Every year, Americans around the nation get together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th through October 15th. The contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the United States are endless and inspiring, and they have had a profound and positive impact on our county. The Hispanic community in the United States has grown extensively during the last decades, and it is the largest minority that continues to grow.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, when the observation lasted only a week. Later, President Ronal Reagan expanded the celebration to a thirty-day period, enacting the celebration into law on August 17, 1988. The date of September 15th is important not only because of this celebration, but because of the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates its Independence Day the next day, on September 16th. In addition, Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, falls within the thirty-day period, this year on October 12th.
To celebrate this colorful culture and its people, we have put together this list with fun book recommendations so you can share the richness of the Hispanic culture with your Spanish classroom.
How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in your Spanish classroom?
“Caminos” by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
“María: una niña latina en Estados Unidos” by Margarita Robleda
“¿Quién fue Roberto Clemente?” by James Buckley, Jr.
“Voces” by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy
