels including The Red Umbrella, Concealed, and the graphic novels, Invisible and Offside. Her books have been named to thirty-two state award lists and have reached international acclaim with Japan’s Sakura Medal nominations and International Latino Book Awards. She lives with her family in Miami, Florida.

Mexican-American professional Yvonne Tapia has an extensive background in marketing, education, and media, supporting both large enterprises and small businesses. Yvonne focuses on raising brand visibility and community engagement, particularly within marginalized sectors. She is a current Senior Instructor at COOP Careers, where she mentors through hands-on marketing training while partnering with businesses from different industries. Outside of work, Yvonne is an avid reader and is involved in supportive causes.

Most Anticipated August 2026 Releases

From graphic novels to Puerto Rican recipes to great literary fiction, there’s an abundance of new Latinx titles out this month! Check out our list of most anticipated reads making it to the top of our TBR.

 

Take What You Can by Naima Coster | FICTION

Val and Milly fell in love with France at the same time they fell in love with each other and became immediate best friends. Then, they bonded as the only Black students on a study-abroad trip. Now they are in their thirties, each married and with a baby girl on the way. When Milly suggests Val move to New York so they can raise their daughters together after a decade apart, it’s a resounding yes.

Despite their excitement, the pair secretly wonders if their friendship has always worked best as a trio. On that first trip to France, these two motherless daughters were taken under the wing of an older woman named Helene. She showered them with money, love, and attention and showed them the possibilities of an independent and abundant future. But now, without Helene and her guidance, who are Milly and Val?

Milly, a successful influencer married to restaurant royalty, is occupied with her desire for freedom. Val, a brilliant journalist, is unsure whether she fits into Milly’s new world. The realities of class and social capital, of strained marriages and the demands of motherhood, serve as constant reminders of how far apart they’ve grown. And no matter how much they try to avoid it, everything comes back to the rift that began all those years ago in France. What they’ve long tried to bury may finally destroy their sisterhood.

Weaving between Brooklyn brownstones and the glittering beaches of southern France, Take What You Can is a dazzling novel exploring what it means to be a mother when you have none, a sister without blood ties, and a woman in pursuit of the life she wants. With her signature sharply observed prose, Naima Coster illustrates how to be—and to stay—someone’s person through all phases of life.

 

The Depopulation by Marina Closs | Translated by Thomas Bunstead | FICTION

"Of all the happy, hermitic lands, the Guayrá was the jewel."

So begins this polyphonic wonder of a novel set in a 17th-century Jesuit mission founded within the wild South American subtropics by the mystical and intense Father Ruiz and his assistant Father Maceta. As the priests seek to convert the indigenous Guaraní and unravel the many religious mysteries that surround them, the harmony of their community is abruptly upended by the arrival of Overá, who announces himself as the Son of God and younger brother of Jesus. But an even larger threat presents itself when word arrives that European marauders and slave hunters will soon descend upon the peaceful mission, compelling Overá and the priests to launch a mass exodus into the heart of the jungle.

Full of humor, passion, and terror, The Depopulation brilliantly evokes the moment when modernity's spark set fire to a still-magic world.

 

Stepping Up: A Graphic Memoir by Kiara Valdez | Illustrated by Diana Tsai Santos | YOUNG ADULT

Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. She’s at Phillips Academy Andover—the prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates’ endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyone’s pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like she’ll never fit in.

Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.

Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step up—for herself and her friends?

 

Mad Dog Morgan by Adam Lawson & Brian Christgau | Illustrated by Dall'o | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Mitchell "Mad Dog" Morgan dreamed of making it to the big arenas in wrestling, but he never crawled out of the indies. They were right about him when they called him "just another jabroni." Deciding to drink his troubles away, he wanders into a crumbling house that's more than it seems—a supernatural world of horror that feeds on the hopeless. As the house tries to break him, Morgan realizes all his failures had prepared him for this moment. He was born not to wrestle in the ring but to fight an ancient evil that preys on the lost. Bloodied, brutalized, and on the brink, this washed-up jabroni will rise up to become the main event.

 

Cooking con Omi: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking by Omi Hopper | NONFICTION

Growing up in Puerto Rico, food had as much of an impact on Omi Hopper’s life as the culture. When her family moved to the mainland, Omi began to lose her connection with the island. So, she started cookingconomi to tie her life as a wife and mother to her desire to keep her culture alive and thriving.

Cooking con Omi is a celebration of Puerto Rican cooking with 100 classic and US-influenced Latino dishes that capture the vibrant, warm, and lively essence of Puerto Rican culture.

For Omi, cooking is not a task or a chore, but a memory-making experience. It’s the crush of garlic in a pilón, the scent of sizzling sofrito, the bubbling of the caldero alongside the music and laughter of a full house of loved ones settling down to eat. Each section includes an introduction from Omi, sidebars about the origin of ingredients, headnotes with the stories behind each recipe, vibrant full-color photography, and an overall message of love and unity Omi communicates through her food.

 

Piñen: Stories by Daniela Catrileo | Translated by Jacob Edelstein | FICTION

The word "piñen" comes from Mapudungun and refers to the dust or the dirt that sticks to the body.

In the all-too-real streets of Santiago de Chile, Daniela Catrileo gives us a portrait of a generation in search of itself. In “Warriache,” two childhood friends whose lives have been marked by their part Mapuche identity and the memories that bind them circle each other at a party. Their dance of delays and inevitable meeting expands into a tale across epochs—one that gives life to the hidden and suppressed experiences of those who live on the margins of other stories. In “Pornomisery,” a young girl considers the sexual violence that seems to lurk behind every closed door in her cloistered community and darken every possible route of exit.

Piñen is suffused with the humanity of its vivid, complex characters, bringing a side of modern Chile to vibrant life. It also marks the confident next step in the career of a writer poised to become one of the boldest and most uncompromising chroniclers of modern life in Latin American literature.

 

The Loneliest Tree in the World by Mariana Salomao Carrara | Translated by Julia Sanches & Alison Entrekin | FICTION

On a small tobacco farm in the south of Brazil, a family of five tends their crop and tries to keep up with the economic tribulations and environmental threats of modern rural life. The father, Carlos, is reckoning with a depression that has hollowed his soul, likely caused by exposure to pesticides. His wife, Guerlinda, must cope with her husband's mental absence from family life while raising three children and keeping the household afloat. Alice, the eldest daughter, rebels against her mother and traditional gender standards. Her younger sister Maria is the only one who still attends school, struggling to reconcile her book smarts with the harsh manual labor demanded by the farm. And little two-year-old Pedrinho still hasn't started talking, but is already being put to work tending the tobacco. All the while, the objects surrounding them are watching and telling us their story. There's the old, sick tree in their backyard; the mirror inside, which reflects the unsaid emotions and hidden traumas; the truck that transports them; and the protective smock that accompanies the family during the harvest.

As the harvesting and burning season approaches, big tobacco companies, unpredictable conditions, and consequences of pesticide treatments threaten the family’s livelihood and mental well-being.

 

Please Pass the Tamales! by Silvia López | Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega | CHILDREN’S

Join Liliana, Yasmany, Tomás, Eduardo, Isabela, and Valeria as they help their families prepare delicious tamales from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Colombia! Each family has their own recipe for this special dish, but they all share ingredients, and come together for one big tamalada.

Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, this is a delightful celebration of family, culture, and tamales.

 

Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias | FICTION

Once a powerful, cold-blooded politician in Costa Rica, Seth Oreamundo is now living in exile in Washington, DC – and his younger brother Osario is to blame. Born into a corrupt political dynasty and raised on a seemingly idyllic coffee estate, the Oreamundo brothers were destined for greatness. But a dark family secret and a scandalous double crossing sent their lives into a tailspin, changing the country forever.

Osario must pay, and Seth decides the only way to do so is to return home to Costa Rica and feed his brother to the infamous river of crocodiles from their childhood. What follows is a spellbinding story of revenge alternating between Seth's murderous plans and memories of the brothers' upbringing. With the wisdom of biblical myth and the soapy wit of a telenovela, Crocodilopolis is a masterful interrogation of power, masculinity, destiny, and legacy from a literary star on the rise.

 

Wifredo's Jungle: The Power of Wifredo Lam's Art by Margarita Engle | Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara | CHILDREN’S

In a village on the tropical island of Cuba, a boy named Wifredo Lam loved to draw his surroundings--hot blue air, cool green leaves, and brilliant flowers.

As he grew older, Lam paid tribute to his Cuban, West African, and Chinese heritage through his art, which brought dignity and respect to Cuba's rich mix of cultures.

Inspired by and in contact with some of the most renowned artists of the early 20th century, such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and André Breton, Lam blended European cubism and surrealism with multicultural influences to create his own unique style, culminating in the creation of his masterpiece La Jungla (The Jungle).

From Margarita Engle, a Newbery Honor Winner and a former Young People's Poet Laureate, and Jacqueline Alcántara, a New York Times bestselling illustrator, Wifredo's Jungle introduces young readers to the trailblazing life and work of Wifredo Lam.

Beatitudes (If Tomorrow Ever Comes) by Lupe Mendez

In 2026, 22 people have died in ICE custody. Thank you to poet Lupe Mendez for sharing this poem at the vigil for Lorenzo Salgado Araujo — may his memory, and this poem, fortify us in the fight for justice.

 

para Lorenzo Salgado Araujo (¡presente!)

Blessed be you, provider,

one day, you will be provided for.

Blessed be all the Dreamers,

for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed be all the trabajadores,

for one day, la calma, the stillness will all be yours.

Blessed are they that mourn,

for you teach us how to be lights in the dark.

Blessed be you, the witness, truth teller

for you inherit all we see and cannot say.

Blessed be those who gather,

you are the body siempre en la lucha.

Blessed be the barrio, quienes griten,

for we never forget un mal hecho.

Blessed be all the mother, the fathers,

for you are the kingdom of a god.

Blessed be all the elders, all the buelos, todo las doñas,

nos dan palabra y obra en las palmas de tus manos.

Blessed be all the children wishing on stars

 

all the children

all the children

all the separated children

all the disappeared children,

you call people to make more than peace, more than war.

Exclusive Excerpt: The Sleeping Sisters by Jennifer Givhan

Latinx in Publishing is pleased to exclusively reveal an excerpt from The Sleeping Sisters by Jennifer Givhan (out on August 18, 2026) courtesy of Little, Brown and Company.

A mother's love is the oldest curse

Fortuna Miércoles has finally moved her family to a better neighborhood across the Rio Grande, desperate to outrun the curse that's stalked her bloodline since her greatest grandmother crossed the desert with a cactus thorn splitting her throat. But burying a family's violent legacy--or her own haunting secret--isn't so easy. Twenty years ago, girls and women vanished into the Albuquerque night, their bones later unearthed on the mesa. The so-called Reaper was never caught. Now, beneath the dormant volcanoes called the Sleeping Sisters, the killings have begun again, and they've called forth something in Fortuna that she has long fought to keep buried...

Detective Jeanette Palacio has spent decades promising justice to the ghosts of her murdered cousins--alongside the memory of the other women she couldn't avenge. When a new body turns up in Fortuna's backyard, both women are pulled into a dangerous, ancient plot. Are the Sleeping Sisters awakening--or has someone in Fortuna's family set a trap?

Inspired by true events, The Sleeping Sisters begins as a taut mystery shot through with myth and a Chicana-Indigenous reimagining of the legend of the headless woman--but by its cataclysmic end has spiraled into a fevered, feral hymn to motherhood and a mesmerizing portrait of trauma and the monstrous bargains we make to protect those we love.

Scroll on for the chance to read the prologue and chapter nine of The Sleeping Sisters.


Prologue

I’ve spent motherhood dreading this. The seep of the plastic tarp. The squelch of our chanclas slap-slapping against the slush in the desert behind the Sleeping Sisters, their cinder cones numb and

silent for millennia. I keep twisting my ankles on the jagged basalt, and the horror I thought I’d left on this frozen hill seventeen years ago rushes back.

“Mama?”

The voice that echoes is not my child as they are now, cold and rigid, but as I want them to be. Whole. Safe. Unmarred by my monstrosity.

“Shhh,” I snap, yanking my foot free and nearly toppling us both. “Dig faster.”

I claw at the slurry of dirty snow, desperate mother that I am, as he takes the shovel when my hands blister, or have they been his on the splintered handle all along? Under his hoodie, he’s drenched and glowering.

Have I been shielding his actions all this time? Is that the fracture, deep down?

He says nothing as the shovel head devours another clump of mud. Then another. Until it breaks its teeth against the rocks with a sharp clang and my memory unhinges, same as most things tenuously sewn above my shoulders.

Snowmelt puddles. The Sleeping Sister volcanoes on the mesa lie dormant. Unwatchful. That’s what happens when you fall asleep. You stop paying attention.

It’s not just owning a body I’ve been afraid of but raising children into full-fledged adults with bodies of their own. That want. And need.

When they’re young, it’s simpler. Their needs stack like blocks—spoon-feedings, plush animals, a finger to suck. A patch of grass in a cramped yard, their world confined to the netted playpen. But as they grow, so does my fear.

I blink my ice-fattened tears away and spit out granules of dirt and gravel onto the tarp, where the ground slurps at our feet, making obscene little popping noises. We’re just organisms in a glass box again, the world frozen and fogged around us. The terrarium cracked years ago no matter how I pretend it hasn’t. Maybe I am as delusional as that cop thinks I am. Or as monstrous. I imagine we’re stargazing. A meteor shower’s due in a night or two.

The seams at my neck pulse, precipitation gluing my hair to my face. The Sleeping Sisters huddle, their backs hunched to us, indifferent as ever. These bitches could sleep through the end of the world. And maybe that’s now. “Dig faster!”

The sludge, the stars, the swirls of dread. His hands on the shovel, off with my head.

 

Nine

The lore on headlessness is fascinating. Refreshing. A cool breeze at the neck.

When you were young, you wanted to hear the stories of the past. You didn’t understand their implications. To you and your brother, they were akin to magical happenings. Colorful folktales in faraway villages.

You two checked out a library book called In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, and you’re the one who said, “Look, Mama! Just like you!”

You pointed excitedly to a girl named Jenny with a puke-green ribbon lashing her neck in the inky illustration.

I replied, “They got it wrong, mijita.”

They stole our story. They penned us into a wives’ tale and dismissed us. Pinned us to the pages like moths. But it wasn’t the first time, nor would it be the last. Before “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” Washington Irving had cribbed our story from a fellow writer, only she’d been Westernized, made French. Her choker was black velvet.

“Perhaps there were headless women all over the world,” you wondered.

“Maybe so,” I agreed.

Your brother wanted to paw at my throat with his grubby paws.

When you were little, more than the Gothic tales of the writers you and your brother were named after, you most loved the stories of our ancestors, but as you grew older, you stopped believing they were real.

I didn’t want to instill you with such fear, you have to understand, mijita.

I would’ve rather told you fantasies about girls who grow up to become queens despite their mothers or stepmothers interfering. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from your abuela, whom I haven’t spoken to since I was a teenager when she almost killed me, it’s this: Mothers toughen you up. They teach you how to save yourself when their shield inevitably fails.

Have I ever told you how I wanted to be a writer? I fancied myself a Gothic horror aficionado. When you were an infant, I read you “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Not very baby friendly, I know, but I never got a

chance to major in literature or creative writing like I’d wanted in high school. I not so much dropped out as had to run to keep out of prison or a graveyard. So that put an end to all my literary aspirations. Being dead inside will do that to a mother.

In my senior class, I was ostracized, the girl with the lecherous, murderous father. I could’ve gone full Carrie on them but what would’ve been the point? We’re all locked in the stories we’ve created. I’m sorry, mija. I get so angry sometimes.


Jennifer Givhan is a Mexican American and Indigenous poet and novelist from the Southwestern desert and the recipient of poetry fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and PEN/Rosenthal Emerging Voices. She holds a Master’s degree from California State University Fullerton and a master’s in Fine Arts from Warren Wilson College. Givhan is the author of five full-length poetry collections and the novels River Woman, River Demon, Jubilee, Trinity Sight, and Salt Bones. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her family.

August 2026 Latinx Releases

On Sale August 4

Sleepover Sneak Attack by Kiara Valdez | Illustrated by Patricio Oliver | CHILDREN’S

Grab your favorite stuffie, because The Powerpuff Girls are having a sleepover!

But trouble soon arrives when naughty Princess Morbucks uses a machine to sneak into each superhero's dream.

Can the girls snap out of the nightmare and bring back the slumber party fun?

Find out in this high-energy early chapter book adventure featuring super sisters Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup!

 

Sad, Mad, Glad: A Day Full of Feelings by John Micklos Jr. | Illustrated by Lilibeth M. Jimenez | Afterword by Dr. Tia Kim | CHILDREN’S

It's a drizzly, damp, dull Sunday.
Nothing to do or see.
I'm feeling BORED. I need someone
To come and play with me.

And that's just the first of many feelings a young boy experiences on this day. From being GLAD about his friends eventually coming over to play, to getting MAD when little sister Kate gets in the way, our main character feels a whole spectrum of emotions over the course of one day!

 

Off the Wall: Making Stuff Together by Juana Martinez-Neal & Molly Idle | CHILDREN’S

Best friends Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle know a thing or two about collaborative art. After teaming up to illustrate Julie Fogliano's I Don't Care, they set out to explore what it takes to make stuff together!

Off the Wall is a joyful celebration of that very process. The day begins with one little girl, alone with a wall and a bucket of chalk. Then a friend comes along to play tic-tac-toe. Before you can say "look out!", there are five friends, a cat, a dog, and a splattered ice cream cone. Chalk is flying, hands are getting dirty, and the art on the wall gets bigger and, more importantly, better.

Little artists and creative types of all ages will delight in the messmaking of a story that builds and builds to reveal what true friends make when they create together. Off the Wall reminds readers of the magic that happens when we play, experiment, and welcome the unexpected.

 

Vampire Girl Conquers the Night by Betina González | Illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson | Translated by Antonio Gonzalez Cerna | CHILDREN’S

Vampire Girl dreams of conquering the Night (and, maybe most of all, to stop being so scared when she has to turn the light out). But the Night can be anywhere - in the bark of a dog, in the base of a cup - and it is full of legendary monsters, creatures, and questions and fears of the world. Vampire Girl must travel to the Deepest Darkest Depth of her soul to conquer the Night...who, full and generous, will open up for those who dare.

 

Kiki and the Can by John Leguizamo | Illustrated by John "Crash" Matos & Liz Casal | CHILDREN’S

When the citywide mural project comes to town, Kiki finds a spray can of paint, and turns the blank walls of his neighborhood into a colorful canvas that lets him express himself through his vibrant artistry. At the same time, he shows the world the super-power of his cultural community and celebrates what it truly means to be a hero.

 

My Super Duper Me by Malcolm Mitchell | Illustrated by Deise Lino | CHILDREN’S

Welcome to a day in the life of Rhodes. The new kid at school.

He’s the only student who eats lunch alone, ends up at the back of the line, can’t throw a ball far enough, gets mixed up in math, and reads slower than everyone else. Every day, Rhodes wonders...

Will people ever see me?

Will someone ever hear me?

Will anybody ever try to understand?

Then Mr. Burton, the new school librarian, arrives with a Super-Duper Bookshelf that changes everything.

Like his hugely popular megahit My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, literacy crusader and Super Bowl champion Malcolm Mitchell delivers an unforgettable story that celebrates the power and joy words can have for every kid who needs a boost from reading a great book and finds it on a special shelf.

 

Cryptids: Uncover the Secrets Behind the World's Most Baffling Beasts and Curious Creatures by Tamara Macfarlane | Illustrated by Valentino Lasso | MIDDLE GRADE

Step into the shadows of weird history and folklore with this captivating cryptozoology guide, revealing the truth behind the world's most famous (and infamous) monsters.

Young readers can investigate the stories behind legendary creatures, learning how scientific methods and detective work help separate fact from fiction. From deep-sea leviathans to shadowy urban legends, this stunningly illustrated guide encourages kids to evaluate evidence, analyze data, and form their own conclusions.

 

Paloma Joins the Circus by Lupe Ruiz-Flores | MIDDLE GRADE

Twelve-year-old Paloma comes from "circus people"―a family of performers traveling around Texas with la carpa, a Mexican American tent show. She dreams of becoming a tightrope walker, like her mother was, but her father forbids it.

In the summer of 1939, Paloma travels with the circus to help with chores. She hatches a plan to show her father that she has what it takes to join as a permanent performer. While secretly training to walk the high wire, she forges powerful bonds with other circus members. But she also discovers circus life isn't all glamour, and she must decide if la carpa is where she's truly meant to be.

 

Shook by Julian Randall | Illustrated by Nathan Walker | MIDDLE GRADE

Malik Page—though unless you're his mama, call him "Shake"—dreams of making the Marshall Grove varsity basketball squad as an eighth grader. Then he'll be on his way to joining the ranks of Chicago legends like his pops and late Uncle Kenny. But when Shake fractures his ankle in a championship game, he's sidelined for the first time since his first dribble.

As his world is turned upside down, Shake feels like there’s ginger ale bubbling in his chest and sweat slicking on his palms. With a best friend who’s getting more distant by the day, a growing silence between him and his dad, and varsity tryouts fast approaching, Shake will have to cross up every obstacle to find a way back onto the court—and back to being himself. Thankfully in Marshall Grove, the sky is always full of hope.

 

Teen Titans: Together by Kami Garcia | Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo | GRAPHIC NOVEL

H.I.V.E. has been experimenting on teens with superhuman abilities, and Kori Anders is next on their list. Dick Grayson, Rachel 'Raven' Roth, Garfield Logan, Max Navarro, and Damian Wayne got to Los Angeles to save her before Slade Wilson found her, but should she trust these strangers? After all, they’ve accused her mom’s fiancé of abduction, experimentation, and torture! And Kory’s new friend, Victor Stone has a summer internship designing next-level prosthetics at Edge Labs, a company funding H.I.V.E.

To make matters worse, Kori’s sister Kira is working with the organization and singing its praises. H.I.V.E. has a plan for taking down Raven’s demon father, Trigon. It's got a plan for training the next generation of superheroes. It's got plans for everything.

Lines blur as the teens struggle to decide what to do. H.I.V.E. might be their greatest ally…but at what cost? Can the Teen Titans pull together a plan before they fall apart?

 

Mad Dog Morgan by Adam Lawson & Brian Christgau | Illustrated by Dall'o | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Mitchell "Mad Dog" Morgan dreamed of making it to the big arenas in wrestling, but he never crawled out of the indies. They were right about him when they called him "just another jabroni." Deciding to drink his troubles away, he wanders into a crumbling house that's more than it seems—a supernatural world of horror that feeds on the hopeless. As the house tries to break him, Morgan realizes all his failures had prepared him for this moment. He was born not to wrestle in the ring but to fight an ancient evil that preys on the lost. Bloodied, brutalized, and on the brink, this washed-up jabroni will rise up to become the main event.

 

Stepping Up: A Graphic Memoir by Kiara Valdez | Illustrated by Diana Tsai Santos | YOUNG ADULT

Kiara is a long way from Washington Heights. She’s at Phillips Academy Andover—the prestigious school of her dreams. But her bulky financial aid laptop in a room full of brand-new Macs, her classmates’ endless chatter about overseas vacations, and everyone’s pristine North Face jackets have her feeling like she’ll never fit in.

Then she discovers the all-star step team, SLAM. Kiara will gladly endure long practices, sore muscles, and chafed palms to finally find her place on campus. That is, until tragedy strikes and those closest to her are hurt, and she realizes exactly what it means to be an Andover student.

Because at a school where her wealthy white classmates can get away with almost anything and students like her are made to feel lucky to even be at the academy to begin with, is belonging really what Kiara wants? And is she brave enough to step up—for herself and her friends?

 

The Depopulation by Marina Closs | Translated by Thomas Bunstead | FICTION

So begins this polyphonic wonder of a novel set in a 17th-century Jesuit mission founded within the wild South American subtropics by the mystical and intense Father Ruiz and his assistant Father Maceta. As the priests seek to convert the indigenous Guaraní and unravel the many religious mysteries that surround them, the harmony of their community is abruptly upended by the arrival of Overá, who announces himself as the Son of God and younger brother of Jesus. But an even larger threat presents itself when word arrives that European marauders and slave hunters will soon descend upon the peaceful mission, compelling Overá and the priests to launch a mass exodus into the heart of the jungle.

 

Memorial de Ayres by Joaquim Maria Machado De Assis | Translated by Margaret Jull Costa & Robin Patterson | FICTION

In your hands is the diary of Counselor Ayres, a retired diplomat now dedicated to chronicling his day-to-day happenings during the waning years of the Brazilian Empire. Ayres will be the first to tell you that he lives a simple life: the most eventful part of his week is lunch with his sister Rita or a visit to their family cemetery.

But a new love interest--and a bet with Rita--pushes Ayres from the confines of his quiet routine into the cheery home of the Aguiars, an older couple who, like him, are childless. Soon, the merriment is permeated by whispers that the power of the empire is fading--the end of slavery draws near. As Brazil's well-to-do ponder the momentous changes afoot over card games and afternoon coffee, Ayres finds himself suddenly unsure of his place in the shifting milieu: "Everything in this world goes in fashions, except for the stars and me."

 

Take What You Can by Naima Coster | FICTION

Val and Milly fell in love with France at the same time they fell in love with each other and became immediate best friends. Then, they bonded as the only Black students on a study-abroad trip. Now they are in their thirties, each married and with a baby girl on the way. When Milly suggests Val move to New York so they can raise their daughters together after a decade apart, it’s a resounding yes.

Despite their excitement, the pair secretly wonders if their friendship has always worked best as a trio. On that first trip to France, these two motherless daughters were taken under the wing of an older woman named Helene. She showered them with money, love, and attention and showed them the possibilities of an independent and abundant future. But now, without Helene and her guidance, who are Milly and Val?

Milly, a successful influencer married to restaurant royalty, is occupied with her desire for freedom. Val, a brilliant journalist, is unsure whether she fits into Milly’s new world. The realities of class and social capital, of strained marriages and the demands of motherhood, serve as constant reminders of how far apart they’ve grown. And no matter how much they try to avoid it, everything comes back to the rift that began all those years ago in France. What they’ve long tried to bury may finally destroy their sisterhood.

 

Drawn Together by Mercedes Ron | FICTION

Twenty-year-old Marfil Cortés lives the kind of life people imagine from afar. The daughter of a powerful businessman, she spends her days juggling Columbia classes, stolen hours at her ballet studio, and glittering nights in New York City. Her world feels untouchable—polished, predictable, safe.

Until the afternoon she’s abducted in Central Park.

Days later, Marfil opens her eyes in a hospital in New Orleans with no memory of what happened. There are no demands, no suspects, no explanation, only fear and the unsettling certainty that she is no longer safe. In the wake of the attack, her father tightens security and assigns her a bodyguard: Sebastian Moore.

Sebastian is controlled, distant, unreadable—a man whose discipline borders on dangerous. His quiet intensity unsettles and infuriates Marfil in equal measure, stirring resentment toward his presence, his rules, his unyielding watchfulness. Yet as the threat surrounding her refuses to fade, Sebastian becomes the one person she cannot escape…and the one she cannot stop wanting.

What begins as tension slowly ignites into something far more dangerous. Because the closer Marfil gets to Sebastian, the more she realizes the greatest risk may not be the one lurking in the shadows…but the feelings she never meant to have for the man sworn to protect her.

 

On Sale August 11

Piñen: Stories by Daniela Catrileo | Translated by Jacob Edelstein | FICTION

The word "piñen" comes from Mapudungun and refers to the dust or the dirt that sticks to the body.

In the all-too-real streets of Santiago de Chile, Daniela Catrileo gives us a portrait of a generation in search of itself. In “Warriache,” two childhood friends whose lives have been marked by their part Mapuche identity and the memories that bind them circle each other at a party. Their dance of delays and inevitable meeting expands into a tale across epochs—one that gives life to the hidden and suppressed experiences of those who live on the margins of other stories. In “Pornomisery,” a young girl considers the sexual violence that seems to lurk behind every closed door in her cloistered community and darken every possible route of exit.

 

Slow Elephants of Milan by Ángel Bonomini | Translated by Jordan Landsman | FICTION

A man and woman on a road trip make an unplanned detour to Laar, an empty city of palaces and canals that may be no city at all. Two gaucho rebels are captured during war--one finds freedom in writing stories while the other is driven mad with envy. And a traveler in postwar Italy is inspired, almost against his will, to record the mysterious progress of two elephants through the foggy streets of Milan.

In twelve short fictions threaded together by an insatiable curiosity about time, memory, art, and the divine, Ángel Bonomini (The Novices of Lerna) explores "the sweet and subtle interrelations of things." Originally published in 1978 and appearing in English for the first time, Slow Elephants of Milan is an indispensable addition to our literature of the strange and fantastic.

 

Cooking con Omi: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking by Omi Hopper | NONFICTION

Growing up in Puerto Rico, food had as much of an impact on Omi Hopper’s life as the culture. When her family moved to the mainland, Omi began to lose her connection with the island. So, she started cookingconomi to tie her life as a wife and mother to her desire to keep her culture alive and thriving.

Cooking con Omi is a celebration of Puerto Rican cooking with 100 classic and US-influenced Latino dishes that capture the vibrant, warm, and lively essence of Puerto Rican culture.

For Omi, cooking is not a task or a chore, but a memory-making experience. It’s the crush of garlic in a pilón, the scent of sizzling sofrito, the bubbling of the caldero alongside the music and laughter of a full house of loved ones settling down to eat. Each section includes an introduction from Omi, sidebars about the origin of ingredients, headnotes with the stories behind each recipe, vibrant full-color photography, and an overall message of love and unity Omi communicates through her food.

 

Dear Math, We're Not Friends by Lina Chopra Haldar | Illustrated by Teresa Martinez | CHILDREN’S

Nikhil is an Indian American boy who does not like math! Math gives him a tummy ache, and making mistakes scares him. His teacher encourages him to write letters to math to explore his feelings.

Soon, Nikhil is surprised to learn that not only are drawing, counting, and measuring all a part of math, but math will actually help him when he grows up--whether he pursues his dream of becoming an astronaut or an artist.

Told through his humorous letters to math over a school year, readers observe Nikhil go from feeling uneasy even thinking about math, to embracing how universal and even FUN math is in all its various forms. Dear Math, We're Not Friends makes an excellent gift for math teachers, librarians, and parents who want to help kids find the joy in math and develop a positive relationship with it.

 

On Sale August 18

Mutual Discord by Liana De la Rosa | FICTION

Sofia Mendoza has had enough. She’s done watching male co-workers steal credit for her talent, and now she’s going to do something about it. No one knows she’s the brains behind a popular video series highlighting and celebrating women in history who’ve been erased from their own inventions and discoveries. Her family and friends still think she has a successful corporate job and if they discover she is supporting herself by creating social media content, they’d be stunned.

Keeping her online persona a secret is lonely, but when she sparks a virtual friendship with an anonymous follower—A—first in her comment section with his insightful perspective, then in their private video chats, where he proves to be witty and catfish level good looking, the chemistry between them ignites.

But when her old friend, Caitlin, arrives for a visit, Sofia’s lies threaten to unravel. A is Alex Castillo, her best friend’s boyfriend. Alex doesn’t reveal that he knows her, and Sofia realizes he may be keeping secrets, too. With their friendship now in real life, can they keep their attraction in check?

 

The Loneliest Tree in the World by Mariana Salomao Carrara | Translated by Julia Sanches & Alison Entrekin | FICTION

On a small tobacco farm in the south of Brazil, a family of five tends their crop and tries to keep up with the economic tribulations and environmental threats of modern rural life. The father, Carlos, is reckoning with a depression that has hollowed his soul, likely caused by exposure to pesticides. His wife, Guerlinda, must cope with her husband's mental absence from family life while raising three children and keeping the household afloat. Alice, the eldest daughter, rebels against her mother and traditional gender standards. Her younger sister Maria is the only one who still attends school, struggling to reconcile her book smarts with the harsh manual labor demanded by the farm. And little two-year-old Pedrinho still hasn't started talking, but is already being put to work tending the tobacco. All the while, the objects surrounding them are watching and telling us their story. There's the old, sick tree in their backyard; the mirror inside, which reflects the unsaid emotions and hidden traumas; the truck that transports them; and the protective smock that accompanies the family during the harvest.

As the harvesting and burning season approaches, big tobacco companies, unpredictable conditions, and consequences of pesticide treatments threaten the family’s livelihood and mental well-being.

 

The Sleeping Sisters by Jennifer Givhan | FICTION

A mother's love is the oldest curse

Fortuna Miércoles has finally moved her family to a better neighborhood across the Rio Grande, desperate to outrun the curse that's stalked her bloodline since her greatest grandmother crossed the desert with a cactus thorn splitting her throat. But burying a family's violent legacy--or her own haunting secret--isn't so easy. Twenty years ago, girls and women vanished into the Albuquerque night, their bones later unearthed on the mesa. The so-called Reaper was never caught. Now, beneath the dormant volcanoes called the Sleeping Sisters, the killings have begun again, and they've called forth something in Fortuna that she has long fought to keep buried...

Detective Jeanette Palacio has spent decades promising justice to the ghosts of her murdered cousins--alongside the memory of the other women she couldn't avenge. When a new body turns up in Fortuna's backyard, both women are pulled into a dangerous, ancient plot. Are the Sleeping Sisters awakening--or has someone in Fortuna's family set a trap?

 

Tapeworm by A. P. Thayer | FICTION

It needs to feed.

After the recent separation from his wife Trish, Victor hopes his friends' annual weekend retreat to the Californian desert town of Superstition will loosen him up and reforge the group's fraying bonds. But something is waiting underneath Superstition, crawling its way into their group, and feeding into their desires. 

Victor knows too well what it means to repress his desires. He's always attempted to be the perfect partner, yet often found himself lacking. With Trish skipping the trip, he begins falling into the wild underbelly of Superstition in new ways. When the leader of the town's Welcoming Committee approaches him with a romantic, sexually charged offer, Victor wonders if it's too good to be true.

But the Welcoming Committee expects a price to be paid for its services. One that cannot be fulfilled by willing bodies alone. By the end of the weekend, group bonding will have developed a whole new meaning. 

Because something is hungry for Victor and his friends.

 

The Secret Dinner by Raphael Montes | FICTION

Dante, Piglet, Miguel, and Hugo are your average students trying to make ends meet with part-time jobs, excited about the bright futures at their fingertips. So when their rent skyrockets, they struggle to keep their new lives and big dreams afloat. They need to make money however they can. In order to keep their apartment, the friends adopt an unorthodox plan and are soon sucked into a dark world of secret dinner parties catering to the twisted fantasies of Rio’s elite.

What starts as a joke quickly spirals out of their control. As the four friends fall deeper into this dark underworld and earn more money, the stakes get higher and the consequences deadlier, revealing the devious depths that lurk within each of them and threatening not only their friendship but also their lives.

 

Barbie: Dreamscape by Alex Aster | MIDDLE GRADE

Out of the box. Into the unexpected.

Barbie’s life is perfect. She lives in a pink-hued paradise called Heartland where everything is in order and everyone has a role to play, thanks to the mysterious and all-powerful beings who will soon assign her a Fate at graduation from the enchanted Swancrest Academy. She’s worked hard to earn a good one. Her years of endless studying and acing every challenge are about to pay off. But when the unthinkable happens and Barbie is left Fateless—the first in Heartland’s history—her carefully ordered world shatters.

Shaken and uncertain, Barbie must confront a future she never imagined: one with no clear path forward at all. Yet when a mysterious necklace begins to pulse with hidden power, she is drawn beyond Heartland’s protective mists into a daring journey across extraordinary lands. From sun-drenched shores to treacherous, ever-shifting landscapes, to shadowed forests steeped in secrets and magic, each realm will test Barbie’s courage, sharpen her wits, and awaken strengths she never knew she possessed—all while drawing her ever closer to a buried truth that could change her world forever.

 

The Hungry Forest by Kaela Rivera | MIDDLE GRADE

Ryan's dad had a lot of rules:

  • Never let others see you cry.

  • Never let people outside of the family hear you speaking Spanish.

  • But the most important rule of all? Never go into the hungry forest.

Since his father's death, Ryan has worked extra hard to follow his father's rules and be the kind of man his father would be proud of. But Ryan's anger is getting out of control, and he can't seem to stop taking it out on his younger brother Teddy.

When Teddy and Ryan think they hear their father calling them from The Hungry Forest, Ryan ventures in. Teddy was supposed to wait outside, but he didn't listen, and is quickly captured by a terrifying, masked monster.

With no sign of Dad and monsters closing in, one thing is clear: The forest is as cursed as the legends say. If Ryan can't find his brother and escape the woods before sunrise, they'll be trapped there forever. Ryan and Teddy will have to face their fears-and each other-to make it out alive.

 

My Sister's Quinceañera by Delia Ruiz | Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri | CHILDREN’S

The only person more excited for Erika's quinceañera is her little sister Natalia! As the family busily sets up decorations, cooks traditional foods, and finalizes every detail, Natalia helps Erika get ready, imagining her own future quinceañera. But when the party finally arrives, Natalia feels a mix of excitement and loneliness as Erika is swept up in the festivities with guests and her court. Now that Erika is considered an adult, will their special bond remain?

 

Please Pass the Tamales! by Silvia López | Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega | CHILDREN’S

Join Liliana, Yasmany, Tomás, Eduardo, Isabela, and Valeria as they help their families prepare delicious tamales from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Colombia! Each family has their own recipe for this special dish, but they all share ingredients, and come together for one big tamalada.

Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, this is a delightful celebration of family, culture, and tamales.

 

The Women Before Us: Weaving Stories in My Huipil by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez | Illustrated by Dana Sanmar | CHILDREN’S

Together, the threads in my huipil
hold a message,
tell a story
of who we are.

Of who I am.

A young girl proudly wears a colorful tunic, or huipil, that features the sun’s reflection. It symbolizes the lake she lives on, a design she sometimes embellishes with shimmering sequins and beads. Her abuela’s huipil highlights zigzag mountains to stand for her home of origin, while her sister’s boasts butterflies like the ones that she rides in her daydreams. Indigenous to Mesoamerica, huipils use colors, imagery, symbols, and motifs to evoke everything from the wearer’s village to her social status, from her cultural heritage to the things that she loves. Combining a poetic text with vivid cut paper and digitally painted illustrations, interwoven with patterns from the huipils, this captivating book ends with an author’s note exploring the history and process of this rich tradition, and the challenges of keeping it alive.

 

The Only Way to Dance by Cristina Quintero | Illustrated by Eugenia Mello | CHILDREN’S

What's the only way to dance?

You'll need a beat. Any beat will do.

You'll need a space. Maybe a bright clean stage made of perfectly matched boards or a mossy forest floor.

You'll probably want music. A full orchestra, some trumpets or violins, or the buzz and blare of a busy street.

You might dance with a group, moving together to tell a story. You might dance with family to celebrate something special. You might dance on your own to show who you are.

What's the only way to dance?

Your way!

 

On Sale August 25

Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias | FICTION

Once a powerful, cold-blooded politician in Costa Rica, Seth Oreamundo is now living in exile in Washington, DC – and his younger brother Osario is to blame. Born into a corrupt political dynasty and raised on a seemingly idyllic coffee estate, the Oreamundo brothers were destined for greatness. But a dark family secret and a scandalous double crossing sent their lives into a tailspin, changing the country forever.

Osario must pay, and Seth decides the only way to do so is to return home to Costa Rica and feed his brother to the infamous river of crocodiles from their childhood. What follows is a spellbinding story of revenge alternating between Seth's murderous plans and memories of the brothers' upbringing. With the wisdom of biblical myth and the soapy wit of a telenovela, Crocodilopolis is a masterful interrogation of power, masculinity, destiny, and legacy from a literary star on the rise.

 

Dèy by Edwidge Danticat | FICTION

“Is home the place where we are born? Or is it the place where we die?” These questions haunt Magnolia, a successful Haitian American real estate agent in Miami. When she hears gunfire while at a shopping mall, she takes shelter in a nearby restaurant, cowering with fellow shoppers and diners. Once she’s safely home, Magnolia keeps this traumatic event from everyone. But given her life back, she begins to see everything clearly: her extraordinary bond with her daughter, Zoë; her nearly broken relationship with Zoë’s father; the challenges of her mentally troubled mother, whose unraveling patterns Magnolia worries she’s spiraling toward herself; and her father’s affair with a woman who has borne him a child. While struggling through the labyrinth of her past, Magnolia must also come to terms with the losses sustained that life-altering day, and nearly every day by her parents and sibling in Haiti.

Can love or family protect us from harm? Does optimism or fear win out in one’s heart? Which side will prevail for Magnolia? Pulled between these questions, each of which involves a high-stakes choice—Miami or Haiti, single or married, mortal or ghost, before or after—Magnolia is a narrator who is “yon pati koukouy, part firefly”: flitting and shimmering between different worlds.

 

Raise the Bar by Fernanda Frick H. | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Sam Sanchez might not have a coach or proper equipment, but she’s going to become Chile’s first weightlifting gold medalist. She just knows it.

When there’s an opportunity to train at the high-performance center with her weightlifting hero and Olympic gold medalist Eva Dos Santos . . . well, Sam can’t let that opportunity pass. Even if it means going behind her parents’ back.

As she makes friends (and a rival) during training and tries to qualify for the Pan American Games, she’ll find out how far hard work and perseverance can take her and just how much weight she’s able to hold.

 

No Place on Earth by Andrea Beatriz Arango | MIDDLE GRADE

Since moving to Yellowstone National Park for his mom's job, Gustavo Santos Costa has had a lot on his mind.

  • For instance: bison stampedes. Did you know that bison can run three times faster than the average person?

  • Also: Why do people always stand so close to boiling hot springs?!

  • Finally: the bad dreams. Why have they only gotten worse since the move?

And that’s all before Gus somehow meets his classmate Kordell inside his dreams. While Gus avoids sleeping (and nightmares) at all costs, Kordell finds that dreams seem to be a welcome escape from his real life . . . until one day, they're no longer enough. Gus may be the only person who can help Kordell. But when most things already feel too big to take on, how can Gus find the courage to be there for his friends?

 

Wifredo's Jungle: The Power of Wifredo Lam's Art by Margarita Engle | Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara | CHILDREN’S

In a village on the tropical island of Cuba, a boy named Wifredo Lam loved to draw his surroundings--hot blue air, cool green leaves, and brilliant flowers.

As he grew older, Lam paid tribute to his Cuban, West African, and Chinese heritage through his art, which brought dignity and respect to Cuba's rich mix of cultures.

Inspired by and in contact with some of the most renowned artists of the early 20th century, such as Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and André Breton, Lam blended European cubism and surrealism with multicultural influences to create his own unique style, culminating in the creation of his masterpiece La Jungla (The Jungle).

From Margarita Engle, a Newbery Honor Winner and a former Young People's Poet Laureate, and Jacqueline Alcántara, a New York Times bestselling illustrator, Wifredo's Jungle introduces young readers to the trailblazing life and work of Wifredo Lam.

 

Curious Mind and Dancing Feet: A Book about ADHD by Melinda González | Illustrated by Amélie Videlo | CHILDREN’S

In Curious Mind and Dancing Feet, a young girl explains what it's like to live with ADHD. Sometimes her mind wants to wander, and she often gets the wiggles. But when it comes to bugs, she's laser focused. People don't understand why she fills her pockets with bug-friendly snacks, and they don't have to. The important thing is, her Mami, Abuelita, and friends understand, and they help her embrace her ADHD when she starts to feel jumbled up. With ADHD, life is complicated--and full of joy and wonder.

Most Anticipated July 2026 Releases

Here are a few of the books we happily added to our ever-growing TBR pile this month. Take a look and pick up your most anticipated read from your local bookstore or at the library!

Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez | Illustrated by Mari Costa | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Al, Nicky, Palmer, Fabiola, and Seba are all on the school soccer team. But that doesn't mean they're all on the same side.

For the first time ever, the Jackson Middle School soccer team is going co-ed thanks to Nicky's determination. But Al is going to do whatever he can to keep the girls off the team, just the way his father wants.

When Al and Nicky's rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone's going to have to pick sides. That is, until Palmer looks into why Nicky joined the team, and he starts to realize that there's a bigger problem than what's on the field. .

And maybe the only way to truly win is together.

With text in English and Spanish, Offside features the groundbreaking format used in Invisible, paired with engaging, accessible, and entertaining storytelling. This Breakfast Club-inspired story by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Mari Costa is a must-have graphic novel about soccer, friendship, and what it really means to work as a team.

 

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier | FICTION

Joey Vasquez’s life is the definition of good on paper. At thirty-two, she’s a lawyer on the cusp of making partner, she owns her house in Los Angeles, and she almost keeps pace with her doctor sister in her parents’ eyes.

When she reluctantly arrives at the very couple-y dinner party hosted by Elijah Aarons, the best friend she’s secretly pined after for fourteen years, she’s dismayed to find that the last person on earth she’d ever want to see again is also there: Alex Aquino. Your basic rich Silicon Beach bro asshole. The night couldn’t possibly get worse—and then she dies.

When Joey is given a second chance at life, she finds herself eighteen again, the year she first met both Elijah and Alex. Armed with memories from her first life, Joey is certain she’s come back to finally convince the one man she ever loved to love her back—so why does she find herself strangely drawn to the man she thought she hated?

 

One Hundred Guinea Pigs by Gustavo Rodríguez | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

Eufrasia Vela is a caregiver--it's not just her job. But when she begins working with Doña Carmen, a bedridden elderly woman who spends her days staring out the window at her now-obstructed view of the sea, she confronts the limits to her ability to help. That is, until Doña Carmen makes a big, last request: to transform her caretaking from helping her stay alive to helping her die.

A good death has much in common with a good life, after all, and incapacity, loneliness, and isolation are devastations that a compassionate friend can help ease. Dignity, community, respect, and generosity--they're what Eufrasia offers her clients, and what their friendship offers her. One Hundred Guinea Pigs is the lifegiving, warmhearted novel about euthanasia you didn't know you needed.

 

The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | FICTION

Handsome con artist Ulises has long charmed lonely women via letters in order to steal their money, but money is hard to come by in 1940s Mexico. Ulises knows his looks won’t last forever, and he’s desperate to get his hands on a real fortune.

He thinks he’s found it when he captivates his newest correspondent, Perla, the owner of a small-town boardinghouse in picturesque Veracruz. But when he meets her, he finds something he didn’t expect. The woman has a niece, Inés, who is as observant as she is desperate to escape her aunt’s household.

When Inés discovers Ulises’s true intentions, she wants in on the scheme. They’ll convince her aunt that Ulises is a great catch, Perla will marry him, and her money will vanish. Easy, fast, and clean. But Perla is not the desperate, silly spinster Ulises imagines. She harbors secrets. And although Ulises does not believe in true romance, Inés is more alluring than he bargained for. Suddenly, a simple plan may become perilously complicated.

Venture into the streets of a small town where a patina of convention and good manners conceals a cauldron of avarice and lust.

 

It Will Come Back to You: Collected Stories by Sigrid Nunez | FICTION

Over the course of thirty years, Sigrid Nunez has become one of contemporary fiction’s most distinctive voices, producing nine penetrating, profound novels celebrated by fans and critics alike. Revered for their warm, unadorned style, Nunez’s books are “as sophisticated as they are straightforward” (New York Times Magazine), melding a “wry, withering wit” (NPR) with “explosions of pathos” (Washington Post) to conjure “world[s] of insight into death, grief, art, and love” (Wall Street Journal).

But she has not, until now, produced a book of stories. In It Will Come Back to You, Nunez brings together thirteen of her best stories from the decades-long sweep of her career, tracing the origins of her style and her remarkable artistic range. Moving from the momentous to the mundane, Nunez maintains her expert balance between gravity and levity while probing the philosophical questions that illuminate her work.

 

The Past Pursues Us Like Detectives, Debt Collectors, Thieves by Juan Pablo Villalobos | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

After many peaceful years abroad, JP has returned home to Mexico to visit family and help care for his elderly mother. Instead, however, he finds himself at a bar, his fist inches from the face of Everardo, his sort-of childhood friend. He lands the blow and runs home. But when Everardo turns up dead the next morning, JP soon finds himself blamed for a murder that he (probably) didn't commit. What's going on? Can Lagos really be more full of drugs, extortion, and fraud than when he left? Why is everyone offering him pills? How's he ever going to pay for his mother's medical treatment? It wasn't even that good a punch!

Weaving outright hilarity with wry tenderness, The Past Pursues Us is a fast-paced and funny whodunit that lovingly speaks to the stories we tell ourselves about home: about what changes, what doesn't, and what should.

 

The Red Earth by Morgana Kretzmann | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

On the lush Brazil-Argentina border, greed runs deep. A proposed hydroelectric dam spells doom for both the vibrant ecosystems of the Turvo State Park and the people who call it home. Park ranger Chaya refuses to stand by while her beloved land is razed. Her estranged cousin, Preta, a hardened leader, fights her own battle, walking a thin line between survival and poaching traditions. Then there’s Olga, the prodigal journalist, burdened by guilt and the secrets she left behind. Their paths collide as the encroaching threat pulls them into a fierce battle against corrupt politicians, shadowy smugglers, and the ghosts of their shared past.

Loyalties are tested, old rivalries flare, and alliances arise in the unlikeliest places. And at the heart of it all, a family legacy, shrouded in myth and trauma, surfaces with devastating consequences. Echoing recent episodes in Brazilian history, The Red Earth is a whirling torrent of drama, sisterhood, and sacrifice, revealing the real-life stakes and cost of protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Author-Illustrator Q&A: Cynthia De La Torre Brings Us ‘Flowers for Tía Luz María’

In Flowers for Tía Luz María, we meet a young girl named Galina. The tearful young girl watches from a window as her Tía Luz María is laid to rest in the cemetery. Galina is afraid. She has never had anyone close to her pass away. Alone with her parrot, Cantinflas, she asks what will happen to her aunt. She wonders aloud if Tía Luz María will turn into a scary calavera. She then shudders at the thought.

Galina tries to push her sadness out of sight, placing items that remind her of her aunt high up on a closet shelf. But the next day, something strange happens. The radio switches to another station and plays a song that Tía Luz María used to love. And later, a box of her aunt’s belongings falls off the shelf. The memories begin to flood Galina. Warm, beautiful memories she shared with her aunt.

Out July 21 from Quill Tree Books, Flowers for Tía Luz María by debut author-illustrator Cynthia De La Torre is a tender exploration of bereavement and how one child comes to terms with her own experience in grief. It’s also about the realization that there is space for joy while mourning the loss of a loved one. “We can still remember our loved ones even after they’ve passed on, even if it’s sad and there are so many unknowns,” De La Torre told us.

De La Torre spoke with Latinx in Publishing about overcoming one’s fear, her gorgeous cut paper art, and more.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Amaris Castillo: Congratulations on Flowers for Tía Luz María. I understand this book was inspired by Día de los Muertos. Growing up, what was your relationship to the holiday?

Cynthia De La Torre: It was definitely inspired by Día de Muertos. I am Mexican American. Both my parents were born in Mexico, and they came here to the United States when they were both around 10 years old. They always taught us so much about our culture, and to feel pride for it. But we actually never really celebrated Día de Muertos; I didn’t learn about it till I was a bit older. And I loved it. I thought it was such a beautiful tradition. It’s a wonderful way to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away. Once I got married and had kids, that’s when I started celebrating it and putting out ofrendas for our loved ones. It was such a beautiful way for my kids to get to know relatives who had passed away and who they never got to meet. But, in a way, they feel like they know them from those stories that we share with them every year when we put up the ofrenda.

This year we’re going to honor our cat who recently passed away. Our kids were heartbroken. We had him for 12 years, but it did bring solace to them in thinking, We’re going to remember him and honor him in that way as well. October 27 is actually the day where you honor your pets for Día de Muertos.

I wanted kids and adults to know that, even if someone passes away, you’re still allowed to remember them in a joyful way.

AC: When we meet Galina, she appears terrified. She thinks her aunt, who just passed away, will turn into a calavera. There is this fear that Galina seems to have about what happens next. As you wrote this book, what message were you hoping to send by positioning a child's fear around death in this way?

CD: When I was writing it, I didn’t realize that I was very much like Galina, because I didn’t have anyone close to me pass away until I was maybe a freshman or a sophomore. My uncle passed away when he was 32. It was really unexpected. I remember going to the viewing and not wanting to look at the body, because I was so terrified that he was going to look different. I remember being afraid that that image would supersede any other image I had of him. So it was very similar, but I just didn’t realize it till afterwards. 

When family gathers after the funeral, there’s food and there’s music. In many ways, it’s very joyful, similar to the Día de Muertos, where it’s more of a celebration of the person. There are stories being told, and there’s a lot of laughter in spite of all the sadness. That’s when I realized that we can still remember our loved ones even after they’ve passed on, even if it’s sad and there are so many unknowns, but we're allowed to feel joy, you know. I wanted kids and adults to know that, even if someone passes away, you’re still allowed to remember them in a joyful way.

AC: I want to talk about your art. You are the author-illustrator for this book, and much of the art appears to be cut paper art. Can you describe for us what the illustration-making process was like for you?

CD: It is cut paper art. I made the book a little bit different than how I normally work, because I wanted the editing process to be easier. I used a lot of colored cardstock paper, but I also used tissue paper, vellum paper, and felt—for the grass, to give it more of that grassy texture, and for animals. I add color with colored pencils. I then piece the different elements together. For instance, for a character—she has her shirt, her skirt, her boots. I put the different layers together, photograph the different elements and then upload them on Photoshop. It’s like basically piecing them together like a puzzle. That allowed for editing to be a lot faster, in case something needed to be moved. That was the main process. 

My main goal was to meet my deadlines, but also to produce beautiful quality work. I was able to meet my deadlines, and hopefully I was able to produce the best quality work that I could at that point.

AC: As I read this book, I felt many themes: how to overcome fear, changes in perception, the power of love and of memories. What about for youwhich theme stands out most to you and why?

CD: I love that you got all those things from the book. The most important one for me was definitely overcoming your fears. Growing up, I was a very fearful child. I was afraid of the dark, I was afraid of el cucuy. I was afraid of people. I was very socially awkward—still am, but even more so as a kid. The funny thing is, I love scary stories and scary movies. I found solace and comfort in those books because, a lot of times, kids were the protagonists and they were overcoming fears that were a lot more scary than anything I ever encountered. And usually there was a happy ending or some kind of resolution, and they were able to overcome those obstacles and those fears. It made me see that, if they can do that, then I can definitely overcome my tiny little fears that I’m experiencing. 

I write a lot of spooky books, and a lot of them do deal with ghosts in the afterlife. Hopefully my work helps kids know that, even when something appears to be scary, when they lift the veil and see what’s really behind that, they’ll see that it’s not as scary as it looks. They, too, can be brave and overcome whatever fears they’re encountering.

AC: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

CD: My main goal is for kids to be able to see themselves reflected in my books and my work. Growing up, I remember not having a lot of access to books that featured people like myself. It was very rare. For a long time, I thought that it was because our stories weren’t worthy of mention, that we didn’t do anything important. It was a very isolating feeling, and I just don’t want kids to feel that way. I want them to feel pride in where they come from, and to learn about Mexican culture. And if they’re not Mexican and have a different background, to learn to respect our culture. I think diverse books are so important, and I try to share them with my kids as much as possible because I want them to be well-rounded humans who respect other people. I just hope that kids can find themselves in my books. And feel proud.


Cynthia De La Torre was born and raised in Southern California. She writes and illustrates cut-paper art picture books that teach kids about self-acceptance, finding their place in the world, and accepting other people’s differences. She loves all things weird, whimsical, and magical. You can find her at cynthiadelatorre.com.

Amaris Castillo is an award-winning journalist and writer. Her debut book, Bodega Stories, will be published in September 2026 from the University Press of Florida. You can find her at amariscastillo.com.

July 2026 Latinx Releases

On Sale July 7

In the Wake of the Ruined by Kalie Cassidy | Fiction

Imogen Nel, a powerful Siren, can no longer hide her monstrous abilities. She has claimed her ancestral crown and new grotesque magic, and now the corrupted bond she shares with the ancient deity Eusia is stronger than ever. Though Imogen is determined to sever it, doing so is no easy feat. The threat of war looms. Shifting alliances, a hunger for magic, and her feelings for Theodore, King of Varya, attempt to thwart her at every turn.

Meanwhile, Theodore is battling the strain of his own crown and commitments. When Imogen suddenly appears on his ship, every dutiful resolution he's ever made threatens to snap. As they draw nearer to ending Eusia, lurking dangers and their perilous desire for one another prove nearly insurmountable.

Will the chaos, ruin, and death that Imogen was prophesied to usher into the realm be the end of all things, or the beginning?

 

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier | FICTION

Joey Vasquez’s life is the definition of good on paper. At thirty-two, she’s a lawyer on the cusp of making partner, she owns her house in Los Angeles, and she almost keeps pace with her doctor sister in her parents’ eyes.

When she reluctantly arrives at the very couple-y dinner party hosted by Elijah Aarons, the best friend she’s secretly pined after for fourteen years, she’s dismayed to find that the last person on earth she’d ever want to see again is also there: Alex Aquino. Your basic rich Silicon Beach bro asshole. The night couldn’t possibly get worse—and then she dies.

When Joey is given a second chance at life, she finds herself eighteen again, the year she first met both Elijah and Alex. Armed with memories from her first life, Joey is certain she’s come back to finally convince the one man she ever loved to love her back—so why does she find herself strangely drawn to the man she thought she hated?

 

How to Train Your Evil Robot by Joy McCullough | Illustrated by Eduardo Medeiros | CHILDREN’S

How to Train Your Evil Robot is the wildly funny picture book that helps kids make sense of the AI world they're already living in -- without any of the anxiety, and with all of the laughs. One kid, one skeptical dog, and one very overconfident robot walk readers through what AI can do, what it can't, and why being human is still pretty great.

 

Just for Today by Charlotte Agell | Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González | CHILDREN’S

Elba worries a lot. Sometimes her worries keep her up at night.

Norris knows that worry can come from telling yourself the wrong story.

Together, he and Elba tell a new story, one without any worry. But what will happen when their story launches them on an unforeseen adventure?

This gentle exploration of a universal feeling reveals that, while stories can take unexpected turns, we have the power to create our own happy endings, and good friends can help us stay grounded in whatever comes today.

 

Teachers in the Wild by Brad Davidson | Illustrated by Rachel Más Davidson | CHILDREN’S

At some point, you're bound to encounter your teacher in the wild. It's okay to be excited, awkward, or just plain confused. After all, you've never seen them outside of school. But teachers are just like us--they go to the dentist, cheer at soccer games, and take their pets to the vet.

So, don't panic! With these few simple, amusing strategies, you'll be ready to handle any surprise teacher sightings like a pro.

Husband and wife duo Brad Davidson and Rachel Más Davidson explore a hilariously familiar experience in this playful and quirky guide to navigating unexpected encounters with your teacher outside of their natural habitat.

 

Nice to Eat You by Karen Yin |Illustrated by Carolina Coroa | CHILDREN’S

Get ready for the spookiest time of the year with this Halloween story about a friendly yet sneaky witch who lures a group of children to her house. The witch’s verbal gaffes keep the kids guessing at every turn. Does this witch have their best interests at heart—or are they the meal?

 

An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton | FICTION

When Joe Mitchell launches into space, the world is watching. It’s 1968, and the country waits with anticipation and excitement for another successful mission, another celebration as America sets its sights on the Moon. And then comes the knock at the door.

Joe Mitchell’s spacecraft has lost contact. He and his fellow astronauts onboard are feared to be dead. It’s his wife Vivian’s worst nightmare come to life, her grief suddenly taking center stage as the nation waits and mourns. In her quiet moments, Vivian relives their memorable story, unable to accept that this is the end to a love that felt as though it was written in the stars.

As the investigation surrounding Joe’s lost spacecraft intensifies and the mishap is written off as an operator error, Vivian is determined to clear her husband’s name and uncover the mystery of what happened in space. When someone starts sending Vivian messages—messages she believes only Joe could send—she begins to wonder if their love is stronger than space and time, and she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her husband back to her.

 

Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez | Illustrated by Mari Costa | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Al, Nicky, Palmer, Fabiola, and Seba are all on the school soccer team. But that doesn't mean they're all on the same side.

For the first time ever, the Jackson Middle School soccer team is going co-ed thanks to Nicky's determination. But Al is going to do whatever he can to keep the girls off the team, just the way his father wants.

When Al and Nicky's rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone's going to have to pick sides. That is, until Palmer looks into why Nicky joined the team, and he starts to realize that there's a bigger problem than what's on the field. . .

And maybe the only way to truly win is together.

 

On Sale July 14

To Dance the Moon and Stars by Tasia M S & Barbara Perez Marquez | GRAPHIC NOVEL

Eighteen-year-old Myra has spent her entire life training to succeed her grandmother as high priestess. But with her ascension rapidly approaching, she’s worried about the path ahead. How can she become the herald of the god Alrun when he forbids the thing she loves most: dancing? 

Her people can’t afford her self-doubt, though. A peace treaty is dependent on Myra receiving Alrun’s wisdom, and the forces of darkness are seeping through the barrier between worlds. The only source of light Myra has is her childhood best friend, the crown prince. Without his support and . . . love, she may not be able to stop what’s coming. 

Myra must dig deep into her kingdom’s forgotten history for answers, even if it means defying the law. But the key to saving her people may require her to make the biggest sacrifice of all.

 

Ruinous Ends by I. V. Marie | YOUNG ADULT

The Decennial is over, but for the students of Blackwood Academy, the fight for the afterlife has just begun.

The infamous school was hiding more secrets—and lies—than any of the Decennial’s participants could have imagined. And there’s still so much that remains buried beneath its ancient foundations. Now the future of the academy, and all the souls within it, rests in the hands of six former pupils:

The charmer and the golden boy . . .
The traitor and the girl desperate to save her . . .
The Chosen One and the one who would choose her over and over again . . .

Any of them could be the hero the afterlife needs . . . or the villain who will destroy it for good. Because the truth is, Blackwood’s biggest secret has yet to come to light—and when it does, it will shake the institution to its core.

 

What Lies Beneath the Flowers by Natasha Díaz | YOUNG ADULT

It girl Estella Aubergine is everything Pippa and Bidi are not: wealthy, popular, influential, missing. Finding her and collecting the reward money Estella’s reclusive mother is offering could turn their lives around. They’d be able to pay off the overdue bills on Pippa’s family’s store, and all the media attention would only help Bidi’s chances of becoming the youngest elected official in San Francisco. 

But to uncover what happened to Estella, they’ll have to enter her wealthy world. Namely, the prestigious Beaumont Academy, where Estella’s classmates and teachers all seem to have dark secrets and enough money to hide them. 

The deeper Pippa and Bidi dig, the more questions come up about Estella’s disappearance. Worse, someone seems to be clocking their every step. And as cracks form in the girls’ friendship, they begin to see that maybe the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

 

Captain Emotions and the Superpower Pack by Ashley Zomalt & Kacy Brubaker | Illustrated by Juliana Castro | CHILDREN’S

With vibrant illustrations, relatable characters, and thoughtful conversation starters, this heartwarming story is a fun and empowering tool for kids, parents, teachers, and counselors that encourages young readers to understand their feelings, celebrate their strengths, and see the superhero inside themselves. We All Have SuperPowers! is designed as a series and tells the story of four young children and shows how their social emotional strengths help them navigate their days and obstacles. Captain Emotions and the SuperPower Pack is the first book in the series and introduces the characters and their first big challenge to overcome.

 

Bubblegum Shoes: The Big Sleepover by Goldy Moldavsky | MIDDLE GRADE

Normally, Maya Mendoza wouldn't be caught dead at school on a Saturday, but it happens to be the most epic night ever: Marlowe Middle’s big sleepover! The Bubblegum Shoes detective agency is taking a night off from solving cases to enjoy the Battle of the Bands, the all-you-can-eat candy, and the limited adult supervision...or so they thought. 

When the girls learn classmate and rising YouTube star Hunter Holloway is being blackmailed to drop out of the singing competition, they have to help. But what was supposed to be an easy case quickly turns complicated when the Gumshoes discover an illegal pillow-fighting ring, battling Broadway divas, and counterfeit art—not to mention Hunter seems to be hiding a few secrets of his own. 

Can these slumber party sleuths solve the case before the fun is over? Or will this sticky situation spell lights out for Hunter's career and the Bubblegum Shoes’ reputation?

 

It Will Come Back to You: Collected Stories by Sigrid Nunez | FICTION

Over the course of thirty years, Sigrid Nunez has become one of contemporary fiction’s most distinctive voices, producing nine penetrating, profound novels celebrated by fans and critics alike. Revered for their warm, unadorned style, Nunez’s books are “as sophisticated as they are straightforward” (New York Times Magazine), melding a “wry, withering wit” (NPR) with “explosions of pathos” (Washington Post) to conjure “world[s] of insight into death, grief, art, and love” (Wall Street Journal).

But she has not, until now, produced a book of stories. In It Will Come Back to You, Nunez brings together thirteen of her best stories from the decades-long sweep of her career, tracing the origins of her style and her remarkable artistic range. Moving from the momentous to the mundane, Nunez maintains her expert balance between gravity and levity while probing the philosophical questions that illuminate her work.

 

The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | FICTION

Handsome con artist Ulises has long charmed lonely women via letters in order to steal their money, but money is hard to come by in 1940s Mexico. Ulises knows his looks won’t last forever, and he’s desperate to get his hands on a real fortune.

He thinks he’s found it when he captivates his newest correspondent, Perla, the owner of a small-town boardinghouse in picturesque Veracruz. But when he meets her, he finds something he didn’t expect. The woman has a niece, Inés, who is as observant as she is desperate to escape her aunt’s household.

When Inés discovers Ulises’s true intentions, she wants in on the scheme. They’ll convince her aunt that Ulises is a great catch, Perla will marry him, and her money will vanish. Easy, fast, and clean. But Perla is not the desperate, silly spinster Ulises imagines. She harbors secrets. And although Ulises does not believe in true romance, Inés is more alluring than he bargained for. Suddenly, a simple plan may become perilously complicated.

 

One Hundred Guinea Pigs by Gustavo Rodríguez | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

Eufrasia Vela is a caregiver--it's not just her job. But when she begins working with Doña Carmen, a bedridden elderly woman who spends her days staring out the window at her now-obstructed view of the sea, she confronts the limits to her ability to help. That is, until Doña Carmen makes a big, last request: to transform her caretaking from helping her stay alive to helping her die.

A good death has much in common with a good life, after all, and incapacity, loneliness, and isolation are devastations that a compassionate friend can help ease. Dignity, community, respect, and generosity--they're what Eufrasia offers her clients, and what their friendship offers her. One Hundred Guinea Pigs is the lifegiving, warmhearted novel about euthanasia you didn't know you needed.

 

Happy Birthday, José and Feliz by Susan Rose & Silvia López | Illustrated by Gloria Félix | CHILDREN’S

On his sister Sofi's birthday, José realizes that everyone deserves a special celebration—even his furry best friend, Feliz. Determined to give his dog the fiesta he deserves, José gets a great idea: He will share his own birthday with Feliz!

Filled with love, laughter, and a few howls, this charming story showcases the joy of sharing special moments with those we love, no matter how many legs they have. With delightful illustrations and a glossary of Spanish words and phrases, young readers will enjoy learning a new language while celebrating the universal themes of friendship and family.

 

On Sale July 21

Fly, Pajarito, Fly! by Alexandra Alessandri | Illustrated by Dana Sanmar | CHILDREN’S

The sun sets as a child and her mother take their evening stroll past Don Jorge's ice cream truck and the casita with the twinkling lights. They watch the riot of pájaros flocking and flying through the sky. "All you need is wings," says Mami. But the girl believes she'll never be brave enough to fly like that. Mami sings and twirls the girl into the air. Together, they lift off and fly through the night sky, seeing their whole neighborhood and city from above, feeling the freedom of flight. And when the girl is ready to return to Mami's arms? "All you need is wings to bring you back home."

This is a story about the little, everyday moments that make life magical.

 

Adventure in the City of Stories by Emma Otheguy | Illustrated by Poly Bernatene | MIDDLE GRADE

Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy never imagined that dusty old puppets and a mysterious book would launch them into a time-traveling adventure. But when they discover their aunt has treasures belonging to Pura Belpré, the trailblazing Latina librarian and storyteller, they’re transported back to 1930s New York City. Their mission? Race against time to return Pura’s puppets and a signed first edition of her book, proving their aunt isn’t a thief.

The past is full of danger, though. A powerful woman will stop at nothing to steal the book, the cousins’ nosy neighbor is snooping around, and the hardship of the Great Depression is all around them. Luckily Jorge, Camila, and Siggy meet Antonia, a fierce Puerto Rican girl fighting injustice against her community.

The cousins will need courage, quick thinking, and a little help from history to protect Pura Belpré’s legacy, clear their aunt’s name, and make it back home. Can they pull it off before time runs out?

 

I Didn't Do It by Elle Gonzalez Rose | YOUNG ADULT

Dina Soto is used to laying low. Ever since her father confessed to murdering two of his students, Dina's mom has kept the family on a short leash to avoid drawing any more attention. But when cute, popular, and incredibly sweet Kai Thompson invites Dina to spend the weekend with him and his friends at his cabin, Dina thinks maybe being noticed wouldn't be so bad.

But once at the cabin, Dina realizes one night won't change her reputation as the daughter of a killer-especially not when people start turning up dead. Told in part through police evidence, the truth of what happened that night unravels alongside long-held secrets. But one thing remains true: Dina is adamant she didn't do it. Now, she just has to prove it.

 

Armor for Liars by S. E. Grove | YOUNG ADULT

In a world where magic is drawn from the realm of the dead, enchanters—always men—go to great lengths to steal it. Voyaging to the spirit realm, an enchanter will claim a dead woman’s spirit as his own and make her a servant, a tool for his own magical ends. Enchanters maintain great secrecy around their practices, so only a wealthy elite have access to this power: members of a secret society shrouded within Commonwealth University, the nation’s premiere institution for the study of enchantment.

When Sam—the son of islander immigrants of modest means—dared to use magic to blend into the blueblood world of Commonwealth, it cost him his life. Now a spirit, he’s determined to avenge his murder and uncover the secrets of the Cisneros Society from beyond the grave.

When Sam encounters Clementine Quinn, a young woman disguised as a male student at Commonwealth, he quickly sees that Clem is putting herself in grave danger at the school. But as he tries to warn her of the peril, it becomes clear that his past and her fate are inextricably entwined. To avenge his murder and prevent hers, they’ll need to help one another and thereby prove, ultimately, that friendship and love can transcend everything, even death.

 

Dinosaurs to Dragons: The Lore and Science of Mythical Creatures by Elizabeth Shreeve | Illustrated by Violeta Encarnación | MIDDLE GRADE

What if we lived in a world with fire-breathing dragons? Or enigmatic, alluring mermaids? How about rainbow-nibbling unicorns? These fabled beasts aren’t as far from us as we think. After all, their legends had to have come from somewhere…

Join us as we weave together legendary tales and new scientific findings to uncover connections between real and mythical creatures. Delving into the past, we’ll see how our ancestors took what they found in the world and created the beloved fantastical creatures we dream about today.

Could the skull of a protoceratops have inspired the hooked beak of a griffin? From manatee to mermaid, heron to phoenix, we’ll trace the truth behind these fantastical creatures and make some new discoveries along the way!

 

A Taxi for Everyone: How Roy Velásquez Fought for Equality by Debbie Zapata | Illustrated by Laura Sandoval Herrera | CHILDREN’S

Roy Velásquez was the son of Mexican immigrants, living in Austin, Texas, at the height of segregation. Roy knew
the hardships faced by people of color because of the insurmountable policies put into place. What was anyone to do? Even just simple acts can go a long way. But Roy went further than that. . . .

In segregated Austin, people of color weren't allowed in taxis, and the streetcar ended far from their homes. So Roy borrowed five dollars from a friend, purchased a taxi permit and a tank of gas, and drove people of color wherever they needed to go.

Before long, one lone taxi became a fleet. For over seventy-five years, Roy's Taxi Service helped to fight segregation and poll taxes, and grow Austin into a community for everyone. Roy's story is a reminder that we can all affect change and that inclusion is our strength.

 

Take It to Your Grave by Louangie Bou-Montes | FICTION

Maximiliano Rafael Guerrero Lopez “Max” has been dead for 30 years. He’s stuck as a sixteen-year-old in his childhood bedroom with no memory of how he died, and no company aside from rotting floor boards and mildew-ridden guitars.

Joaquín Felix Ladrón “Joaquín” is a high schooler who's desperate to experience something paranormal—he’d do anything to even catch a glimpse of a ghost, even if it means sacrificing his relationship with his boyfriend.

When Joaquín goes on a ghost hunt at an abandoned house that's rumored to be haunted, he and Max find their fates becoming intertwined in ways neither of them expected. But, as Max’s powers begin to grow stronger, it becomes clear that their tentative friendship may just prove to be fatal...

 

The Past Pursues Us Like Detectives, Debt Collectors, Thieves by Juan Pablo Villalobos | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

After many peaceful years abroad, JP has returned home to Mexico to visit family and help care for his elderly mother. Instead, however, he finds himself at a bar, his fist inches from the face of Everardo, his sort-of childhood friend. He lands the blow and runs home. But when Everardo turns up dead the next morning, JP soon finds himself blamed for a murder that he (probably) didn't commit. What's going on? Can Lagos really be more full of drugs, extortion, and fraud than when he left? Why is everyone offering him pills? How's he ever going to pay for his mother's medical treatment? It wasn't even that good a punch!

 

On Sale July 28

When the Witch Wrote Back! by Nathan Christopher | Illustrated by Pablo Pino | CHILDREN’S

Someone new has moved in next door, and Jake is pretty sure that only one kind of neighbor would be unpacking a cauldron, broomstick, and black cat... Then Jake gets an idea! Surely a Witch will have a spell to help him plan, prepare, and clean for his upcoming Halloween party! When he writes letters requesting her magical help, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will the Witch use her powers to teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Halloween...when the Witch wrote back!

 

Beginning Middle End by Valeria Luiselli | FICTION

This story begins when a mother and her daughter take off on a trip. It is a summer of rapidly changing winds, volcanic rumbles, and sudden tempests. They’ve landed in Sicily, near the ancient ruins where the mother’s grandmother worked long ago on an archaeological dig. The narrator’s marriage has collapsed, her mother is losing her memory, and her daughter is on the threshold of adolescence, starting to ask difficult questions and form complex memories. How do you begin again? the narrator wonders, pondering her family line. How do you begin again if you got the beginning wrong?

While the mother tries to figure out how to reconstruct their lives as a duo—cooking meals side by side, reading out loud to each other, playing chess, bickering and making up—her daughter takes the reins of the story, and their journey soon becomes a quest for origins, not just to the familial past across continents, languages, and generations, but also farther back, to a mythical and even geological past.

 

The Winds of Maracaibo by María Elena Morán | Translated by Madeline Jones | FICTION

“Elisa left with Camilo.” “Camilo took her out of the country.”

These are the text messages Nina receives while living in the storage room of a university in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where she’s cleaning houses to make money to send back home.  

Home is 4,500 miles away, in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where the water never runs on Mondays and there’s yet another blackout. Where a trip to the grocery store costs 220 times the minimum wage.  

Home is Elisa, her thirteen-year-old daughter, who loves to run around the house and belt out Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Who should be growing, when instead her waist is shrinking. Home is Graciela, Nina's mother, who lately stays shut up in her room all day talking with her dead, most urgently her beloved husband, Raúl (who’s just as eager to talk back from the grave). 

And what the hell does Camilo think he’s doing now, stealing off with their daughter to the United States of America—the one place Nina most assuredly never wants to call home? 

 

Five by César Aira | Translated by Chris Andrews | FICTION

Five, selected from over 100 untranslated novels and stories by "the Duchamp of Latin America" (Natasha Wimmer), brings together--each an astonishing work--Margarita: A Memory, The Dream, Musical Brushstrokes, Princess Springtime, and The Hormone Pill. Following a cast of dreamlike characters including cyber nuns, a young princess making ends meet as a hack translator, a newspaper vendor, and General Winter and his sadistic sidekick, the Little Christmas Tree, Five shows the many facets of Aira's master mind as he turns expectations inside-out and gleefully explodes genre conventions.

 

Second First Dates by Gabriella Gamez | FICTION

After four years of a self-imposed dating hiatus, Leti Maldonado is finally ready to get back on the apps. Dating wasn't really that bad ... right? When she matches with Julian Gutierrez, his profile pic rings the faintest bell. But it isn't until their first date implodes that she remembers why: She's been on this exact date with him before--and it's just as awful the second time.

To make matters worse, she discovers that Julian not only lives in her apartment building ... he's her brother's new roommate. Suddenly, he's everywhere: In the mailroom. In the stairwell. And witness to another one of Leti's terrible first dates.

After one epically bad night, Julian offers to take over her dating accounts. And honestly? He can't do any worse than she has. But as Julian's dating app takeover draws them closer, they might just realize that true love has been right in front of them all along.

 

The Red Earth by Morgana Kretzmann | Translated by Daniel Hahn | FICTION

On the lush Brazil-Argentina border, greed runs deep. A proposed hydroelectric dam spells doom for both the vibrant ecosystems of the Turvo State Park and the people who call it home. Park ranger Chaya refuses to stand by while her beloved land is razed. Her estranged cousin, Preta, a hardened leader, fights her own battle, walking a thin line between survival and poaching traditions. Then there’s Olga, the prodigal journalist, burdened by guilt and the secrets she left behind. Their paths collide as the encroaching threat pulls them into a fierce battle against corrupt politicians, shadowy smugglers, and the ghosts of their shared past.

Loyalties are tested, old rivalries flare, and alliances arise in the unlikeliest places. And at the heart of it all, a family legacy, shrouded in myth and trauma, surfaces with devastating consequences. Echoing recent episodes in Brazilian history, The Red Earth is a whirling torrent of drama, sisterhood, and sacrifice, revealing the real-life stakes and cost of protecting the rainforest and its inhabitants.