National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month runs from September 15th through October 15th, a time to celebrate, honor, and learn about the rich culture of Hispanic and Latin Americans. It’s also a perfect way to share stories about the beautiful legacy of the Latin Jewish community. Check out the list below for podcasts, picture books, graphic novels, and more to find books honoring Latin American Jewish heritage and stories.
Books
Written by Ruth Behar and published by Penguin Random House
Meet talented Benvenida who lives in Spain, fun-loving Reina from Turkey, brave Alegra forced to flee Cuba and musical Paloma, growing up in Miami. Their lives span several centuries, but they have more in common than one can possibly imagine.
Written and illustrated by Yehudi Mercado, published by Harper Collins
Hudi’s dad wants him to play sports and his mom wants him to lose weight. But Hudi’s happy the way he is, cracking jokes and making people laugh. What can he do?
Written by Pamela Ehrenberg & Tracy López and published by PJ Publishing
Can Gilah perfect her breakdancing moves in time for her bat mitzvah? Can her friend Guillermo win the poetry contest and the cash prize he desperately needs?
Written and illustrated by Ellen Weinstein and published by Holiday House
Over the course of 100 years, five families starting a new life in America find a home on New York’s Lower East Side. The history of this vibrant neighborhood is told through one building and the stories of its many inhabitants.
Written by Julie Anna Blank, illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera, and published by Kar-Ben
This year, Hanukkah starts with a surprise — a road trip to Miami to spend the holiday with Nonna and Nonno in Little Havana. The oranges, latkes, and buñuelos are delicious, but sweetest of all is getting to share the holiday with loved ones.
Written by Ruth Behar, published by Nancy Paulsen Books
When Ruthie moves to New York from Cuba the other kids think she’s not smart because she doesn’t know much English. Just when she starts to fit in, she gets into a bad accident. People say she’s lucky to be alive, but being stuck in a body cast for a year sure doesn’t feel lucky!
Written by Ruth Behar, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth, and published by Penguin Random House
Estrella’s Tía Fortuna loves her home in Miami, but it’s time for her to move to an assisted living community. Packing up her belongings is bittersweet, but it gives Tía Fortuna the opportunity to show her niece some of the various belongings from her Cuban Jewish background. This poetic story is a sweet representation of Sephardic culture – and of loving family bonds.
Written by Jacqueline Dembar Greene and published by Lerner Publishing Group
When twelve-year-old Miguel discovers his family’s shocking secret, he runs away. Then he’s captured in the Arizona desert! Will he ever see his family again?
Podcasts
Check out the four-episode special mini season of Beyond the Bookcase that PJ Library produced in collaboration with Jewtina y Co., a vibrant global community dedicated to celebrating, elevating, and expanding Latin-Jewish community while strengthening identity, leadership, and connection to Jewish people worldwide.
More
Announcing a Special Collaboration with Jewtina y Co.
PJ Library Around the World
What's the Difference? Latino v. Ladino
September 14, 2026