Recent events have sparked an urgency in me to read books with Latinx main characters and books written by Latinx authors. Since I’m most interested in fantasy, this book list consists of this genre, but don’t let that stop you from researching other stories with Latinx representation. I wanted to showcase these because they not only provide diverse narratives, but also because it is important that we show our support to the community, especially now given current events. Hopefully one of these interests you!
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova (Brooklyn Brujas #1)
This paranormal fantasy follows Alex, a young witch. She is chosen by the gods to be the most powerful witch in her family, but this isn’t what she desires. On her Death Day celebration, she attempts to get rid of her magic and powers but accidentally causes her whole family to vanish. Desperate to save her family, she must work with a sorcerer named Nova, who she doesn’t trust. The two commence their journey to Los Lagos, a fantastical and dangerous land teeming with magical creatures and threats.
The story includes a bisexual Latinx main character, along with an all-POC main cast, and features a sapphic relationship. It also includes Latin mythology and has an Alice in Wonderland aesthetic. I am very excited to read this story for the adventure, the romance, and the whimsical elements.
Lobizona by Romina Garber (Wolves of No World #1)
This story follows Manuela Azul, a young undocumented immigrant confined to a small apartment in Miami, Florida, while she is in hiding from her father’s Argentine crime family. When her grandmother is attacked and her mother is arrested by ICE, Manuela investigates her father’s past in hopes of finding something that could help save her mother. She finds a secret world reflecting Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a witch, and the son is born a werewolf. There, she uncovers the truth about herself—that she is a hybrid, and that her existence is a crime within that world.
I am so excited to read this story, and I especially love the message it sends. I think it’s a very great reflection of feeling like you don’t belong anywhere, similar to people who are tied to two cultures. And I love how Manuela’s existence can start a change against the thoughts of others being “illegal” and showcase them in a different light.
The Society of Imaginary Friends by Kristen Pham (The Conjurors Series #1)
This story follows Valerie Diaz, a young girl who is moving around foster homes and living on the streets, with a constant goal to survive. Valerie suffers from several episodes and hallucinations that doctors believe to be schizophrenia, not knowing that she has magical abilities. When her imaginary friend from childhood pays her a visit, her life changes, revealing to her another planet gushing with magic half a universe away meant for those with magical abilities. She has a choice to embark towards the Globe or die. With the help of her imaginary friend, Cyrus, a lightweaver, she hopes to find her way to the Globe to learn more about herself and finally find a place where she belongs.
I was really interested in hearing about Valerie’s life, specifically her upbringing in the foster system, and I hope to read more about it.
The Hills of Estrella Roja by Ashley Robbin Franklin
This horror graphic novel follows Kat Fields, a college freshman, who receives a mysterious email urging her to investigate a Texas town with a history of witchcraft and sightings of “devil lights”—red glowing stars that make nightly appearances above the town’s hills. For spring break, she decides to go down to Estrella Roja for the sake of her podcast, Paranormal Texas. Marisol Castillo is also on her way to Estrella Roja to attend her abuela’s funeral. She hasn’t seen since her childhood, when her mother cut ties with her family and left town. Feeling bored, she decides to help Kat investigate after meeting her at a local diner. As the two get closer to each other, they uncover more about the town’s dark legacy: secrets of a danger lurking in the town.
The story includes a Latina lesbian, the other a bisexual, and a non-binary friend, including representation for both the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities alongside Latinx folklore as well. I absolutely love graphic novels, so I’m very excited to add this to my TBR!
I hope one of these stories stuck out to you. It is so crucial that we support authors like these that showcase characters with diverse backgrounds and rich narratives, especially now. As a proud member of the Latinx community, I was very excited while researching these books and plan to add even more to my TBR in hopes of supporting my community, and hope you consider doing the same.
Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer