January 2025 Latinx Releases

On Sale January 7

This Is the Year by Gloria Muñoz | YOUNG ADULT

"In outer space, no one will know me as the girl with the dead sister."

Seventeen-year-old self-proclaimed Goth and aspiring writer Julieta Villarreal is drowning. She's grieving her twin sister who died in a hit-and-run, her Florida home is crumbling under the weight of climate disaster, and she isn't sure how much longer she can stand to stay in a place that doesn't seem to have room for her.

Then, Juli is recruited by Cometa, a private space program enlisting high-aptitude New American teens for a high-stakes mission to establish humanity's first extraterrestrial settlement. Cometa pitches this as an opportunity for Juli to give back to her adopted country; Juli sees it as her only chance to do something big with her life.

Juli begins her training, convinced Cometa is her path to freedom. But her senior year is full of surprises, including new friendships, roller skating, and first love. And through her small but poignant acts of environmentalism, Juli begins to find hope in unexpected places. As her world collapses from the ramifications of the climate crisis, Juli must decide if she'll carry her loss together with her community or leave it all behind.

Told in gripping prose interspersed with poems from Juli's writing journal, this genre-bending novel explores themes of immigration, climate justice, grief, and the power of communities.

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura|ADULT FICTION

Her mission: find the Lost City of the Moon in the Amazon rainforest.
His mission: protect the holy temple . . . and his heart.

While her mentor may be the world's most badass archaeologist, the only thing bad about Dr. Miriam Jacobs are her corny jokes. But when Miri is charged with leading an unmapped expedition through the Amazon for the fabled Lost City of the Moon, she finally has her chance to prove to her colleagues that she's capable--and hopefully prove it to herself, too.

Journalist Rafael Monfils has joined the archaeological team to chronicle their search for the lost city. Or at least, that's what they think he's doing. Rafa's real goal? Make sure the team does not reach the Cidade da Lua, stopping the desecration of the holy city and protecting his mother's legacy. All he needs to do is keep them on the wrong path.

If only the endearingly quirky Dr. Jacobs wasn't so damn tenacious--each of Rafa's tricks and purposeful wrong turns only seem to fuel her determination. Even worse, he's charmed by her goofy attempts to channel Lara Croft as they traverse the dangerous Brazilian rainforest. But they're not the only crew hunting for the lost city, and soon the untamed jungle--and their untamed hearts--might be the least of their worries...

Mamiachi & Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band by Jolene Gutiérrez and Dakota Gutiérrez | Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega| PICTURE BOOK

Today's the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn't like her? Is she ready to perform?

With her "mamiachi" and madrinas by her side, Rosa's stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez--joined by Mirelle Ortega's beautiful illustrations--provides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachi's signature charro suit!

Turtles of the Midnight Moon by Mar A. Jos Fitzgerald | MIDDLE GRADE

When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles--and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.

Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.

Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.

When Abby's papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland--with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she's determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they find a way to stop the poachers before it's too late?

A heart-pounding mystery with a hint of magic, María José Fitzgerald's debut novel explores the power of friendship, community, and compassion to unite all living creatures.

On Sale January 14

Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz | YOUNG ADULT

A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.

To the surprise of no one, Amelia Hernandez is once again single. It's her family curse at work; whether it's by heartbreak, scandal, or even accidental death, every romantic relationship that a Hernandez woman has will meet its demise eventually. And that may be fine with Amelia's sisters, mom, and aunts, but definitely not with Amelia.

So, convinced that she is the problem, Amelia decides to embark on an "Ex Retrospective: " tracking down her exes, finding out where she went wrong, and using that information to finally become un-break-up-able for whenever her next relationship comes along. Because Amelia is determined to be free of the family curse...and her family.

However, when Amelia is unwillingly reunited with Leon, the ex to end all exes, she can't resist having a little revenge on the side, too. After all, what better way to test out her new persona of perfect girlfriend traits than on the boy who broke her heart?

But old loves die hard, and as Amelia's feelings grow more complicated, she suspects that she may be in for more than she bargained for.

Dreamover by Dani Diaz | YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL

In this captivating debut YA graphic novel, two best friends becoming more than friends feels like a dream come true. But when one sleepover literally turns into a dream, will they ever want to wake up again?

Amber's a headstrong goofball with a temper. Nico's a shy, self-conscious emo boy. But they've been best friends since third grade, and she can't hide her feelings for him any longer. At the end of their eighth-grade beach trip, she confesses... and the feeling is mutual! Thus begins a glorious, blissful summer of first love.

But once high school starts, life gets more complicated. Faced with early mornings, bullies, homework, and other stresses, Amber and Nico cling to each other, neglecting their friends. Soon, Amber starts to wish she and Nico could escape from it all.

One night, as they fall asleep playing video games, Amber gets her wish...

Paloma Flies Away by María J. Guarda | Translated by Melanie Cordova|PICTURE BOOK

Paloma's home has changed. The dictator who took over the country has stripped its people of their freedoms, and it's no longer OK to think for yourself. So, like birds, Paloma and her parents fly away in search of a new home, without a chance to pack or say goodbye. The new country is different and generous, and their arrival is a big adventure. Though things are unfamiliar and Paloma misses the country she left, her new friends are soon like family, and she feels right at home. Then she grows older, and more changes come, and Paloma and family are flying away again, to a country she can barely remember . . . With a simple narration and stunning illustrations, María J. Guarda brings us a tender story about home, family, and identity during times of immeasurable change.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia | ADULT FICTION

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don't know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man--the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women-- or what did they do to him?

Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, The Business Trip takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?

On Sale January 21

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes | ADULT FICTION

It's about time roommates Alejandro and Kenny get married. Or at least, that's what all their close friends and family think when they announce their engagement. The kicker? The two are faking their whole relationship so Alejandro can get a green card. But if Han was going to marry anyone, it would be his ride or die since second grade.

Han has never been able to put down roots, and the only one who truly breaks through his walls is Kenny. Sweet, sensitive Kenny is newly single, and what better distraction from his soul-sucking relationship than proposing marriage to Han? Kenny can't think of anything more fun than spending his life with his best friend, even if it's just for a piece of paper. But as Kenny keeps up the charade, he's soon struggling to resist their sizzling chemistry.

The line between fact and fiction begins to blur the closer they get to their wedding date. With all eyes on Han and Kenny--including a meddling ex and immigration officers--will these two bros make it down the altar for real?

Danilo Was Here by Tamika Burgess | MIDDLE GRADE

Danilo Osorio Jr.'s baseball skills were once the pride of his father and entire hometown of El Chorrillo, Panamá. But that was then, and this is now...

Following 1989's Operation Just Cause, a US military invasion that left his neighborhood decimated, Danilo couldn't care less about baseball or the father who abandoned him for opportunities in the States. Now Danilo's focus is taking care of his mamá and sister and trying to save them all from needing to relocate to a refugee camp.

When Danilo unintentionally catches the eye of a baseball recruiter and is offered the opportunity to visit and train in California--the same place as his father's last known address--he is tasked with deciding to go or stay. But if playing baseball could help him find his father and secure the extra funds his family needs, Danilo is willing to travel anywhere, even to the very country responsible for destroying his home.

Between his tough-as-nails baseball coach, ultracompetitive teammates, and overly enthusiastic host family, Danilo's plans encounter some curveballs. And when his turn to bat finally comes, he'll have to decide what and who he's actually fighting for.

On Sale January 28

On the Wings of La Noche by Vanessa L. Torres | YOUNG ADULT

Death waits for Estrella (Noche) Villanueva. In her human form, she is a lonely science girl grieving the tragic accidental drowning of her girlfriend, Dante Fuentes. At night, she is a Lechuza who visits her dead girlfriend at the lake, desperate for more time with her. The longer Dante's soul roams the earth, the more likely it is that she will fade into the unknown, lost forever, but Noche cannot let go . . .

That's when a new kid comes to town, Jax, another science nerd like Noche. They connect in a way she can't ignore, seemingly pulled together by an invisible thread. For the first time, Noche begins to imagine a life without Dante. As Noche's heart begins to beat for two people, her guilt flares. Then, she finds herself at risk of losing both Jax and Dante, and Noche is forced to question her purpose as a lechuza and everything she has ever believed in.

Best Books of 2024 According to Latinx in Publishing

It was another amazing year for books by Latinx authors, and while it's hard to choose a favorite, we did! Here are our picks for best books of the year. We hope this list will inspire you to pick up these books and to share with the people in your life your favorite titles of 2024

First in the Family by Jessica Hoppe | Adult Nonfiction

"Here is Jessica Hoppe's first book, a  memoir in which she dives deep into herself and her story, her family's, substance use and AA; writing as a Latina from a place of a recovery after navigating the spaces that did not have our people in mind. It's edgy, it's tough, it's funny (one look at her and you know this checks out). I'll read anything and everything with a voice like hers." —Andrea Morales, Fellowship and Writers Mentorship Co-Director

Every Arc Bends Its Radian by Sergio De La Pava | ADULT FICTION

"This Philo major and crime fiction editor with very little time for pleasure reading gobbled up this funny and mind-blowing story about a philosopher/poet/private eye in search of a young woman in Cali, Colombia. Fast-paced, immersive, and inventive, this novel takes you on a wild ride." —Toni Kirkpatrick, Chair

Bird of Four Hundred Voices: A Mexican American Memoir of Music and Belonging by Eugene Rodriguez | ADULT NONFICTION

"Eugene Rodriguez grew up in a California barrio where music education had a formal format and no Mexican representation. What is a boy captivated by music to do? He grows up and forms his own band (Los Cenzontles, The Mockingbirds), and teaches Bay Area youth to discover their musical traditions. Los Cenzontles journey from California to Mexico to resurrect a lost mariachi tradition, and go on to collaborate with luminaries like Linda Ronstadt, Lalo Guerrero, Jackson Browne, Flaco Jimenez and Los Lobos. This memoir is a celebration of one man's pride in his Mexican musical traditions and his triumphant persistence to transcend borders."--Maria Ferrer, Events Director

Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar | YOUNG ADULT FICTION

"This coming-of-age story of a queer artist growing up in 2017 Honduras is a reminder of what unites the Latinx communities. Flores Zaldívar’s emotionally charged storytelling leaves a long-lasting impact on whoever reads their work, on whoever grew up or knows someone who grew up in Latin America's unforgiving summers, too-often blackouts, warm family dinners, colorful sceneries, and corrupt governments. It is such genuine work that it is impossible not to fall in love, laugh, and suffer with the characters."---Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares, Intern

LOTERÍA REMEDIOS: Soulful Remedies & Affirmations from Mexican Lotería by Xelena González, illustrated by Jose Sotelo Yamasaki

Playing Lotería (Mexican bingo) with family and friends is taken to a creative new level as storyteller Xelena González shares the meanings and remedios of the cards. It's such fun to read as favorites are drawn -- La Bota, El Gallo, La Luna, La Sirena all there to spark conversation and reflection while playing the classic game. —Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel, Fellowship Co-Director

Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez | ADULT NONFICTION

This title was my most anticipated read for the year and Prisca did not disappoint. As someone who is extremely close to her cousins and aunties, it was so heartwarming to recognize the women I love in each chapter, shedding light to the qualities and circumstances that make them who they are. Bonus points if you read it with your primas!—Ruddy Lopez, Communications Co-Director

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez | ADULT FICTION

I loved this book because it explores a very confusing time in life where you’re expected to be an adult while learning the reality of the real world. The dual timeline of Anita de Monte and Raquel was a creative way to explore misogyny in the past and present. 

“Human will is a particularly powerful magic. Alchemy happens when a person truly decides something; when a mind is changed” - Xóchitl Gonzalez 

“And that revelation sparked one that was even more painful: the reason that Raquel subconsciously believed that Nick knew “better” than her was that it was Nick’s point of view that had been affirmed and internalized by the white walls of every museum or gallery they had ever been told was worth looking at.”

—Mariana Felix-Kim, Communications Co-Director

Book Review: Flores and Miss Paula

At thirty-something, sharing an apartment with her mother, Paula, is not Flores’ idea of adulthood, freedom or independence. But now that Paula is a widow, Flores must find a way to help her mother cope with the loss of her husband and move on. At the same time, Flores has to deal with her own grief at losing her father, while trying to launch her life and career.

Mother and daughter attempt to support each other and get along, but their choices and understanding of life often clash. Paula wants her daughter to find a nice young man, marry and settle down. Flores wishes her mother would admit when she’s wrong and apologize. She would also prefer to see her mother choose best friends that aren’t always married men.

And she’s never sure if her latest headache is induced by her mother.

When a situation arises that they have to move out of their current apartment, the two women must decide if they should each go their separate ways, or if they can find a way to live together and create a mutual future with new hopes and dreams.

Flores is every child that values the sacrifices of their immigrant parents to create a better life for them. But she also longs to forge her own new path. The challenge is how to go forward without losing the past that she still values and which holds part of her identity.

Paula is every mother who wants a happy and better life for her daughter, but is unskilled at navigating the minefield of when to hang on and when to let go. And as an immigrant, and a widow, she must find the resources within herself to start a new life; whatever that may look like.

Both women struggle to make past and present converge into something new without losing the essential essence of who they are, and where they came from, while they explore their future destinations. The question is, Can they grow together? Or will they grow apart?

A story of loss, forgiveness, and love, Flores and Miss Paula, is a down-to-earth novel of learning what it means to be family, building a new life in a new country, and the tender yet sometimes frustrating relationship between a mother and a daughter.

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Veronica Jorge is Latinx in Publishing's Writers Mentorship Program 2024 Adult Fiction Mentee. Melissa Rivero is her Adult Fiction Mentor.

Manager, Educator, and former High School Social Studies teacher, Veronica Jorge credits her love of history to the potpourri of cultures that make up her own life and to her upbringing in diverse Brooklyn, New York. Her work is often based on a search into her ethnic roots that explore identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Her genres of choice are historical fiction, where she always makes new discoveries, literary works because she loves beautiful writing, and children’s picture books because there are so many wonderful worlds yet to be imagined and visited. She currently resides in Macungie, PA.

10 Latinx Books to Gift to the Women in Your Life

During these giving times, you might think about the perfect gift for that special woman in your life. Maybe she is your mamá, who always watched your back; maybe she is your tía who always made you laugh; or maybe she is that coworker who is always fighting dress codes with HR. For those strong, resilient, and tender women in your life, check out these books created by Latinas.

Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar

As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, churns louder and faster. For her part, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán takes heart in writing political poetry for her anonymous Instagram account and a budding romance with someone new. But things come to a head when Mami sees texts on her phone mentioning a kiss with a girl and Libi discovers her beloved older brother, Maynor, playing a major role in the protests.

As Libertad faces the political and social corruption around her, stifling homophobia at home and school, and ramped up threats to her poetry online, she begins dreaming of a future in which she doesn’t have to hide who she is or worry about someone she loves losing their life just for speaking up. Then the ultimate tragedy strikes, and leaving her family and friends—plus the only home she’s ever known—might be her only option.

Women Surrounded by Water by Patricia Coral

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Patricia Coral was surrounded by women who fought for their needs amid the demands of domesticity and who were dismissed and judged when they rejected any predetermined paths on an island that itself has never been free. At age twenty-five, she married her first love, a green-eyed musician whose internal storms drove Coral to slowly realize that the marriage must end. Faced with disillusionment—with her husband, with the patriarchal expectations that surrounded her like the Caribbean Sea, and with the limited options available to her—she leaves, only for Hurricane Maria to wrench her heart homeward.

Coral evokes the beauty, love, and language of her family and of Puerto Rico as well as the pain of yearning for more. Tastes, colors, and the dreamlike lushness of childhood memories infuse this mournful and propulsive memoir of personal and natural disasters—and the self-discovery made possible only when we choose what to leave behind.

Tías and Primas by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez | Illustrated by Josie Del Castillo

Born into a large, close-knit family in Nicaragua, Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez grew up surrounded by strong, kind, funny, sensitive, resilient, judgmental, messy, beautiful women. Whether blood relatives or chosen family, these tías and primas fundamentally shaped her view of the world—and so did the labels that were used to talk about them. The tía loca who is shunned for defying gender roles. The pretty prima put on a pedestal for her European features. The matriarch who is the core of her community but hides all her pain. 

In Tías and Primas, the follow-up to her acclaimed debut For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, Mojica Rodríguez explores these archetypes. Fearlessly grappling with the effects of intergenerational trauma, centuries of colonization, and sexism, she attempts to heal the pain that is so often embodied in female family lines.  

Tías and Primas is a deeply felt love letter to family, community, and Latinas everywhere.

The Black Girl Survives in This One edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell

Celebrating a new generation of bestselling and acclaimed Black writers, The Black Girl Survives in This One makes space for Black girls in horror. Fifteen chilling and thought-provoking stories place Black girls front and center as heroes and survivors who slay monsters, battle spirits, and face down death. Prepare to be terrified and left breathless by the pieces in this anthology.

The bestselling and acclaimed authors include Erin E. Adams, Monica Brashears, Charlotte Nicole Davis, Desiree S. Evans, Saraciea J. Fennell, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Daka Hermon, Justina Ireland, L.L. McKinney, Brittney Morris, Maika & Maritza Moulite, Eden Royce, and Vincent Tirado. The foreword is by Tananarive Due.

American Diva by Deborah Paredez

What does it mean to be a “diva”? A shifting, increasingly loaded term, it has been used to both deride and celebrate charismatic and unapologetically fierce performers like Aretha Franklin, Divine, and the women of Labelle. In this brilliant, powerful blend of incisive criticism and electric memoir, Deborah Paredez—scholar, cultural critic, and lifelong diva devotee—unravels our enduring fascination with these icons and explores how divas have challenged American ideas about feminism, performance, and freedom.

American Diva journeys into Tina Turner’s scintillating performances, Celia Cruz’s command of the male-dominated salsa world, the transcendent revival of Jomama Jones after a period of exile, and the unparalleled excellence of Venus and Serena Williams. Recounting how she and her mother endlessly watched Rita Moreno’s powerhouse portrayal of Anita in West Side Story and how she learned much about being bigger than life from her fabulous Tía Lucia, Paredez chronicles the celebrated and skilled performers who not only shaped her life but boldly expressed the aspiration for freedom among brown, Black, and gay communities. Paredez also traces the evolution of the diva through the decades, dismayed at the mid-aughts’ commodification and juvenilizing of its meaning but finding its lasting beauty and power.

Filled with sharp insights and great heart, American Diva is a spirited tribute to the power of performance and the joys of fandom.

The Curse of the Flores Women by Angélica Lopes

In this haunting novel about the enduring bonds of womanhood, a young girl weaves together the truth behind her family history and the secrets that resonate through generations.

Eighteen-year-old Alice Ribeiro is constantly fighting―against the status quo, female oppression in Brazil, and even her own mother. But when a family veil is passed down to her, Alice is compelled to fight for the rights of all womankind while also uncovering the hidden history of the women in her family.

Seven generations ago, the small town of Bom Retiro shunned the Flores women because of a “curse” that rendered them unlucky in love. With no men on the horizon to take care of them, the women learned the art of lacemaking to build lives of their own. But their peace was soon threatened by forces beyond any woman’s control.

As Alice begins piecing together the tapestry that is her history, she discovers revelations about the past, connections to the present, and a resilience in her blood that will carry her toward the future her ancestors strove for.

¡Viva Latina! by Sandra Velasquez

!Viva Latina! captures generations of wisdom and Latina stories to inspire you through every stage of life. This book is a celebration of Latina power and sisterhood; it is a reminder of the resilience, bravery, and vibrancy that comes from the Latina community. Embrace your unapologetic heritage, defy expectations, challenge the status quo, and empower yourself through the narratives of these extraordinary women.

Some of the incredible women featured in this collection include entrepreneurs and Co-Founders of #WeAllGrow Latina, Ana Flores and Vanessa Santos Fein, author and CEO of In Luz We Trust, Linda Garcia, author, coach, and actor, Angel Aviles, and CEO of Vive Cosmetics, Leslie Valdivia, among many more. Hear their stories, reflections, and transformative advice while embracing your roots and becoming your best self.

Tap into your limitless potential and find within:
 

•  50 quotes and stories from Latina women, including key figures in history, politics, business, entertainment, and entrepreneurs

• Timeless wisdom that has been passed down over generations that inspires you to feel powerful, brave, and joyful

• Beautiful illustrations and portraits that showcase the vibrant flare of Latin culture and the amazing women featured in the book

• Sidebars highlighting Latin folklore and traditions

Not only is !Viva Latina! written by Latinas, but it is also illustrated by Latinas. Latina Buisness Owner and Latina artist, Sandra Lucia Diaz, has drawn 16 breathtaking portraits to help put faces to the name. Her company, LUCIA DIAZ, is a small business that empowers and honors Latina illustrations, focued on representation and high-quality products.

!Viva Latina! gives you the tools to build your own life and follow your own path. Find your community of hermanas and comradery with these motivational quotes.

Badass Bonita by Kim Guerra

Almost every Latina has heard the phrase calladita te ves más bonita—you look most beautiful when you are silent. It’s a message rooted in machismo passed from generation to generation, and one that poet and Latine therapist, Kim Guerra, grew up on.

In Badass Bonita, Guerra tells a story of coming into her own power, and guides readers through the process of finding their own. Rejecting what she was taught as a girl, she learned to use her voice and the more she listened to that inner niña, the more she unearthed her inner guerrera. Vowing never to be calladita again, she now teaches Latine women to find their voices, healing the stories and emotional wounds that have kept them silent.
 
Tackling tough conversations around machismo, mental health, trauma, and intersectional identities, Badass Bonita is a guide that will help readers:

• Understand underlying sources of wounds and trauma,

• Shift from self‑silencing and into revolutionary self‑love,

• Build confidence and bring positive change to relationships, family and community.

Lyrical and accessible, written in Kim’s signature poetic, Spanglish style, Badass Bonita is perfect for readers of My Grandmother’s Hands and Este dolor no es mío, — for mothers, daughters, therapists, and mujeres poderosas everywhere ready find their wings.

Mamá Didn't Raise a Pendeja by Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia

If you’re tired of fluffy, feel-good self-help books, Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja is here to deliver real talk with a side of sass. This collection of unapologetically blunt, tough-love sayings—”anti-affirmations,” if you will—draws on generations of Latina wisdom to cut through the noise and offer hard-hitting advice on everything from relationships to careers.

Created by first-gen Latinas Carolina Acosta and Aralis Mejia, this book captures the no-nonsense guidance passed down from their abuelitas and tías. Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja doesn’t sugarcoat—it delivers practical life lessons with humor, honesty, and a few verbal slaps of reality. Packed with culturally rich, real-world insights, it’s the perfect self-help book for anyone looking to level up without the fluff.

Whether you need a reminder to stay grounded or a push to tackle life’s challenges head-on, this collection will have you laughing, thinking, and getting your life together—all while keeping it real. Perfect for anyone in need of resilience, humor, and perspective, Mamá Didn’t Raise a Pendeja proves that sometimes the best advice comes straight from mamá.

What Happened to Belén by Ana Elena Correa | Translated by Julia Sanches

In 2014, Belén, a twenty-five-year-old woman living in rural Argentina, went to the hospital for a stomachache—and soon found herself in prison. While at the hospital she had a miscarriage—without knowing she was pregnant. Because of the nation’s repressive laws surrounding abortion and reproductive rights, the doctors were forced to report her to the authorities. Despite her protestations, Belén was convicted and sentenced to two years for homicide.

Belén’s imprisonment is a glaring example of how women’s health care has become increasingly criminalized, putting the most vulnerable—BIPOC, rural, and low-income—women at greater risk of prosecution. Belén’s cause became the centerpiece of a movement to achieve greater protections for all women. After two failed attempts to clear her name, Belén met feminist lawyer Soledad Deza, who quickly rallied Amnesty International and ignited an international feminist movement around #niunamas—not one more—symbolized by thousands of demonstrators around the globe donning white masks, the same kind of mask Belén wore when leaving prison. The #niunamas movement was instrumental in pressuring Argentine president Alberto Fernández to decriminalize abortion in 2021. 

In this gripping and personal account of the case and its impact on local law, Ana Correa, one of Argentina’s leading journalists and activists, makes clear that what happened to Belén could happen to any woman—and that we all have the power to raise our collective voices and demand change.

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Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.

Most Anticipated December 2024 Releases

This is it! The last month of the year! The streets get busier as the crowds go shopping for their loved ones. But more than gifts, love is what drives this month and makes it a favorite time for many people. Along with the holidays, many books we have been expecting are finally here! Check out our most anticipated books for this month which are, by the way, excellent gifts too! (Wink, wink).

When the Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede

With a beautifully written free verse, this coming-of-age story reveals the power of nature and dignity.

Lucille is a 16-year-old girl living in 1930s Haiti. She and her best friend, Fifina, dream about opening a school for girls. But one day Fifina disappears, and Lucille’s journey to find her will prove long and dangerous. When the Mapou tree sings in her dreams, revealing who took her dear friend, the young girl must face the section chief. He has taken Fifina as his second wife against her will, and he doesn’t like Lucille’s nonconforming demeanor which puts her in danger and makes her flee from her home to Port-au-Prince. In a few years of exile, Lucille transitions into womanhood quickly, learning about the unfairness of the world. During her journey, she will meet the soon-to-be author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, who will teach her about sacrifice and activism.

With her debut, Pinede offers the readers a commentary on colonialism, colorism, corruption, and womanhood through the eyes of a girl who just wanted to dream with her best friend. 

Alter Ego by Alex Segura

Segura’s latest thriller, the standalone sequel to Secret Identity (2022), shows the ugly side of film and comic book making.

Annie Bustamante became a filmmaker after a disappointing career as a comic book artist. Still, she can’t resist Bert Carlyle’s offer to reintroduce the Lethal Lynx to the media. After all, this character was created by Annie’s favorite artist Carmen Valdez in the 1970s, who inspired her to enter the comic book world. However, Annie is not so sure about Carlyle’s intentions when he tells her she must work with the stigmatized filmmaker, Arturo Espinoza, on this project. She becomes especially suspicious when she starts getting warning — or threatening — notes from an anonymous source. But nothing can stop Annie from telling Lynx’s story her way, not even the shadows lurking around her favorite superhero.

With a fast-paced narrative and amazing illustrations, Segura captures the reader into a trap of suspense and heroism, revealing the nuances of creative property and the filmmaking industry.

No Place to Bury the Dead by Karina Sainz Borgo | Translated by Elizabeth Bryer

Brilliantly devastating, Sainz Borgo’s novel takes the readers through a journey of grief and desperation.

After an amnesia epidemic has spread in the unnamed Latin American country where Angustias Romero lives, she is forced to flee from the mountains in search of resources to support her family of four. Unfortunately, through their migration, her twin sons die in her arms, leaving her broken and hopeless. The only thing Angustias wants is a place to bury her children. She then hears about the infamous Visitación Salazar, a woman who buries people at no cost in a land she calls The Third Country. However, getting involved with this woman will put Angustias in danger as a feared landowner is trying to take the cemetery away from the people of Mezquite. But the mother won’t let anybody take away her children’s rightful resting place.

Packed with lyrical prose and a hurtful portrayal of migration, No Place to Bury the Dead is a somber yet necessary read.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

As proven in Montoya’s second romantasy novel, there is no better match than a vampire and their hunter, or in this case, huntress.

18-year-old Carolina Fuentes refuses to follow her father’s command to marry a man who will keep her safe and is determined to prove her worth as a vampire huntress. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Lalo Villalobos unexpectedly turns into a vampire when attempting revenge for the death of his parents and searches for a way to become human again. In a fateful encounter, the “sendiento” and his hunter meet, struggling to figure out if they are enemies or allies in their quests. Together, they will uncover secrets about vampiros and the family of hunters while trying to keep their feelings towards each other hidden. Along with its diverse characters, the book follows a non-traditional approach to vampire stories that just works.

With her charming main characters, griping romance, and an unexpected hero’s journey, Montoya seduces the readers just like a vampire would.

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Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.

7 Winter Holiday Books by Latinx Authors and Illustrators

It is the holiday season, at last. Around the globe, communities celebrate their traditions with delicious food, vibrant colors, and family gatherings. It is a time of unity. To accompany you and your loved ones this season, check out these books about the many winter holidays that make this the most wonderful time of the year.

The Last Tamale by Orlando Mendiola | Illustrated by Teresa Martinez

It’s the best day of the year—tamale day. Luis and his family have been making and eating tamales all day. But when Luis, Jacob, and Letty all want the last tamale, there's only one way to choose a winner...

A TAMALE BATTLE!

Round one: Dance Battle. Round Two: Lucha Libre Match. Round Three: Arm Wrestle with Abuelita.

Who will get the last tamale?

A celebration of family, food, and friendly competition, readers will be hungry for The Last Tamale! Perfect for fans of Paletero Man and Friday Night Wrestle Fest. 

Why We Celebrate Chinese New Year: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday by Eugenia Chu | Illustrated by Javiera Mac-lean

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a holiday that marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. It's one of the most celebrated holidays in China and around the world! Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.

So many ways to get festive—Discover how Chinese New Year is celebrated around the globe with fireworks, dragon dances, parades, gifts, and beyond!

Celebrate at home—Kids will explore Chinese New Year customs with included activities like making Chinese Dumplings and Paper Chinese Lanterns.

Fascinating facts and pictures—Vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly language help bring Chinese New Year to life.

Discover Why We Celebrate Chinese New Year!

La Noche Before Three Kings Day by Sheila Colón-Bagley | Illustrated by Alejandro Mesa

It’s almost Three Kings Day, and while the grownups prepare a large meal, the kids prepare their shoe boxes for los Reyes to arrive later that night. Will they stay up late enough to wish the Kings a Feliz Día de los Reyes? Or will the magic pass them by?

Sing along with a great big familia as they fill up their platos, play their favorite juegos, and wait for the three kings and regalitos to arrive.  

This enchanting celebration of a beloved holiday is brought to life through lively rhyming dual-lingual text by Sheila Colón-Bagley with festive illustrations from Alejandro Mesa. 

Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello

City girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive season. She and her boyfriend are on a break and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmas away from London. Dragged to Saiyan Hedge Farm by her mother, Tia takes an instant dislike to the countryside estate. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How can she stalk her ex and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back from here?

Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in town—the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success while recovering from his own devastating breakup. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye—until they realize they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up appearances and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way?

It's Navidad, El Cucuy!: A Bilingual Christmas by Donna Barba Higuera | Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo

Ramón is a little boy who can't wait for Navidad.

El Cucuy is the friendly monster who lives in Ramón's bedroom. He's not so sure that Christmas is for him. The lights are too bright, and the snowman is scary!

So if El Cucuy is hesitant to embrace the holiday cheer, then Ramón will have to bring the spirit of Navidad to him.

A tender, heartwarming story about facing the unknown with a friend by your side, this companion to El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! explores the magic of the holidays and coming together as a community.

May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart | Illustrated by Loris Lora

“What is the recipe?” I ask.
Abuela laughs. “It is in my heart, Rosie. I use mis ojos, my eyes, to measure. Mis manos, my hands, to feel. Mi boca, my mouth, to taste. My abuela gave it to me, and I am giving it to you.”

Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie’s abuela, mamá, tía, sister, and cousins all gather together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales—cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chilis, kneading cornmeal dough, seasoning the filling, and folding it all—and tell stories. Rosie learns from her abuela not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life, one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.

A Very Mexican Christmas by Carmen Boullosa, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Carlos Fuentes, Laura Esquivel, Amparo Dávila, Sandra Cisneros

This seventh installment in our popular Very Christmas series is a celebration of the Mexican Yuletide spirit. Replete with mouthwatering Nochebuena meals, mysterious felines, multi-colored boxes, marvelous sweet rolls, and many a bedside tale, A Very Mexican Christmas is sure to delight, warm, and astonish by turns. You’ll find spellbinding work by some of Mexico’s most important writers, including Carlos Fuentes, bestselling Laura Esquivel, and other contemporary favorites like Amparo Dávila, Sandra Cisneros, Fabio Morábito, and Carmen Boullosa, as well as fresh translations of classics by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Amado Nervo, and Ignacio Manuel Altamirano. Get a glimpse of how Christmas is done in a land of no snow, as well as among Mexicans living north of the border, with this sparkling assortment of literary gems that will guarantee a very feliz Navidad.

---

Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.

December 2024 Latinx Releases

On Sale December 3

When the Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede| YOUNG ADULT

Sixteen-year-old Lucille hopes to one day open a school alongside her best friend where girls just like them can learn what it means to be Haitian: to learn from the mountains and the forests around them, to carve, to sew, to draw, and to sing the songs of the Mapou, the sacred trees that dot the island nation. But when her friend vanishes without a trace, a dream--a gift from the Mapou--tells Lucille to go to her village's section chief, the local face of law, order, and corruption, which puts her life and her family's at risk.
Forced to flee her home, Lucille takes a servant post with a wealthy Haitian woman from society's elite in Port-au-Prince. Despite a warning to avoid him, she falls in love with her employer's son. But when their relationship is found out, she must leave again--this time banished to another city to work for a visiting American writer and academic conducting fieldwork in Haiti. While Lucille's new employer studies vodou and works on the novel that will become Their Eyes Were Watching God, Lucille risks losing everything she cares about--and any chance of seeing her best friend again--as she fights to save their lives and secure her future in this novel in verse with the racing heart of a thriller.

Kingdom of No Tomorrow by Fabienne Josaphat|ADULT FICTION

Nettie Boileau joins the Black Panthers' Free Health Clinics in Oakland in 1968 and is soon swept up in an all-consuming love affair with Melvin Mosley, a defense captain of the Black Panther Party. When Nettie and Melvin head to Chicago to help launch the Illinois chapter of the Panthers, they find themselves targets of J. Edgar Hoover's famous covert campaigns against civil rights leaders.

As she learns more about the inner workings of the Panthers, Nettie discovers that fighting for social justice may not always mean equal justice for women.

Fabienne Josaphat's Kingdom of No Tomorrow is a timely story of self-determination and revolution amid injustice.

My Favorite Scar by Nicolás Ferraro | Translated by Mallory Craig-Kuhn | ADULT FICTION

A teenage girl and her gangster father embark on a road trip toward revenge in this award-winning coming-of-age Argentinian noir.

Fifteen-year-old Ámbar has never known any parent other than her father, Víctor Mondragón, nor any life other than his. On any given Friday night, Ámbar longs to be at the arcade or a rock concert, but she's more likely to be patching up Víctor's latest bullet hole in a dingy motel or creating a new set of fake identities for the both of them.

When a tattooed mercenary kills Víctor's best friend and vows that Víctor is next, father and daughter set off on a joyride across Argentina in search of bloody retribution. But Ámbar's growing pains hurt worse than her beloved sawed-off shotgun's kickback as she begins to question the structure of her world. How much is her father not telling her? Could her life ever be different? And will she survive long enough to find out?

I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman | ADULT FICTION

A suspenseful dark comedy about a struggling writer who wakes up to find his date from the night before dead--and must then decide how far he's willing to go to spin the misadventure into his next big book.

A few years ago, David Alvarez had it all: a six-figure book deal, a loving boyfriend, and an exciting writing career. His debut novel was a resounding success, which made the publication of his second book--a total flop--all the more devastating. Now, David is single, lonely, and desperately trying to come up with the next great idea for his third manuscript, one that will redeem him in the eyes of readers, reviewers, the entire publishing world...and maybe even his ex-boyfriend.

After one of the best nights of his life, David wakes up hungover but giddy--only to find prince charming dead next to him in bed. Horrified, completely confused, and suddenly faced with the implausible-but-somehow-plausible idea that he may have actually killed his date, David calls the only person he can trust in a moment of crisis: his literary agent, Stacey.

Together, David and Stacey must untangle the events of the previous night, cover their tracks, and spin the entire misadventure into David's career-defining novel--if only they can figure out what to do with the body first.

Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses by Codie Sanchez | ADULT NONFICTION

Rich people know a secret. In this book, former Wall Street investor Codie Sanchez pulls back the curtain.

Most people look for wealth in all the wrong places. From dropshipping and startups to grinding for promotions, you might believe you have to trade your life to be one of the few who win. But the truly rich know these paths are paved with delusion and false promises.

In Main Street Millionaire, Codie Sanchez teaches you the path the wealthy really walk. Instead of risking it all with little chance of success, she shows you how to acquire cash-flowing businesses that are winning right now.

Sanchez, one of the world's leading small business experts, reveals the dealmaking framework she's taught to tens of thousands, and that she's used to build her own 9-figure holding company. Her secret? She acquires overlooked "Main Street" businesses. We're talking about the unsexy but reliably profitable industries -- like plumbing, construction, cleaning, electrical -- that white collar workers have overlooked.
In this book, you'll see practical strategies and step by step processes to acquire cash flow and freedom.

Alter Ego by Alex Segura | ADULT FICTION

Annie Bustamante is a cultural force like none other: an acclaimed filmmaker, an author, a comic book artist known for one of the all time best superhero comics in recent memory. But she's never been able to tackle her longtime favorite superhero, the Lethal Lynx. Only known to the most die-hard comics fans and long out of print, the rights were never available--until now.

But Annie is skeptical of who is making the offer: Bert Carlyle's father started Triumph Comics, and has long claimed ownership of the Lynx. When she starts getting anonymous messages urging her not to trust anyone, Annie's inner alarms go off. Even worse? Carlyle wants to pair her with a disgraced filmmaker for a desperate media play.

Annie, who has been called a genius, a sell-out, a visionary, a hack, and everything else under the sun, is sick of the money grab. For the first time since she started reading a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a kid, she feels a pure, creative spark. The chance to tell a story her way. She's not about to let that go. Even if it means uncovering the dark truth about the character she loves.

When We Sold God's Eye: Diamonds, Murder, and a Clash of Worlds in the Amazon by Alex Cuadros | ADULT NONFICTION

Growing up in a remote corner of the world's largest rainforest, Pio, Maria, and Oita learned to hunt wild pigs and tapirs, gathering Brazil nuts and açaí berries from centuries-old trees. Then the first highway pierced through, ranchers, loggers, and prospectors invaded, and they lost their families to terrible new weapons and diseases. Pushed by the government to assimilate, they struggled to figure out their new, capitalist reality, discovering its wonders as well as its horrors. They ended up forging an uneasy symbiosis with their white antagonists--until decades of suppressed trauma erupted into a massacre, an act of retribution that made headlines across the globe.

Based on six years of immersive reporting and research, WHEN WE SOLD GOD'S EYE tells a unique kind of adventure story, one that begins with a river journey by Teddy Roosevelt and ends with smugglers from Antwerp and New York City's Diamond District. It's a story of survival against all odds; of the temptations of wealth and the dreams of prosperity; of a vital ecosystem threatened by the hunger for natural resources; of genocide and revenge. It's a story as old as the first European encounters with Indigenous peoples, playing out in the present day. But most of all, it's about a few startlingly clever individuals and their power to adapt and even thrive in the most unlikely circumstances.

Manga Drawing: Bloody Battles: Draw Your Own Dramatic Sword Fights, Deadly Brawls, and Melee Attacks in 4 Easy Steps! By Leo Campos | GRAPHIC NOVEL HOW-TO

Learn to draw iconic manga characters and thrilling fight scenes!

Become a true manga master withManga Drawing: Bloody Battles, the action-focused drawing book for artists and die-hard fans ofDemon Slayer,Naruto,Attack on Titan,My Hero Academia, andChainsaw Man. With step-by-step directions and a pro manga artist to guide you, you'll learn to draw bold heroes, like samurai warriors and shape-shifters, and vengeful enemies that leap off the page. Learn basic to advanced drawing principles and draw more than 30 battle-ready characters including:

- Martial artists
- Teen heroes
- Undercover spies
- Terrifying monsters
- The nine-tailed fox

With more than 60 fierce fighting poses to choose from and epic manga battles to bring to life, you'll create electrifying, action-packed comics all your own.

My Fault (Deluxe Edition) by Mercedes Ron | YOUNG ADULT

**This deluxe edition comes with an exclusive foiled cover, pink stained edges, interior cover design, and full-color art**

Seventeen-year-old Noah Morgan loves her quiet, normal life in Toronto. But when her mother returns from a cruise unexpectedly married to a billionaire and announces they are moving to L.A., Noah is suddenly shoved out of her comfort zone and into a glittering world of illegal street races, lavish pool parties, and spoiled rich kids.

And her new stepbrother Nicholas is the most spoiled of them all. Arrogant, aloof, and viciously attractive, Nick is everything she hates, especially when she learns his bad boy persona isn't just a façade. She's spent her life running from danger, and Nick is danger incarnate. Yet neither of them can prevent the powerful attraction that flares between them--enough to turn their worlds upside-down and tempt them beyond all reason.

But Noah's past may be even more dangerous than their forbidden romance. And if he wants her, Nick will have to decide if he's willing to risk everything.

Encanto: Nightmares and Sueños by Alex Segura | YOUNG ADULT

Seventeen-year-old Bruno has never really fit in with his family--why can't he be as outgoing as his sister Pepa, or as friendly as his sister Julieta? Does he like being the awkward loaner who never seems to find where he can fit in? But it's hard to be popular when you have the power to tell the future and people don't always like what you are telling them. So Bruno devises an act, and begins to model the behavior he feels the town wants to see in a hero.

But is being dishonest to himself and others the right path to walk down in order to make friends, or is Bruno just kidding himself as he hides from his own destiny that threatens to destroy all he holds dear?

On Sale December 10

Why We Celebrate Chinese New Year: Everything to Know about Your Favorite Holiday by Eugenia Chu |Illustrated by Javiera Mac-Lean | PICTURE BOOK

Celebrate Chinese New Year with this festive introduction for kids ages 6 to 9!

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a holiday that marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. It's one of the most celebrated holidays in China and around the world! Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.

So many ways to get festive--Discover how Chinese New Year is celebrated around the globe with fireworks, dragon dances, parades, gifts, and beyond!

Celebrate at home--Kids will explore Chinese New Year customs with included activities like making Chinese Dumplings and Paper Chinese Lanterns.

Fascinating facts and pictures--Vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly language help bring Chinese New Year to life.

El Tummy Time: A High-Contrast Board Book Featuring Animals from Latin America by Mike Alfaro |Illustrated by Gerardo Guillén | PICTURE BOOK

A first-of-its-kind tummy time book inspired by papel picados--featuring high-contrast art of animals from Latin America!

Infants have limited capabilities with vision upon birth and respond well to high-contrast images, which is why this vibrant book is perfect for their young and growing minds. This unique accordion-style board book--inspired by papel picados and featuring animals from Latin America--provides developmentally appropriate visual stimuli for your baby's visual development, while exposing them to Spanish vocabulary words.

No Place to Bury the Dead by Karina Sainz Borgo | Translated by Elizabeth Bryer | ADULT FICTION

In an unnamed Latin American country, a mysterious plague quickly spreads, erasing the memory of anyone infected. Angustias Romero flees with her family, but their flight is tragically cut short when she loses both her children. Consumed by grief, she finds herself within the hallucinatory expanse of Mezquite--a town corrupted by greed and populated by storytellers, refugees, and violent, predatory gangs.

Here, Angustias is finally able to lay her children to rest at the Third Country, a cemetery run by the larger-than-life Visitación Salazar and a refuge beyond suffering and fear. While Visitación remains defiant in her mission to care for the dead, the cemetery she oversees is the focal point of a bitter land dispute with Alcides Abundio, the most feared landowner of the border. Caught in this power struggle, Angustias and Visitación-friends and sometimes rivals- stand their ground on a frontier where the law is dictated by violence; a surreal territory whose very nature blurs the boundaries between life and death.

On Sale December 17

The Return of the Contemporary: The Latin American Novel in the End Times by Nicolás Campisi

In The Return of the Contemporary, Nicolás Campisi combines the fields of post-dictatorship studies and environmental humanities to analyze Latin American cultural production in the neoliberal age. Each chapter pairs two authors from different parts of Latin America and the Caribbean who create a common vocabulary in which to frame the various crises of the region's present and recent past, such as climate change, forced migration, the collapse of state institutions, and the afterlives of slavery. By situating itself at the intersection of ecocritical and environmental humanities, affect studies, and the politics of memory and postmemory, Campisi presents new comparative methods to show how Latin America's neoliberal crisis prompted significant changes in how the novel as a form imagines a different future.

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya | YOUNG ADULT

A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together--against their better judgment--to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible romantasy.

Carolina Fuentes wants to join her family in hunting the bloodthirsty vampiros that plague her pueblo. Her father, however, wishes to marry her off to a husband of his choosing, someone who'll take her away from danger.

Determined to prove she'd make a better slayer than wife, Carolina vows to take down a monster herself. But when she runs into un vampiro who is somehow extremely attractive and kind, her plan crumbles.

Lalo Villalobos was content leading a perfectly dull life until un vampiro turned him. Now forced to flee his city, he heads to the pueblo where he believes the first vampiro was made. Surely its residents must know how to reverse this dreadful curse. Instead of finding salvation, Lalo collides with a beautiful young woman who'd gladly drive a dagger through his heart.

Fortunately, Lalo and Carolina share a common enemy. They can wipe out this evil. Together. If his fangs and her fists can stay focused, they might just triumph and discover what it feels like to take a bite out of love.

On Sale December 24

After the Ocean by Lauren E. Rico | ADULT FICTION

Thirty years ago, musicians Emilia Oliveras and Paul Winstead were married in Puerto Rico. Forty-eight hours later, Paul vanished from their honeymoon cruise, leaving Emilia devastated--and the prime suspect in his disappearance. So, she ran for her life, leaving behind her love, her dreams, and her identity.

Today "Emily Oliver" is a divorced music teacher and mother of two daughters who know nothing about her past: Gracie, a talented attorney who excels in the courtroom but grapples with personal relationships, and Meg, a gifted concert pianist who wrestles with her ambition and purpose.

When a cryptic caller claims the unthinkable--that Paul is alive, Emily returns to Puerto Rico in search of the truth. What she doesn't know is that her daughters aren't far behind. Shocked to find their mother isn't the woman they thought she was, Gracie and Meg wonder how much of their lives have been a lie.

As the paths of the three women intertwine, they are compelled to confront their pasts, reevaluate their relationships, and seek forgiveness. Together they embark on a quest to unravel the mystery of Paul's disappearance and redefine their futures on their own terms, navigating a maze of family ties, secrets, and redemption.

One in the Chamber by Robin Peguero | ADULT FICTION

From a former U.S. House spokesman and Senate speechwriter, a group of junior staffers working on Capitol Hill find themselves in the middle of a political standoff in this satirical novel.

Iowa Farm boy Cameron Leann is new to Washington, D.C., joining a group of employees working for a powerful cohort of U.S. Senators known as The Gang of Six. All of Cam's new colleagues have one thing in common: they hate their bosses.

When a bombshell revelation threatens to sink the President's Supreme Court pick, the Gang of Six fractures, pitting senator against senator in a confirmation battle for the ages. Alliances shift with the wind. Everyone is lying to everyone.

Cam and his friends are caught up in the midst of everything...and on Election Night, one senator will end up dead.

5 Books Showcasing Strong Friendships

It is the month to be grateful for the people in our lives, especially our chosen family. Friends are always there for us whether to share a laugh with or offer a shoulder to cry on. To help you celebrate them, check out and share these Latinx books with your friends!

Troop Esme by Lourdes Heuer|Illustrated by Marissa Valdez

Esme lives with her grandparents on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building. She has just met a future friend named Wendall who came to her door selling Troop Badger cookies. He is hoping to earn his Cookie Empresario badge. Esme thinks she would like to earn a Cookie Empresario badge too! One small problem: she is not in Troop Badger.

But Esme is a problem solver! She decides to start her own troop: Troop Esme. It will include all the neighbors in the topmost best building. And her first act as troop leader? Help Wendall sell all his cookies, of course!

A funny and delightful story about cookies, badges and most importantly, friendship.

The Chainbreakers by Julian Randall

All Violet Moon has ever wanted is to be a Reaper captain like her father. Born on the Tides of the Lost, a magical world beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Violet has spent her life at her father’s side rescuing souls lost in the water.

But when a rescue mission turns to disaster after the arrival of the dreaded Children of the Shark, weaponized ghost-sharks who steal the souls for themselves, her father is seized and pulled down into the darkness of the Depths. With no choice for Violet but to inherit the captain's powers and helm the ship as the next in line, it'll be up to her to save her father—if he even still lives—and stop the Children of the Shark before they devour the world.

A Second Chance on Earth by Juan Vidal

Have you ever encountered a book that KO’d you, Iron Mike Tyson style? One that hit you square in the face and heart like some abracadabra casting a hex from an unknown planet?

For sixteen-year-old poet and b-baller Marcos Cadena, that book is the beat-up copy of One Hundred Years of Solitude he finds among his late father’s possessions after Papi is killed in an accident.

Marcos’ papi has always loomed large in his eyes. So, when Marcos travels to his parents’ childhood home of Cartagena, Colombia to spread Papi’s ashes, he brings his father’s book with him, convinced that Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece holds the key to understanding Papi’s life and accepting his death.

In Cartagena, Marcos befriends eighteen-year-old Camilo, a taxi driver and fellow García Márquez fan who appoints himself Marcos’ unofficial tour guide. Together, the two boys explore the landscape of Cartagena, from the picturesque streets of Old Town to the poor neighborhood where Camilo grew up. But when Camilo reveals a troubling secret from his past, Marcos must ask himself whether everyone deserves a second chance.

Woven through with themes of friendship, family, and forgiveness, this poignant novel in verse is also a love letter to Colombia and to the books of Gabriel García Márquez.

Cross-Stitch by Jazmina Barrera|Translated by Christina MacSweeney

It was meant to be the trip of a lifetime. Mila, Citlali, and Dalia, childhood friends now college aged, leave Mexico City for the London of The Clash and the Paris of Courbet. They anticipate the cafés and crushes, but not the early signs that they are each steadily, inevitably changing. 

That feels like forever ago. Mila, now a writer and a new mother, has just published a book on needlecraft—an art form so long dismissed as “women’s work.” But after learning Citlali has drowned, Mila begins to sift through her old scrapbooks, reflecting on their shared youth for the first time as a new wife and mother. What has come of all the nights the three friends spent embroidering together in silence? Did she miss the signs that Citlali needed help?

If You Ever Need a Friend: An Alebrije Story by Nadine Fonseca|Illustrated by Lourdes Villagomez

Joaquin is having a hard day at school. He struggles to speak up in class even though he knows the answers, he doesn’t feel included when trying to play soccer with his friends, and he ends up sitting alone during recess—feeling invisible. 

But when he investigates a strange shimmery light by the playground slide, he is transported to a special forest filled with fantastical creatures known as alebrijes, or magic companion animals. 

His friend, Imogen, introduces Joaquin to several alebrijes, and the special creatures share the ways they help people manage their emotions. One creature roars like a lion with Imogen when she feels angry and needs to let it out. Another one helps Noemi blend into the background like a chameleon when she is feeling nervous and needs a moment to herself. A third alebrije has big ears to hear all of Tío Andres’s worries. 

Joaquin learns how to identify his needs and create an alebrije specifically for him, and when he returns to school, he is no longer feeling alone or invisible. With his new, fantastical friend helping him, Joaquin’s hard day is now one of his best yet.  

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Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.

7 Cozy Books About Abuelos y Abuelas

We love them. Our abuelos y abuelas do so much for our families; they are always there to cook us warm meals, tell us stories, and take care of us. To show them gratitude, check out these Latinx books that honor grandparents. Read these to them or remember them through the pages.

Los plátanos son amor by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris | Illustrated by Mariyah Rahman

Abuela dice, “Los plátanos son amor.”
Yo pensé que eran comida.
Pero Abuela dice que nos alimentan de más de una manera.

Con cada explosión de los tostones, puré de mangú y chisporroteo de los maduros, una niña aprende que los plátanos son su historia, son su cultura y, lo más importante, son amor.

A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester | Illustrated by Juana Medina

It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez | Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Julieta is excited for Abuelita’s spirit to visit on Día de los Muertos. She is determined to find the perfect gift to honor Abuelita and to show how much she misses her. However, her ideas fail one by one and Julieta grows worried.

It is only when Julieta embraces the memories she once shared with her abuelita, that she realizes the perfect gift comes from the heart. An uplifting story about both life and death, family, and the threads that connect us, long after we are gone.

Gathering Stardust by Victor Villaseñor | Illustrated by Jack Wiens

"Who are You? Who am I? Who are We?" the book begins as Victor invites the reader, "Come and take my hand, and let us be children once again, and this time be raised up together by my Yaqui Native American grandmother."

In his book, Rain of Gold, bestselling author Villase or wrote about his grandmother, Do a Guadalupe. Now, in his new book, Victor imparts the Native Wisdom he learned from his grandmother as he takes you along on their childhood adventures in the Barrio of Carlsbad, California, where he and his family lived.

Through enchanting storytelling and the stunning illustrations of Jack Wiens, Gathering StarDust is a tender true story, destined to become a favorite, inspiring wonder for readers of all ages and timeless imagination for generations to come.

Abuelo's Flower Shop by Jackie Morera | Illustrated by Deise Lino

Elena is finally old enough to sell flowers with her abuelo in his shop. But she notices that many of the people who visit have tears in their eyes. Abuelo tells her the shop is the last stop before people visit the garden beyond the gate. A place for telling the ones you've loved and lost, "Te recuerdo y te extraño," I remember you, and I miss you.

Tender and insightful, Abuelo's Flower Shop celebrates the beauty of intergenerational love while gently teaching readers about grieving the loss of a loved one. Grandparents and grandchildren will delight in Elena and Abuelo's heartfelt relationship, and readers of all ages will be inspired to find their own ways to say, "I remember you, and I miss you." This thoughtful story is the perfect resource for navigating difficult conversations about grief.

Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita by Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz | Illustrated by Carlos Vélez

Luna and her little brother, Sol, are out to solve a mystery! They suspect that their grandmother uses magic to create her remedies because she says that she uses a “magic” ingredient.

At the beginning of the story Luna and Sol catch colds so their grandmother makes a healing soup. Luna overhears Nana singing a classic Spanish children’s song about frog tails while cooking the soup, so Luna secretly thinks that frogs are the magic ingredient. The children explore the enchanted garden in search of frogs until it is time to eat, in which Nana reveals the real secret ingredient. Can you guess what it is?

This sweet semi-bilingual story includes a seek-and-find of traditional plants used in curanderismo and includes the recipe for Nana’s magic soup!

Written by renowned healer Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz, Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita is inspired the author’s grandmother, who was a curandera (a traditional healer of Mexican heritage).

Abuelo, the Sea, and Me by Ismée Williams | Illustrated by Tatiana Gardel

When this grandchild visits her abuelo, he takes her to the ocean. In summer, they kick off their shoes and let the cool waves tickle their toes. In winter, they stand on the cliff and let the sea spray prick their noses and cheeks. No matter the season, hot or cold, their favorite place to spend time together is the beach.

It’s here that Abuelo is able to open up about his youth in Havana, Cuba. As they walk along the sand, he recalls the tastes, sounds, and smells of his childhood. And with his words, Cuba comes alive for his grandchild.

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Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.

Most Anticipated November 2024 Releases

November is the month stuck between the spooky and the jolly. It is the perfect transition to ease our way into the colder months, filling us with gratitude, hearty meals, and—of course—exciting book releases! Take a look at our most anticipated books for this month as you get ready for the most wonderful time of the year! Can you already feel the holiday spirit lurking around us?

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

The long-awaited sequel of What the River Knows (2023) is finally here!

After leaving readers with an unexpected cliffhanger, Ibañez gives us the answers to our questions in Where the Library Hides. Set in 19th-century Egypt, the story follows Inez Olivera who is still recovering from her cousin Elvira’s murder and her mom’s betrayal. Although Tío Ricardo wants to send her back to Argentina to keep her safe, Inez won’t leave until she gets justice; however, the time and place she lives in will prove challenging. The law won’t let her access her inheritance unless she gets married, which gives Whitford Hayes—a secretive British former soldier—the idea to propose. But what is he planning?

The novel is a delicious mix of magic, adventure, mystery, humor, and romance. Ibañez lures the reader with her page-turning storytelling and compelling characters, making us question how far we are willing to go for our loyalty.

The Final Orchard by CJ Rivera

Staying on the parallel reality trope, CJ Rivera’s debut novel gives us a thrilling dystopian world where hope feels bleak.

In The Final Orchard, bionic enhancements drive the world. The novel tells the intertwined stories of geneticist Rosio Arata and 16-year-old Ever, but the two live very different lives. Rosio has a thriving career but is devastated after losing her daughter to an accident until she receives a call from someone who claims they can bring her back to life. It is then that she gets tangled in the secrets of her profession. On the other hand, Ever lives in a colony underground and is training to go to the Surface and fight the creatures harming the planet. What do the two have in common?

A terrifying tale about the consequences of greed, Rivera’s novel plays with reality and warns readers that not everything is what it seems.

Brown Girl, Brown Girl by Leslé Honoré. Illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

Painting sparkles of hope are Leslé Honoré’s words next to Cozbi A. Cabrera’s illustrations, the perfect combination for an inspiring work.

A poem becomes a picture book in the heartwarming Brown Girl, Brown Girl, presenting a world where brown girls of all skin tones can shine brightly—a world that can easily be ours. The book follows verses that ask and answer questions addressed to those whose skin color shapes their lives. The repetition creates a rhythm that grasps readers and delivers the message effectively. The accompanying images by Cabrera are masterfully painted and provide scenes of brown girls playing and being happy despite their struggles.

Brown Girl, Brown Girl teaches readers the power of representation in media and how this can inspire young girls.

Women Surrounded by Water: A Memoir by Patricia Coral

To complete this list of powerful women characters, we must mention Patricia Coral’s heart-wrenching memoir.

The Puerto Rican author tells her story poetically, haunting readers with images of her and the island’s past and present. Coral’s narrative is as intimate as it is introspective, and it shows not only her reality but those of the women who survived the cultural restrictions that surrounded them. Readers follow her life as she marries and then separates from who was her first love, leaving Puerto Rico right before Hurricane Maria hits. The grief caused by exile, the longing for more in life, and the patriarchal expectations set upon women are among the many themes explored in this memoir.

Women Surrounded by Water is sure to make your heart hurt and flutter simultaneously. It honors women and Puerto Rico, and you might ask yourself if they could ever be truly free.

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Roxanna Cardenas Colmenares is a Venezuelan writer living in New York City who loves to consume, study, and create art. She explores multiple genres in her writing, with a special interest in horror and sci-fi, while working on her B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration. 

Her work has made her a two-time recipient of the James Tolan Student Writing Award for her critical essays analyzing movies. She has also won The Henry Roth Award in Fiction, The Esther Unger Poetry Prize, and The Allan Danzig Memorial Award in Victorian Literature.

In her free time, she likes to watch movies, dance, and draw doodles that she hopes to be brave enough to share one day.