- Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Starting off strong, Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a Mexican-Canadian novelist. She is the author of a large number of critically acclaimed novels, winning multiple awards for her work across the many years she has been an author. Some of her most popular novels include Gods of Jade and Shadow, Mexican Gothic, and Velvet Was the Night. While she specializes in fantastical, horror, noir, and historical writing, she has also been known to edit various anthologies.
While I do appreciate a horror novel every now and then, I can confidently say that I am definitely more of a fantasy book girl, so I cannot wait to read her novel Gods of Jade and Shadow.
- Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros is also an author of Hispanic heritage, coming from a Mexican-American family. She is certainly best known for her book The House on Mango Street. She sold six million copies of her book The House on Mango Street.
Cisneros has written poetry, novels, short stories, essays, and children’s books throughout her career. Some of her children’s books have even been published in both English and Spanish. Cisneros has also impressively written a few children’s books, some of which she produced in both Spanish and English.
As an education major, I think it is so important to be inclusive when publishing children’s books. As a 20-year-old, though, I am planning to check out The House on Mango Street from my local library this weekend.
- Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author who has been called “one of the world’s most widely read Spanish-language authors.” During her time as an author, she has managed to sell over 80 million books.
One of the most interesting things I learned about Allende is that her debut novel, The House of the Spirits, began as a letter to her dying grandfather. She started writing the letter in 1981, and it eventually grew into the novel we know today.
I am certainly planning to read this, among a few other of her books, and I think you all should consider that too.
- Erika L. Sánchez
Sanchez is a Mexican-American author who is likely best known for her novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. As an author, she mainly writes YA and coming-of-age novels. I think that her novels would be best suited for an audience of emerging adolescents and people trying to find themselves. I know that her novels were pretty popular during my time in High School, and I recall multiple friends recommending them to me. While I prefer a fantasy or romance novel, I am certainly compelled to read one or two of her bestsellers.
It’s important to recognize authors from different backgrounds and cultures all year long, not just during heritage celebrations. Hispanic Heritage Month, though, gives us the perfect opportunity to discover new voices, stories, and perspectives. So, if you’re looking for your next read, consider adding one of these authors to your TBR!