It’s been an amazing year so far for books published by Latinx persons and we are so excited to share staff picks for our best of the year (so far) selections! Scroll on to read the full list and let us know on social what books are on your best of list this year.
BREATHE AND COUNT BACK FROM TEN | YOUNG ADULT
by Natalia Sylvester
“Breathe and Count Back from Ten is stunning. Not only is it, I think, the first YA novel ever about a character with hip dysplasia, but Natalia Sylvester seems to be incapable of writing a story that's not gorgeously phrased and emotionally devastating. Highly recommended.”
— Sophia Jimenez, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
A WOMAN OF ENDURANCE | Historical Fiction
by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa
“A WOMAN OF ENDURANCE brings Puerto Rico's slave trade front and center. It's wrenching and profound, and full of horrors. But, it is also a novel about survival, endurance, healing, and the triumph of the human spirit.”
— Maria C. Ferrer, Interim Treasurer & Events Director Latinx in Publishing
MISS QUINCES | GRAPHIC NOVEL
by Kat Fajardo
“My 9-year-old and I read Miss Quinces together and we bonded over our love of Sue’s awesome fashion and her sense of humor, and I so appreciated how perfectly the story captures that feeling of being deeply connected to a place and also feeling like an outsider in it at the same time. I’m especially thrilled that we are now reading Srta. Quinces, the Spanish version, and so we have another opportunity to experience the book. What a gift! I wish more graphic novels were available in English and Spanish.”
—Nancy Mercado, Programs Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
MARIA, MARIA | SHORT STORIES
by Marytza K. Rubio
"Marytza K. Rubio's gorgeous debut is unique, funny, and utterly immersive. A must read if you love magical realism, stories about brujeria, and animals!"
— Toni Kirkpatrick, Board Secretary, Latinx in Publishing
DIARIES OF A TERRORIST | POETRY
by Christopher Soto
“Soto is a queer Salvadoran poet and activist from Los Angeles, whose identities are the heart of their debut poetry collection. Calling for the abolition of policing and human caging, this collection dares to imagine a future in a better world, to look towards brighter existence for underprivileged communities, towards freedom. A rebel with a cause, we benefit to read everything Soto writes.”
— Andrea Morales, Communications Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
THE LESBIANA’S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL | YOUNG ADULT
by Sonora Reyes
"Sonora Reyes's debut is a love letter to every former and present queer Latinx Catholic schooler. Witty, heartfelt, and vulnerable, it's the perfect read for lovers of Gabby Rivera, Jonny Garza Villa, and Adam Silvera."
— Carolina Ortiz, Writers Mentorship Program Co-Director, Latinx in Publishing
PILAR RAMIREZ AND THE ESCAPE FROM ZAFA | MIDDLE GRADE
By Julian Randall
Julian Randall's page-turning middle grade fantasy debut, PILAR RAMIREZ AND THE ESCAPE OF ZAFA, seamlessly combines non-stop adventure with Dominican mythology and the history of the Trujillo dictatorship. Readers will fall for powerhouse filmmaker Pilar's vibrant voice and will be glad this is the first book in a new series!
—Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Board Member, Latinx in Publishing
