Best Children's Latin American History Books of 2026

Pelé: The King of Soccer by Eddy Simon and Vincent Brascaglia is a graphic novel that tells the story of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pelé, from his poverty-stricken childhood to his international stardom as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The artwork is lively and captures the beauty of the sport. The book also highlights Pelé's role as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and his belief in soccer as a unifying force. This graphic novel is a must-read for soccer fans and a great way to introduce reluctant readers to the sport and the inspiring story of Pelé.

The Story of the World, Vol. 3 Bundle is an excellent resource for parents and students interested in history. It covers the period between 1600 and 1850 and spans the globe, from Europe and the Middle East to North and South America. The bundle includes a paperback text with 42 narrative chapters, an activity book with various hands-on projects, and a test book with simple tests and answer keys. The newly revised edition features improved maps, 40 new illustrations, an increased focus on non-western and underrepresented peoples, and dozens of new illustrations, game boards, and more. This book set is a great way to build historical literacy, improve reading and comprehension skills, and increase vocabulary in an enjoyable and entertaining story-like format.

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 26: Curse of the Stolen Diamond is a thrilling adventure that follows Zombie and his friends as they engage in outrageous dares, leading to a curse that turns Zombie invisible. The book is perfect for young readers who love Minecraft and enjoy action-packed stories. The author, Zack Zombie, has done an excellent job of creating a world that is both entertaining and engaging. The book is part of a larger series, but it can be enjoyed as a standalone story. Overall, Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 26: Curse of the Stolen Diamond is a must-read for young readers who love Minecraft and exciting adventures.

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built is a beautifully illustrated and inspiring children's book about a garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia who started a library with a single discarded book found on his route. The story follows the daily routines of two Joses, the young boy who dreams of Saturdays when he can visit the library, and the garbage collector who collects books to add to his collection in his home. The book celebrates perseverance, community, and the power of books. Overall, this book is a heartwarming read that highlights the importance of literacy and the impact one person can make in their community.

Taíno Tales: The Legend of Coquí is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of how the coquí frog came to be in Taíno legend. The book follows the tale of a Taíno chief's son who sings a special song to the spirit of love, Caguana, while fishing at night. But when an evil spirit grows jealous of their bond, everything changes. This book is a great addition to any child's multicultural literature collection, introducing them to the stories and legends of the Taíno people. The vibrant illustrations and captivating story make this book a must-read for children and adults alike.

The book "Pele (Volume 46) (Little People, BIG DREAMS, 46)" from the renowned series Little People, BIG DREAMS explores the life of Pelé, Brazil's greatest soccer player. The book tells the story of how Pele honed his skills with a sock full of rags in a poor neighborhood in Brazil and how he led his country to World Cup victory three times. The book features stylish illustrations and extra facts, including a biographical timeline and a profile of The King's life. The book is an inspiring read for children of all ages and offers an empowering message of how anyone can achieve incredible things with a dream. Overall, the book is a must-read for children interested in sports and history.

This children's book, "Where Is Machu Picchu?" by Megan Stine, is an engaging introduction to the history and significance of the Inca ruins in Peru. It tells the story of Hiram Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 and the cultural and natural wonders that visitors can experience there today. The book is part of the "Where Is?" series, which aims to educate young readers about important landmarks and historical sites around the world. Overall, this book is a great way to introduce children to Machu Picchu and inspire them to learn more about other fascinating destinations.

Fearless Trailblazers,11 Latinos who made U.S. History,Pioneros Audaces, 11 Latinos que hicieron historia en Los Estados Unidos, is a bilingual book that highlights 11 Latinos who excelled in their professional careers and made U.S. history by accomplishing something that hadn't been done before in their respective fields which include science, sports, the arts and politics. By presenting the true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinos in rhyming verses, young readers will easily follow their journey to success. Each persons biographical story is written in both Spanish and English to encourage and promote bilingual literacy. Some of the men highlighted include Cesar Chavez (Activist), Jose Hernandez(Astronaut), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Playwright), Jean-Michel Basquiat (Artist), Julian Castro (Politician) and more.

Amazing Survival Stories for Adventurous Kids is a collection of 16 true stories about courage, persistence, and survival. From a woman named Blackjack to a daring captain called Shackleton, these stories detail some of the greatest survival adventures ever told. The book is perfect for children who love adventure and want to be inspired by the incredible journeys of others. The book is unique in its ability to showcase the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Overall, it is a must-read for any child interested in disaster books and adventure.

DK Eyewitness Books: Aztec, Inca & Maya is a fantastic visual guide that takes readers on a journey back in time to explore the captivating history of these ancient civilizations. The book provides a comprehensive look at the rise and fall of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas, along with their gods, goddesses, and cultural practices. It's perfect for kids who are interested in learning more about Latin American history or for anyone who wants to delve deeper into these fascinating civilizations. The stunning images, infographics, and timelines make this book a standout addition to DK's best-selling Eyewitness series.