Guava and Grudges
Alexis castellanos
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation: Diversity, Culture Representation
Themes: Rivalry, Family Expectations, Culinary Arts, Romantic Tension
Guava and Grudges is a delightful YA romcom that blends ambition, rivalry, and romance. Ana Maria Ybarra, an aspiring pastry chef, is determined to innovate her family's Cuban bakery menu, but her father insists on preserving her abuelo's traditional recipes. Across the street, the Morales Bakery thrives with its Instagram-famous desserts. Ana Maria sees a chance to change her father's mind and fund her culinary school dreams through a social media-savvy recipe competition. However, her plans are complicated when Miguel, a boy she once shared a magical day with, reenters her life as a member of the rival Morales family. Despite the longstanding family feud, Ana Maria collaborates with Miguel, the genius behind the Moraleses' success, to win the competition while keeping their budding romance a secret. This charming tale explores the sweet possibilities of unexpected partnerships and the pursuit of dreams amidst family rivalries.
Alma Flor Ada
Island Treasures
By Cuban Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Family Nonfiction
Biography
Ages: 12+
Representation: Hispanic culture, family traditions, diversity, childhood experiences; Themes: love, friendship, resilience, nostalgia, personal growth.
Alma Flor Ada invites readers into her vibrant Cuban childhood with Island Treasures, a collection celebrating family, tradition, and cultural heritage. This enchanting book includes classics like Where the Flame Trees Bloom and Under the Royal Palms, along with five new stories. Through true autobiographical tales, Ada shares profound connections and cherished memories, introducing unforgettable characters such as a wise great-grandmother, a music-loving hired hand, and a hopeful dance teacher. The collection, infused with humor and poignancy, encourages reflection on universal life experiences. Island Treasures also features Days at La Quinta Simoni, enriched with family photographs and a Spanish-to-English glossary, offering a delightful read for all ages.
With Love, Echo Park
Laura Taylor Namey
by Cuban American Author
Setting: Los Angeles, California
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation: Cultural Diversity, Family Dynamics, Grief/Loss | Themes: Legacy, Identity, Community, Love
From the acclaimed author of A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow comes a mesmerizing novel set in Los Angeles's Echo Park, weaving a tale of heritage, ambition, and unexpected love. In this “touching and emotionally satisfying” story, two Cuban teens, Clary and Emilio, navigate their clashing futures and family secrets. Clary is determined to preserve her family's florist shop, La Rosa Blanca, a testament to their Cuban roots. Emilio, on the other hand, is reluctant to embrace his family's legacy at Avalos Bicycle Works, yearning for adventure. As Clary faces a shocking revelation from her past and Emilio questions his desire to leave home, they find an unexpected connection. This enchanting narrative explores love, identity, and community, as Clary and Emilio strive to honor their past while forging a new future together.
This Train Is Being Held
Ismée Williams
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation & Themes: Latinx culture, mental health, family expectations, love across social divides, identity, grief/loss, and the challenges of pursuing one's passion.
In the bustling streets of New York City, two teens from contrasting backgrounds are swept into a whirlwind of love and family expectations. This Train is Being Held reimagines the classic West Side Story through a Latinx cultural lens. Alex, a talented baseball player, faces pressure from his father, Papi, while secretly nurturing a love for poetry. Isa, a gifted dancer, dreams of stardom but is held back by her mother's expectations and family struggles. Their paths cross on the 1 train, sparking a romance that challenges familial and societal norms. As they navigate their relationship, they must decide if their love can withstand external pressures and if they can pursue their true passions together. Join Alex and Isa on a journey of self-discovery and love in This Train is Being Held, as they confront the forces that threaten to pull them apart.
Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba
Margarita Engle
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Verse Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: Mental Health, Diversity, Cultural Representation, Grief/Loss, Refugee Experiences, Historical Trauma
Set against the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of 1940s Cuba, a young Jewish boy named Daniel embarks on a journey to safety in a world ravaged by war.
After being turned away from New York, Daniel finds refuge in Cuba, a tropical sanctuary offering hope amidst the shadow of Nazi influence. With dreams of reuniting with his parents, Daniel's escape from Nazi Germany leads to a life filled with uncertainty and new friendships.
In his new environment, he befriends a local girl with secrets mirroring his own struggles. Their bond grows amidst Cuba's lush landscapes, where the island's magic begins to heal their wounds, though the threat of fascism remains ever-present.
Tropical Secrets, a novel in verse by Margarita Engle, explores the refugee experience during one of history's darkest times. It offers a poignant narrative perfect for young adults seeking to understand immigration, resilience, and the fight against oppression during World War II.
Margarita Engle
The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Verse Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: Feminism, Abolitionism, Cultural Identity, Historical Resistance, Gender Roles, Empowerment, Social Justice
Step into the tumultuous world of nineteenth-century Cuba, where the fight against slavery is fraught with peril and the voices of dissent are often silenced. In this captivating narrative, Engle brings to life the extraordinary story of Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, affectionately known as Tula, a fearless poet and abolitionist who dared to challenge societal norms.
Tula's journey begins at the tender age of fourteen when she boldly resists an arranged marriage, defying the expectations placed upon her as a young girl. Through her passionate and evocative poetry, she transforms her personal struggles into a powerful call for justice, using metaphor to articulate her vision of freedom and equality. Engle masterfully captures Tula's spirit, revealing a woman who not only fought for her own autonomy but also for the liberation of those oppressed by the chains of slavery.
This book is not just a tribute to Tula's indomitable spirit; it is a profound exploration of the intersection of feminism and abolitionism in a time when both were radical ideas. With historical notes, excerpts, and source materials, The Lightning Dreamer offers readers a rich context for understanding the stakes involved in Tula's fight and the enduring impact of her legacy.
Join us on this enlightening journey through the heart of Cuba's literary and social landscape, where one girl's dream of freedom ignites a movement and inspires generations to come.
The Red Umbrella
By Cuban American Author
Settings: Cuba and Nebraska
Genres: Historical Fiction,
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: Cultural representation, immigration, family dynamics, loss and longing, resilience, identity
The Red Umbrella narrates the poignant journey of 14-year-old Lucía Álvarez during Operation Pedro Pan, when over 14,000 children fled Cuba to escape Fidel Castro's regime. In 1961, Lucía's carefree adolescence is disrupted by soldiers invading her town, leading her parents to send her and her brother to the U.S. for safety. In Nebraska, Lucía struggles with cultural adaptation, language barriers, and longing for her Cuban home. Haunted by questions about her future and identity, Lucía's story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the meaning of home, highlighting the strength of family bonds and the quest for belonging.
Young Adult Cuba: Standalones
Lose yourself in a handpicked collection of standalone stories that capture the heart of the Cuban experience. From sun-soaked adventures to deeply rhythmic tales, these unique novels offer teen readers and adults alike a warm, soulful invitation to explore vibrant histories and get lost in the island beauty
alexis castellanos
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 15+
Representation & Themes: Mental health, family dynamics, friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating senior year.
Lemons and Lies is a captivating young adult novel blending fake dating, family tension, and culinary escapades, ideal for fans of Lynn Painter and Emma Lord. Follow Valeria Morales, a high school senior grappling with isolation after her twin brother Adrian cuts ties and her friends reveal their true loyalties. Her academic struggles threaten graduation, adding to her woes. Enter Gage Magnussen, an overachiever facing his own crisis: a breakup jeopardizing his valedictorian title and a chaotic charity auction with his ex. Valeria suggests a pact: Gage tutors her in math while she manages the event and poses as his girlfriend. As their arrangement deepens into genuine connection, they must navigate the complexities of their faux relationship and the truths it uncovers. Lemons and Lies takes readers on a journey of humor, growth, and the bittersweet moments of coming of age, where every twist reveals what truly matters.
By Cuban Author
Genres: Contemporary, Music Fiction
Novel
Ages: 12+
Representation & Themes: Immigration, Family, Friendship, Cultural Identity, Belonging, Diversity
Dancing Home
Alma Flor Ada
In a touching narrative of immigration, two cousins embark on a journey highlighting the deep importance of family and friendship.
A year of discoveries culminates in a surprising performance, as two girls find their paths to belonging.
Margie, feeling the need to fit in, has convinced her classmates of her American identity despite her Mexican roots. Her world shifts when her cousin Lupe visits, challenging her perception of heritage and family ties.
Lupe faces her own struggles, with her father in the U.S. for work and Mexico feeling less like home. The promise of reuniting with him offers solace, yet adapting to a new language and school is daunting. Both girls seek companionship and understanding.
As they confront their challenges, Margie and Lupe find a shared rhythm, learning that belonging transcends borders. Their journey redefines the meaning of “home.”
This narrative by Alma Flor Ada published in English and Spanish, offers an authentic exploration of family, friendship, and the immigrant experience—embracing new beginnings while staying true to one’s roots.
A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
Laura Taylor namey
By Cuban American Author
Setting: England
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation: Mental Health, Diversity, Cultural Representation; Themes: Self-Discovery, Love, Family, Resilience
In a heartwarming tale reminiscent of Love & Gelato and Don’t Date Rosa Santos, a Miami girl named Lila Reyes embarks on an unexpected journey of love and self-discovery in Winchester, England. Originally planning to take over her grandmother’s bakery, live with her best friend, and enjoy a future with her boyfriend, Lila’s life is upended by unforeseen chaos. Her concerned parents send her to England for a summer reset, where she finds herself in a dreary town far from the vibrant Miami life she knows. However, her encounter with Orion Maxwell, a kind teashop clerk, changes everything. As Orion introduces her to the local music scene and the beauty of the countryside, Lila starts to warm up to her surroundings and the idea of a new future. This enchanting journey explores themes of love, courage, and redefining dreams in unexpected places.
Water in May
Ismée Williams
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation & Themes: Mental health, family dynamics, grief/loss, resilience, diversity, teenage pregnancy.
Fifteen-year-old Mari Pujols longs for a love that feels permanent. Having faced abandonment from her mother at a young age, a father in prison, and an indifferent grandmother, Mari believes that the baby she’s carrying will finally provide the familial bond she craves. However, her hopes are shattered when doctors reveal a potentially fatal heart defect in the fetus, thrusting her into a world of unimaginable choices.
As Mari grapples with this life-altering news, she finds solace in her loyal girl crew, navigates the complexities of an off-and-on relationship with her boyfriend, and leans on the unwavering support of a dedicated doctor. Together, they help her confront a decision that could emotionally devastate even the strongest among us. Yet, Mari and the fragile life inside her are both fierce fighters, and it soon becomes clear that this sick baby possesses the extraordinary power to mend a fractured family.
Inspired by true events, this poignant debut novel has been praised as “heartfelt, heartbreaking and—yes!—even a little heart-healing, too” by bestselling YA novelist Carolyn Mackler. Join Mari on her journey of love, loss, and resilience as she discovers that sometimes the greatest strength lies in the most vulnerable of circumstances.
Margarita Engle
The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Verse Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: mental health, women's rights, cultural representation, friendship, freedom, historical fiction
In "The Firefly Letters," Margarita Engle presents a powerful narrative in verse, capturing the journey of Fredrika Bremer, a Swedish writer and early women's rights advocate, in 19th-century Cuba. Expecting a humble retreat, Fredrika instead finds herself in a lavish mansion in Matanzas, where she meets Elena, a young girl confined by privilege, and Cecilia, an enslaved girl longing for Africa. Together, they navigate the lush Cuban landscape, exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and cultural connection. As Elena defies societal norms to join their quest, the trio challenges the constraints of their world, igniting hope and change in an era when women's voices were often silenced. "The Firefly Letters" celebrates courage, sisterhood, and the relentless pursuit of liberty.
margarita engle
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir
By Cuban American Author and Illustrator
Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction
Verse Memoir
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: Cultural identity, immigration, family, resilience, grief/loss, the impact of political conflict on personal lives. context
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings is a memoir by Margarita Engle that takes readers on a heartfelt journey through her childhood during the Cold War, caught between the cultures of Cuba and Los Angeles. This award-winning narrative, celebrated with the Pura Belpré Author Award and other honors, delves into the beauty and pain of a life divided. Margarita is torn between the lush landscapes of her mother’s Cuban homeland and the isolating streets of Los Angeles, finding solace in words and images. As political tensions rise with the Cuban revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion, she grapples with the conflict between her love for both nations. Through lyrical prose and vivid imagery, Engle explores themes of dual identity, resilience, and the enduring ties to one's roots, inviting readers to soar above cultural and political divides.
Rima's Rebellion: Courage in a Time of Tyranny
margarita engle
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Historical Fiction, Poetry
Verse Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation and Themes: Feminism, Diversity, Cultural Representation, Coming-of-Age, Courage, Love, Social Justice, Women's Rights
"Rima's Rebellion: Courage in a Time of Tyranny" is a powerful coming-of-age story set in 1920s Cuba, where a young girl named Rima discovers her voice amidst the fight for women's rights. In a society rife with turmoil, Rima finds strength in her abuela and the legendary Las Mambisas, women warriors who fought for Cuba's independence. As she rides with them, Rima dreams of a future where women are free from societal stigma. Despite being marginalized as an illegitimate child, the feminist movement ignites hope within her. Rima faces challenges related to her identity and societal constraints, forming alliances with fellow activists, including Maceo, a young artist whose passion for freedom aligns with hers. Together, they embark on a journey filled with emotions, as love blossoms amidst their fight for justice. Through lyrical prose and poignant verse, "Rima's Rebellion" captures the essence of self-discovery and empowerment. Rima's courage in fighting for women's rights serves as a reminder that the path to freedom is paved with love and resilience, showcasing how the heart of a young girl can change the world.
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alexis castellanos
A Missing Frame of Time
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Gothic Mystery, Time Travel
Novel
Ages: 15+
Representation and Themes: Mental health, family dynamics, cultural representation, grief/loss, historical mystery, self-discovery.
Camila Jiménez is determined to break her family's curse of sorrow, which her grandmother and mother attribute to their lineage. She believes it's a matter of releasing the past. As she confronts her own heartache, including her father's departure, her grandmother's escape from Cuba, and her aunt Veronica's recent death, Camila takes on the task of clearing out Veronica's home. There, she discovers her aunt's investigation into a family mystery from 1895: her ancestor Luisa's disappearance with Hector Álvarez during the Cuban War of Independence.
Upon touching a photograph of Luisa and Hector, Camila is transported to nineteenth-century Cuba. In this world, she uncovers that Hector is a passionate revolutionary, not the villain he was thought to be. Their connection transcends time, but Camila learns that some secrets are best left buried. Her journey through love, loss, and truth in The Missing Frame of Time explores whether she can solve the mystery binding her family or if time will keep them apart forever.
Cuba 15
Nancy Osa
By American Author (Illinois)
Setting: Cuba
Genres: Contemporary Family Fiction
Novel
Ages: 12+
Representation and Themes: Family dynamics, cultural identity, Cuban heritage, multiculturalism, coming-of-age, tradition vs. modernity, self-discovery.
Violet Paz, a fifteen-year-old with a rich cultural tapestry of Cuban and Polish heritage, stands at the threshold of womanhood, marked by her Cuban grandmother's cherished quinceañero tradition. Though she feels entirely American, Violet is surrounded by her family's vibrant Cuban customs, from dominoes to Latin music. As she reluctantly agrees to her Abuela's quinceañero plans, she embarks on a journey to understand her Cuban roots. This exploration is fraught with emotional challenges, as Cuba's history stirs sadness in her grandparents and anger in her father, leaving her aunt Luz as her only guiding voice. Amidst these conflicting perspectives, Violet must navigate her identity, embracing the responsibilities of a quinceañera and the heritage that connects her to a homeland she has never known. Her poignant journey unfolds as a celebration of love, tradition, and the quest for belonging.
The Library of Lost Things
laura taylor namey
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation: Mental Health, Diversity, Grief/Loss; Themes: Love, Self-Acceptance, Overcoming Adversity, Family Dynamics
From the New York Times bestselling author of A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, this deeply heartfelt love story delves into the nuances of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the transformative power of love.
Darcy Wells finds refuge in books, escaping the chaos of her mother's hoarding. Her life of fiction is disrupted when Asher Fleet, a former teen pilot with dashed dreams, enters her world, challenging her to confront the reality she's long avoided. Darcy, skilled in crafting tales, struggles with the rawness of real love, as Asher embodies both her fears and the hope for a brighter future. Faced with a choice, she must decide whether to maintain her defenses or embrace vulnerability.
As their bond grows, Darcy confronts her fears and life's messy truths. The story explores whether she can let Asher in and embrace her true self, questioning if love can liberate her from her past. This poignant journey of self-discovery and acceptance reveals that true happiness often lies beyond the walls we build. Join Darcy as she navigates love, family, and self-acceptance, reminding us that the most beautiful stories unfold when we dare to be vulnerable.
Margarita Engle (Author), Sean Qualls (Illustrator)
The Poet Slave of Cuba
By Cuban American Author, American Illustrator (New Jersey)
Genres: Poetry, Biography, Nonfiction
Verse Nonfiction
Ages: 14+
Representation: Diversity, Cultural Representation, Grief/Loss
Themes: Resilience, Hope, Identity, The Power of Art
A lyrical biography of a Cuban slave who escaped to become a celebrated poet, from Newbury Honor author Margarita Engle.
In this poignant and beautifully crafted narrative, readers are introduced to the extraordinary life of Juan Francisco Manzano, a gifted poet born into the household of a wealthy slave owner in Cuba in 1797. Despite the oppressive circumstances of his early years, where he was forced to call another woman "Mama" while being denied the love and education of his true mother, Juan's spirit remained unbroken. His exceptional talent for poetry blossomed amidst the harsh realities of his life, allowing him to capture both the beauty of his surroundings and the brutal truths of slavery.
Winner of the 2008 Pura Belpre Medal for Narrative and a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year, this lyrical biography weaves together powerful, haunting poems and breathtaking illustrations, creating a vivid portrait of resilience and hope. Juan's verses resonate with the duality of his existence, revealing a voice that transcends the pain of his past and speaks to the enduring human spirit.
Join Margarita Engle on this inspiring journey through the life of Juan Francisco Manzano, where even in the darkest moments, the capacity for hope and creativity shines brightly. This is not just a story of survival, but a celebration of the power of words to uplift and transform, making it a must-read for anyone who cherishes the beauty of poetry and the strength of the human heart.
Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck
Margarita engle
By Cuban American Author
Setting: Caribbean Sea
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation & Themes: Diversity, cultural representation, identity, resilience, language, and survival.
In the heart of the treacherous Caribbean Sea, Quebrado has spent his life as a pawn in the brutal game of piracy, traded from ship to ship, known to the sailors as el quebrado—a half islander, half outsider, forever marked as the broken one. Under the ruthless command of Captain Bernardino de Talavera, Quebrado serves as a vital translator, bridging the chasm between his mother's Taíno Indian heritage and his father's Spanish lineage, navigating the complex worlds of language and culture.
But everything changes when a cataclysmic hurricane wreaks havoc on the ship, sinking it and claiming the lives of most of its crew. Miraculously, Quebrado survives, finding himself washed ashore and given a second chance at life. As he learns to adapt to life on land, he discovers a community that welcomes him with open arms, treating him with the kindness he thought was lost forever.
Yet, the past is never far behind. Faced with the haunting memories of his former captors, Quebrado grapples with a profound moral dilemma: will he seek revenge against those who once enslaved him, or will he choose a path of forgiveness and redemption? Hurricane Dancers is a gripping tale of survival, identity, and the power of choice, set against the vibrant backdrop of Caribbean culture. This compelling narrative speaks to the heart of the Latino experience, exploring themes of belonging and the quest for self-discovery in a world fraught with betrayal and hope.
Your Heart, My Sky: Love in a Time of Hunger
margarita engle
By Cuban American Author
Genres: Historical Romance, Poetry
Verse Novel
Ages: 14+
Representation & Themes: mental health, resilience, love in adversity, cultural representation, survival, hope, and courage.
Set against the backdrop of Cuba's período especial, "Your Heart, My Sky" by Margarita Engle tells a poignant tale of love and resilience. In this dark historical period marked by starvation, young Liana defies the norm by refusing to participate in mandatory farm labor, driven by a hunger that fuels her bravery. Amado, a quiet boy, shares her spirit of rebellion as he searches for food on the streets. Their paths cross when a mysterious dog brings them together, sparking a connection that transcends their dire circumstances. As Liana and Amado navigate the challenges of their environment, their love becomes a beacon of hope and sustenance. Together, they confront the relentless struggles of their time, questioning whether love can endure amidst such hardship. Engle's narrative captures the power of hope and the unbreakable human spirit in this moving exploration of survival.
Young Adult Cuba: Series
Dive into high-stakes sequels and epic sagas that bring the Cuban spirit to life. These pulse-pounding series are perfect for fans of bold adventures, deep family roots, and the magic of discovery. Get ready for unstoppable heroes and vibrant worlds that will keep you turning pages until the very end.