Top Best Books by Latinx Authors to Read Now

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What are Latinx Authors?

In modern culture, there has been a resurgence in the use of the term “Latinx” to refer to those with Latin American origin or heritage. Latinx authors are authors from any country of any Latin American origin or heritage. They are authors who write literature and literature-related works that reflect the experiences of these communities, speak to the complexities of their multiple identities, and provide readers with perspectives on their lives and cultures.

The term “Latinx” is also used to encompass people across a wide size of gender expressions and sexual orientations. The term Latinx is inclusive of all Latin American peoples, erasing any gender-identification boundaries previously present. While it is gaining popularity within the literary and publishing communities, its roots can be traced back to the 1970s, when Mexican American activists in the United States began using the term to describe their own experiences.

This article will explore the best books by Latinx authors that readers should add to their reading list.

  1. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters, is a riveting exploration of gender identity and its place in larger society. The novel follows three characters – Amy, Reese, and Katrina. Amy and Katrina were in a relationship, but their lives are drastically changed when Reese enters the picture. Reese is a transgender woman who once identified as a man and was married to Amy. As Amy, Reese, and Katrina all grapple with what it means for their current and future relationships, Detransition, Baby delves into issues of gender identity, prejudice, and privilege in an emotionally honest way.

  1. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

The House on Mango Street is a classic coming-of-age novel by Sandra Cisneros. The novel follows a young Latina girl, Esperanza Cordero, as she matures from a young girl to a young woman. Esperanza’s coming-of-age journey is remarkable due to the fact that she exists as both an immigrant to a new culture and as a member of a culture that has long been oppressed. Esperanza learns to navigate her own identity in the face of both these worlds and the novel intertwines her personal journey and what it means to grow up Latinx in America.

  1. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of the current reality and plight of those living in Mexico, who seek to escape violence and poverty. The novel follows Lydia Quixano and her 8-year-old son Luca through their arduous journey as refugees, fleeing their home to try and reach the U.S. border. Cummins moves through their story covering issues such as poverty, power, grief, and the risk of searching for a better life.

  1. The Disordered Cosmos by Chanda Hahn

The Disordered Cosmos by Chanda Hahn is an imaginative novel that follows two kids from the slums of Peru who travel the universe to track down those responsible for the disappearance of their father. The novel is written in vivid language that transports readers to a Colombia full of complex and vibrant cultures, fraught with struggle.

  1. Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo

Children of the Land is a memoir by media expert Marcelo Hernandez Castillo. The narrative follows the writer’s journey of being born undocumented, the court battles and activism that ensues, and the incredible determination it takes to thrive in the face of the United States’ complex immigration system. Hernandez Castillo brings Light to the injustices faced by the immigrant community and inspiring stories of resilience that arise despite their circumstances.

  1. Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas

In Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas recounts his remarkable journey as an undocumented immigrant. Taking his readers through his struggle navigating his own identity, his attempts to find a sense of belonging, and the problems of current undocumented immigration, the memoir brings forth the stories of one undocumented citizen, but also the stories of many others who find themselves in similar circumstances.

  1. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

The award-winning Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You blends together narrative, history, and science to provide an important and informative look into how racism has evolved from its roots in the 1600s to the present day. Written by authors Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi the book was actually co-written by a collection of Latinx and Latin American writers, poets, and activists to bring Latin American perspectives to the narrative. It is an inspiring and informative read into the history of racism and an important perspective for Latin American readers.

The books listed above are just some of the amazing and inspiring works of Latinx authors. While these books are some of the best by Latinx authors to read, they are certainly not the only ones. There are countless works of literature written by Latinx authors around the world that challenge us to think outside the box and explore cultures that are often overlooked. It is important to read books by Latinx authors to gain more insight and understanding into the complexities of Latin American cultures, the importance of their voices, and the journey of furthering their representation in the world of writing.

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