Are you a principal or teacher looking for Spanish for schools, such as done-for-you programs from Sarah’s Spanish School? Or simply on the lookout for the best beginner Spanish books out there?

There is nothing more exciting than hearing your children speak Spanish fluently! Even if it’s just a short phrase. This means they are on the right track.

Soon you’ll hear them sing songs in Spanish and even watch movies in Spanish without subtitles.

Eventually, they’ll be ready to pick up a book!

Literature is an entertaining, interesting, and fantastic tool you can use to help your kids master another language. Today we want to share with you some of the best beginner Spanish books for them.

Thrillers, coming-of-age stories, dramas, romance, we got you covered!

The Importance of Spanish Literacy for Young Learners

Learning a new language involves more than just picking up vocabulary and grammar rules. It also means getting exposed to a new culture and its art. Language learning doesn’t have to be a boring, tedious process. Through art, we can make it exciting and enjoyable.

Stories, tales, and songs are fantastic ways to learn about other people’s traditions, language variations, and ways of thinking. They help us understand the similarities and differences with our own culture. Art not only enhances our learning experience but also makes it more enjoyable and memorable. Books are perfect for this!

Moreover, books help your kids develop essential intercultural skills. These skills are crucial when learning a new language. Reading improves comprehension, helping kids grasp plots, themes, and characters. The fluid thoughts and ideas of the author will also enhance your children’s speaking abilities, enabling them to create new ideas and express themselves in the language they’re learning.

Surely your kids have heard of “Harry Potter” or “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” These are popular and loved books. However, today we are bringing you a collection of Spanish books that will reinforce your children’s learning process. We guarantee they’ll enjoy these books just as much as the Narnia series!

How to Choose the Right Book?

Choosing the right book for your kids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you find the best book for them:

• Level: Ensure the book you choose is age-appropriate for your child. It should be neither too simple nor too complex, and it should contain themes they can understand and relate to. Look for children’s books, young adult fiction, etc.
• Content: It’s beneficial to find books that depict how people use language in real-life situations. Many young adult books deal with modern ideas and current events, making it easier for your kids to relate to the content.
• Format: Consider the format that best suits your child’s preferences. If they love listening to podcasts, audiobooks can be an excellent choice. Audiobooks also help improve pronunciation and listening skills.
• Genre: Ask your kids what type of stories they enjoy. Do they prefer adventure, mystery, suspense, romance, or stories about social issues? Knowing their preferences will help you choose a book they’ll be excited to read.
• Pages: If your child isn’t a big fan of reading, start with shorter books under 100 pages. For those who love reading, longer books might be more appropriate.
• Look and Feel: The visual appeal of a book matters. Some kids prefer books with larger fonts or illustrations. Consider graphic novels if your child enjoys visual storytelling.

12 Best Beginner Spanish Books

Here’s a list of amazing books written by Spanish-speaking authors or translated into Spanish. These books will engage your children and help them improve their Spanish skills.

1. Copo de algodón – María García Esperón
   • This book transports readers to ancient Mexico through the voice of Copo de Algodón, a young girl. She shares her experiences and significant historical events, such as the Cholula massacre and the arrival of Hernán Cortés.
   • Reading Age: 11 years and up
   • Category: Fiction
   • Pages: 134
2. Devolver al remitente – Julia Álvarez

• After Tyler’s father is injured, his family hires migrant Mexican workers to save their farm. Tyler grapples with understanding their lives, especially Mari, the oldest daughter who navigates her Mexican heritage and American life.
• Reading Age: 11 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 368

3. Mi última clase – Daysi Valls

• This Spanglish book deals with the challenges of divorce and deportation. It follows Solángel Murillo as she copes with her mother’s deportation and the resulting changes in her life.
• Reading Age: 12 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 112

4. Esperanza renace – Pam Muñóz Ryan

• Esperanza Ortega’s life changes dramatically from wealth in Mexico to hardship in California. Through her journey, she discovers the true meaning of wealth and the importance of family and community.
• Reading Age: 12 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 272

5. La casa en Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros

• This book tells the story of Esperanza Cordero, a Latina girl growing up in Chicago. It’s a collection of vignettes that capture her experiences and dreams, originally written in a mix of English and Spanish.
• Reading Age: 13 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 144

6. El polizón del Ulises – Ana María Matute

• Three single sisters find and adopt an abandoned child. They each try to teach him different life lessons, but he prefers reading in the attic, leading to an engaging story about growth and learning.
• Reading Age: 13 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 128

7. Aquí estuvimos – Matt de la Peña

• Miguel is sent to a juvenile detention center and meets two friends who change his life. The book explores themes of friendship, mistakes, and redemption.
• Reading Age: 14 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 400

8. Invisible – Eloy Moreno

• This emotional story, told through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy, deals with bullying, loneliness, and the desire to be invisible. It’s a powerful narrative about growing up and finding one’s place.
• Reading Age: 14 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 304

9. Marina – Carlos Ruiz Zafón

• Oscar Drai’s adventure begins when he meets Marina, the mysterious daughter of a reclusive painter. Their journey through Barcelona uncovers strange and intriguing events.
• Reading Age: 15 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 304

10. Dark Dude – Oscar Hijuelos

• Rico Fuentes, a first-generation American with Cuban heritage, deals with identity issues and harassment. This coming-of-age story explores themes of family, belonging, and self-acceptance.
• Reading Age: 15 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 432

11. Los Ojos de Carmen – Verónica Moscoso

• Daniel, a 16-year-old American, travels to Ecuador for a photography contest. His journey takes an interesting turn when he meets Carmen, a girl with captivating eyes.
• Reading Age: 16 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 79

12. Como Agua para Chocolate – Laura Esquivel

• This novel follows Tita, a young woman whose mother forbids her from marrying until after her death. Filled with drama, it’s a rich narrative that blends romance and magical realism.
• Reading Age: 16 years and up
• Category: Fiction
• Pages: 304

Choose the First Book in Spanish with Your Child and Start Reading!

There are millions of books out there, and you and your kids will find many amazing stories! Remember, other ways to practice reading in Spanish include magazines, advertisements, newspaper articles, blogs, and even video games. These resources can also help improve your kids’ Spanish skills in a fun and engaging way.

If you think your kids need extra help, consider our 5-Star Spanish Program. Our professional native teachers offer classes for all ages. You can schedule a free trial class to see our prices and programs. Parents have voted us the “Best Overall Online Spanish Classes for Kids!”

Don’t miss this opportunity. Your child might become the next Daisy Valls or Sandra Cisneros and write a bilingual book one day!

Happy reading!