September brought us some exciting book releases! Between picture books, fun and heartfelt romances, or a memoir that redefines the American Dream, there is something for everyone. Scroll below for a list of my most anticipated reads for September.
¡1,2,3 Baila! Series by Delia Ruiz | Illustrated by Graziela Andrade | On Sale September 5
Ever since I caught a glimpse of this series at the LA Times Festival of Books, I’ve been so excited for the official release! The ¡1,2,3 Baila! Series is a trio of bilingual books that teach children primary concepts through Latin music and dance. Merengue introduces Latin instruments and the sounds they make, Salsa teaches to count to 10, and Cumbia explores common manners like consent.
I might not be a child, but the series features adorable illustrations and is such a creative and refreshing way to teach these concepts, and also introduce diverse settings and characters to kids.
First Gen: A Memoir by Alejandra Campoverdi | On Sale September 12
Sometimes I’m drawn to memoirs because the story seems so different from my own, other times it's the similarities in someone else’s tale that lure me in. With First Gen, it's a bit of both—it’s the familiar themes that draw me in to read about a story so unlike my own. In the same lifetime, Alejandra Campoverdi has been a child on welfare, a White House aide, a Harvard graduate, a gang member's girlfriend, and a candidate for U.S. Congress. Sharing her experience as a first generation Latina navigating social mobility, Campoverdi lays out a personal and intimate story of her journey though a life of contradictions. Always the trailblazer, Camporverdi redefines the narrative of the American Dream and brings to light the struggles of what it means to be a “First and Only.”
As Long as You Love Me by Marianna Leal |On Sale September 12
Long-term school nemesis, Catalina Diaz Solis and Gabriel Cabrera, find themselves in the biggest competition yet: the battle for a full-time job offer. Cata is desperate for the job, hoping it will guarantee her visa renewal; meanwhile, Gabriel finds himself preoccupied elsewhere, desperate for a date to his brother’s wedding. The solution? Gabe offers to step aside from consideration of the full-time job if Cata will be his plus-one. As Catalina grows closer to Gabe, she discovers there is more to him than she ever imagined. When things become complicated, she must decide what she is willing to do to make her dreams come true.
Academic rivals? Enemies to lovers? Fake dating? Marianna Leal has got it all in this fun and emotional romance.
A British Girl's Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey | On Sale September 26
The beauty of a good YA book is that it can carry so much depth and maturity while still maintaining a fun and accessible read. Laura Taylor Namey’s newest novel seems to be on this exact path.
After losing her mother, Flora finds herself struggling with her grief, unable to control the inner chaos. While her family expects her to apply to university and take on more responsibility at their tea-shop business, Flora decides to head to Miami without telling anyone. There she finds a safe space in her surroundings, the Cuban-American culture of the city, and Baz Marín, a Miami Cuban who shares her love for photography. When her best friend, Gordon also finds his way to Florida, Flora realizes she must confront the “hurricane” of emotions, unable to hide in a city full of them.
