It’s been an amazing year for books published by Latinx persons and we are so excited to share staff picks for our best of the year selections. Scroll on to read the full list and let us know on social what books are on your best of list this year.
FAT CHANCE, CHARLIE VEGA | YOUNG ADULT
by Crystal Maldonado
“Fat Chance, Charlie Vega is a love letter to every plus-sized Latina girl! Unafraid to approach the ways that society and even those closes to us can chip away at self-esteem, this book will remind every reader how deserving they are of love, especially from themselves.” - Carolina Ortiz, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
WILD TONGUES CAN’T BE TAMED | ANTHOLOGY
edited by Saraciea J. Fennell
“Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed edited by Saraciea Fennell. This Latinx anthology is filled with voices from all across the diaspora. From well-known authors like Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi to newcomers like myself and Cristina Arreola, I'm so excited for this incredible collection of essays and poetry to (finally!) be out in the world.”
- Zakiya N. Jamal, Communications Volunteer, Latinx in Publishing
RESISTENCIA: POEMS OF PROTEST AND REVOLUTION | POETRY
edited by Mark Eisner and Tina Escaja
“This collection of poetry serves as a fierce love letter to the resistance. With translated works placed adjacent to the original text, the reader is allowed to fully enjoy the beauty of language. These poems aren’t meant to lull us through hard times, but rather jerk us awake to the fights we continue to fight.” - Azaliyah Molina, Communications Intern, Latinx in Publishing
THE INHERITANCE OF ORQUÍDEA DIVINA | FANTASY
by Zoraida Córdova
“The Inheritance Of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova might be the most enchanting, spellbinding book I've read all year! (Puns intended.) Córdova is at the top of her game with this beautifully written story of an Ecuadorian American family with secrets that reverberate through generations.” – Sophia Jimenez, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
THIS IS NOW| CONTEMPORARY FICTION
by Julia Amante
This is Now is about a workaholic doctor who returns home to her dysfunctional family to care for her ailing mother. This book is about second chances and learning to forgive yourself & others. – Maria Ferrer, Board Treasurer, Latinx in Publishing
ARISTOTLE AND DANTE DIVE INTO THE WATERS OF THE WORLD | YOUNG ADULT FICTION
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
In the first book, Ari and Dante realize they are in love. In this second book, their love blossoms as they enjoy an end-of-summer camping trip and the start of school. Love is beautiful yet hard with the pressures of a world that does not accept them and is filled with fear of the AIDS crisis. At times the warmth of their deep connections with their family and friends felt like un abrazo that helps get you through the day. As Ari says, if we’re lucky the universe will send us the people we need to survive.” - Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Board Member & Fellowship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
FOR BROWN GIRLS WITH SHARP EDGES AND TENDER HEARTS: A LOVE LETTER TO WOMEN OF COLOR | SOCIAL SCIENCE: FEMINISM
by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez
This book is such an essential read for every brown person in our community. Prisca touches on so many tender topics like machismo, colorism, self-love and more. This book should be required reading." - Saraciea J. Fennell, Board Chair & Communications Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
DREAMING OF YOU | FICTION
by Melissa Lozada-Oliva
This novel in verse is a roller coaster ride for those with the faint of heart. If you're easily crushed (or not; that's fine, too, but who are you??), you'll enjoy the company of this book that climbs in search of love, plummets to the depths of identity, and has fast turns so you feel alive with the truth of womanhood, the exploration of legacy and purpose as a twenty-something, and the certainty of death. A memorable read to add to your Central American list from this Guatemalan-Colombian American poet. - Andrea Morales, Communications Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
