12TH ANNUAL SUMMER READING LIST FROM LAS COMADRES & FRIENDS NATIONAL LATINO BOOK CLUB

 

This year, Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club celebrates its 20^th Anniversary of reading and promoting Latine culture and literature.  They’ve created a community of authors, readers and industry professionals.  Today, June 22, they announce the release of their 12th annual Summer Reading List on this the first day of the summer.

 “Reading is most rewarding when it creates a connection—whether to a character, a culture, an idea, or a shared human experience,” says Teresa M. Tobin, Project Manager. “Our Summer Reading List offers something special for everyone because it celebrates the richness and diversity of Latine storytelling. These books bring together a wide range of voices and experiences that explore culture, identity, family, and community. Whether you're seeking entertainment, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of the world around you, you'll find a story that speaks to you. Enjoy the journey!”

 

  SUMMER READING LIST

1.     Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya (Grand Central Publishing) — Classical

2. Calladita No More: My Latina Journey and the Lessons that Shaped Me by Hady Mendez (Publish Your Purpose) — Biography 
3. Convent Wisdom: How 16^th Century Nuns Could Save Your 21^st Century Life by Ana Garriga and Carmen Urbita (Avid Reader Press) — Nonfiction, history
4. Dreaming of Home by Cristina Jimínez (St. Martin’s Press) — Biography
5. El Vaquero by Emiliano Trujillo (self-published) — Fiction, thriller
6. Guatemalan Rhapsody by Jared Lemus (Ecco) — Short stories
7. Hear Ye Mortals by Yamile Saied Méndez (Levine Querido) — Fiction, YA
8. Kinds of Grace: Poetry (Flowersong Press) by Jennifer Martiza McCauley — Poetry
9. P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance by Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau (Duke University Press Books) — Ethnomusicology, Latin American Studies
10. Pretend You’re Dead and I Carry You by Julián Delgado Lopera (Liveright) —  Fiction, LGBTQ+
11. Run Home: A Graphic Memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Roaring Brook Press) — Graphic novel, YA 
12. Still, We Are Sacred by Emanuel Xavier (Rebel Satori Press) — Poetry, LGBTQ+
13. Talking with Rudy: Platicando con Rudolfo Anaya by Dr. Irene Blea (self-published) — Biography
14. The Game at the End of the World: Villainous Referees, Communist Bakers, the Secret Women’s World Cup, and a Goalkeeper’s Last Stand by Juan Villoro (Restless Books) — Nonfiction, sports
15. The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda (Amazon Crossing) — Fiction
16. The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores (Carol Rhoda Books) — Fiction, middle grade
17. The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas (Berkley) — Fiction
18. The Sun and All the Other Stars by Karla Montalván (Elizabeth & Minnie Publishing) — Fiction
19. This Is The Only Kingdom by Jaquira Díaz (Algonquin Books) — Fiction
20. We Are Green and Trembling by Gabriela Cabezón Camara (New Directions) — Historical fiction

 For more information on the 2026 Summer Reading List, 

email Teresa M. Tobin, Project Manager, at tmtobin.lcbookclub@gmail.com.

 

 Happy Reading and Always Read Latino Lit!

  

 

LAS COMADRES & FRIENDS NATIONAL LATINO BOOK CLUB ANNOUNCES BOOKS OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE

 

Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club announces Books of the Month for June:

            

WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON by Venessa Vida Kelley – a queer historical fantasy of a young Puerto Rican immigrant who captures a merman for a Coney Island sideshow in turn-of-the-20^th century New York.

 

SINK OR BURN by Cristy Road Carrera – Cristy, a punk rock icon and Latinx artist, weaves a story of romance, resistance, revolution and resilience amid a dystopian future in the year 2121.

 

Visit the Book Club website for full book summaries and author bios here:  https://latinolit.com/

 

Register today for the podcast:   https://latinolit.com/join-author-podcast/

 

SAVE THE DATE!   The Live Author Podcast will be held on Monday, June 29, 8pm ET.  The Book Club will talk to the authors about their books, themes and inspiration.   

  

Shop for your books here:   https://bookshop.org/shop/lascomadresbookclub

 

Subscribe to the Las Comadres YouTube Channel for more author interviews.  Here's the link to last month's Live Author Podcast:  https://youtu.be/BqaB3jI2VIs

 

#ReadLatinoLit

LAS COMADRES CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS' ACCOMPLISHMENTS, COMMUNITY SERVICE & BOOK NEWS -- APRIL

 

Join us in celebrating our Comadres Accomplishments, Community Service and Book News. 

 We are proud our Comadres are Leading the Way!

 

NOTE:   This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

  

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & COMMUNITY SERVICE  

 

Andrea Arroyo (New York, NY) -- Two of her artworks are featured in the book “No Te Olvides”, presented with an exhibition in Barcelona, Spain.

 Judithh Canades, PhD (Eagle Pass, TX) -- Honored to address the Southwest Texas College (SWTX) Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Spring Induction Ceremony in March in Eagle Pass, Texas where 30 students were inducted into the PTK Beta Lambda Gamma Chapter. As an alumna of Southwest Texas College and a Phi Theta Kappa member, she was pleased to share her experiences as a student who began at SWTX and continued to pursue my education and career in government, nonprofit management, and public service in Texas and Washington, D.C.

 Lynette Correa-Velez (Chicago, IL) – She was accepted into the MYB Fractional Support Program-Spring 2026 Cohort to assist her in scaling her GenAI tech start-up, Pagame Project, based in Chicago, IL. Latina Mompreneurs unite! For more info, go here: https://mybfractional.com/

 Nereida Claudio (Woodstock, GA) – Launched her shop, Spanish Abuela. You can follow her and shop at https://spanish-abuela.square.site/ The website celebrates the wisdom and sass of our culture as handed down through dichos & refranes. Check her out and follow SpanishAbuela_ online today on Instagram and Facebook.

 Jamie Della (Mammoth Lakes, CA) -- Her presentation, A Mexican perspective of the Bear Flag Revolt: Using folklore, testimonios, letters, and oral histories to reveal the Californio experience of annexation and early evidence of the cultural conflict pervasive in America today, was accepted for the XVIII Recovering the US Hispanic Literary Heritage/Association for Documentary Editing Joint Conference, Record Keepers of Nation: Diverse Foundational Figures and Documents of the US, scheduled for October 8-10, 2026.

 Karina Martinez (Austin, TX) -- Excited to share that her fashion brand, Lorenza, will show at Austin Fashion Week on May 7^th.

 Nimia Ramos Beauchamp (San Juan, PR) -- Organized a Feria de Servicios Comunitarios and Recruitment activity in April for Consejos Comunitarios de Seguridad en Cancha Baloncesto La Experimental en Río Piedras.

 Doris Selva (Laguna Woods, CA) – Completed Mission work in Brazil with Patria Church and Life Impact International, serving Children on a prevention project in April, providing support and love to vulnerable communities.

 Nadia Siles (Austin, TX) -- Nadia will be graduating from her Masters of Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering from University of Texas- Austin on May 9, 2026. Bravo!

  

****************************

   

COMADRE AUTHORS

  

Nereida Claudio (Woodstock, GE) -- Spanish Abuela - Bilingual Home Provision - You can Follow her and shop her Bilingual Home Provisions at https://spanish-abuela.square.site/ The website will celebrate the wisdom and sass of our culture as handed down through dichos & refranes. Check her out and follow SpanishAbuela_ online today on Instagram and Facebook.

 Araceli Esparza (Madison, WI) – She self-published her memoir, Healing through racial discrimination. ¿Ahora Que? Now What?  Learn more about her book at https://www.araceliesparza.com/workbook. This is a free workbook on her website.

 Ana Parra-Vivas (Houston, TX) -- Is truly excited to share that her recent book, The Graceful Healing Workbook & Journal, received a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite.  The reviewer shared: “The Graceful Healing Workbook and Journal could not have come at a better time, when so many people are desperate for a steadier direction in their lives.”  This meant a lot to Ana because: “this book was created for exactly that purpose—to offer a calm, guided space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.”  The book is a 12-week journey with short lessons, thoughtful questions, affirmations, and plenty of space to write—designed to help you slow down, gain clarity, and begin again with intention. Visit her at https://www.anaparravivas.com/graceful-healing-workbook.

 Mireya Perez-Bustillo (Brooklyn, NY) – She was the Featured Reader at Artemis Poets Collective at One on One, in New York City in April.  Also, published prose piece "Tendra Sus Razones" in Voices 2025, online journal of LP2Program of CUNY GCenter and reading and video of this piece In "Voices of Voices" 03/20/2026.  Mireya also has a poem in the latest Comadres Connect Newsletter, All New.

 Lara Rios (Highland, CA) – Her new romance, BUILT TO WIN, was published in March by Wise Writer Publishing.  Read more about her books at www.lara-rios.com.

  

****************************

 

Congratulations to all and Thank You for your service!

 

 

LAS COMADRES & FRIENDS BOOK CLUB ANNOUNCES MARCH BOOKS OF THE MONTH

 

Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club is pleased to announce its Books of the Month for March.  Both great selections to celebrate Women's History Month.

FRONTERA MADRE(HOOD) edited by Cynthia Bejarano & Maria Cristina Morales -- a collection of essays that explore Latinx, Black and Indigenous mothering from both sides of the US-Mexico border.  

MY TRAIN LEAVES AT THREE by Natalie Guerrero -- an electric coming-of-age novel about an ambitious young Latina from Washington Heights trying to make it on Broadway.

 

  

Read the full book descriptions and author bios here:   https://latinolit.com/march-2026-cynthia-bejarano-maria-cristina-morales-editors-and-natalie-guerrero/

 

SAVE THE DATE!   Our Live Author Podcast this month will be held on Monday, March 30, 8pm ET.  We’ll get a chance to talk to the authors and ask them about their books.   

 

FREE BOOK!  Register today for the podcast and you may win a free book:   https://latinolit.com/join-author-podcast/

Check your time zone:  5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET, 9pm PR.

 

Shop for your books here:   https://bookshop.org/shop/lascomadresbookclub

 

Subscribe to the Las Comadres YouTube Channel for more author interviews.  Here's the link to last month's Live Author Podcast:   https://youtu.be/TgunqO0921E?si=HtMYNLzfp9NE36qd

 

Visit the Las Comadres & Friends Book Club website for more upcoming books of the month:   https://latinolit.com

 

 

Happy Reading and Always Read Latino Lit!

2025 LATINO BOOKS OF THE YEAR

 

List curated by the Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club.

 

Abuela Lore by Isabella Santana (Somos en Escrito Literary Foundation Press)

Alligator Tears by Edgar Gomez (Crown)

Art Above Everything by Stephanie Elizondo Griest (Beacon Press)

Bird of Four Hundred Voices by Eugene Rodriguez (Heyday)

Black Mestiza: Poems by Yael Aldana (University Press of Kentucky)

Badass Bonita by Kim Guerra (Balance)

Brother Brontë by Fernando A. Flores  (MCD)

Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda (Amazon Crossing)

Embody Joy by Beatriz Fritschler (independently published)

I’ll Give You a Reason by Annell López (The Feminist Press at CUNY)

Latina Superheroes: Jalisco & Santa Vol. 1 by Kayden Phoenix (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

Las Bugambilias: A Bilingual Queer Novel by Lalo León (Alv Publishing)

Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura (Celadon Books)

Loca by Alejandro Heredia (Simon & Schuster)

Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Fiction by Adela Pineda Franco (Tinta Books)

Malinalli by Veronica Chapa (Atria / Primero Sueño Press)

One Summer Night at the Shore by Caridad Pineiro (independently published)

Ramas y Raices: The Best of CALMA by Colorado Alliance of Latino Mentors and Authors (CALMA)

Salt Bones by Jennifer Givhan (Mulholland Books)

Speak Up! by Susana G. Baumann (Excel Branding)

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Rey)

The Border Between Us by Rudy Ruiz (Blackstone Publishing)

The Prince & The Coyote by David Bowles (Levine Querido)  

The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo (Atria/ Primero Sueño Press)

Vanishing Daughters by Cynthia Pelayo (Thomas & Mercer)

 

 

The Las Comadres and Friends National Latino Book Club is celebrating its 19th year.

There are book clubs in 12 cities. The Book Club is part of Las Comadres Para Las Americas, a not-for-profit organization for Latinas with 10,000 members worldwide.  The Book Club’s mission is to promote the work of Latine authors to every book lover, to bring our community to bookstores, and to support our writers. 

The Comadres & Friends Book Club Membership is free and open to everyone -- Latinos and non-Latinos.  We read two books by Latino authors every month in English, and hold a Live Author Podcast the last Monday of the month.  Visit us at www.latinolit.com.   

#ReadLatinoLit.

 

 

 

LAS COMADRES & FRIENDS BOOK CLUB ANNOUNCES BOOK FOR DECEMBER 2025

 

The Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club is pleased to announce its Books of the Month for December 2025:

SALT BONES by Jennifer Givhan 

Malamar Veracruz has never left the dust-choked town of El Valle. Here, Mal has done her best to build a good life: She’s raised two children, worked hard, and tried to forget the painful, unexplained disappearance of her sister, Elena. When another local girl goes missing, Mal plunges into a fresh yet familiar nightmare.

LATINA SUPERHEROES: JALISCO & SANTA by Kayden Phoenix

Two stories in one.  Meet Jalisco and Santa.  Jalisco, a spirited girl from the outskirts of Guadalajara, finds her life shattered when her mother mysteriously disappears. Brushed off by authorities, Jalisco's quest for truth leads her to the Adelitas, a clandestine group fighting against the sinister forces behind the femicides plaguing their community.   Santa is from Wexo, a town on the Texan/Mexican border. The upcoming elections are threatening to put a corrupt politician in power: Ilena Chavez-Estevez AKA ICE. When citizens of Wexo begin to disappear, Santa raids the detention camps to take down ICE.

Join the Live Author Podcast on Monday, December 15, 8pm ET via zoom.

Register today for the podcast and you may win a free book:  https://latinolit.com/join-teleconference/

Read Latino Lit ! 

  

LAS COMADRES PARA LAS AMERICAS CELEBRATES ITS MEMBERS ACCOMPLISHMENTS & BOOK NEWS -- NOVEMBER 2025

 Comadres Lead the Way!

 

 

Join Las Comdares Para Las Americas in celebrating its Comadres Accomplishments and Book News for November 2025.

 

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

 

Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang (Los Angeles, CA) – is opening a new one-woman show about her relationship with her birthplace of Guatemala y su abuela: https://homesic.ludus.com/

 

Tess Tobin (Metuchen, NJ) – Presentó el programa «Bibliotecas interconectadas para el desarrollo sostenible: participación comunitaria y estrategias de divulgación» en la Conferencia Nacional de Reforma 2025 celebrada en Long Beach, California. El programa se centró en su trabajo con bibliotecas de la región andina de Sudamérica.  (Translation: Tess presented a program on Interconnected Libraries based on her work in South America at the National Reforma Conference in California.)

 

 

****************************

  

 

COMADRE AUTHORS

 

 

Congratulations to authors Eris Garriga, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa and Theresa Varela (New York, NY) for their participation in the 20^th anniversary of the National Puerto Rican Artisans and Authors Fair sponsored by Comité Noviembre and PRIDA.

  

Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin (Pasadena, CA) – was appointed to the Pasadena Library Commission by Mayor Victor Gordo. She read poetry at the ALOUD Los Angeles Main Library at the Mark Taper Forum Auditorium.  On Dec. 13, she’ll have an Art exhibit about Our Lady of Guadalupe at La Morenita at Ave. 50 Studio. And, her chapbook, As Mexican As a Nopal, won publishing by Four Feathers Press.

Glenda Galvan-Garcia (Garden Grove, CA) – Her bilingual cookbook/ history book, The Whole Enchilada: Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun, was awarded the Bronze medal for Best Cookbook by the International Latino Book Awards! The ceremony took place on October 25. Wonderful to see our dear Nora Comstock in attendance for her namesake Mariposa award.

 

Yolanda Nava (Los Angeles, CA) – was honored with a televised feature by KOAT-TV journalist Nicholas Gallo titled “Leaving a Legacy: Yolanda Nava.  She released the Spanish edition of her memoir, A TRAVES DE LA OSCURIDAD, in November 2025.  A powerful story of spiritual renewal, inner strength and the ability to find meaning in life’s most challenging moments. Yolanda also participated in the Feria International del Libro (FIL) de Guadalajara early this December.

 

Deborah Nevarez (Alhambra, CA) – is a Contributing Author to the online Inlandia Journal Fall 2025, as well as the anthology, Writing from Inlandia 2024 (both published 11/2025).

 

Mireya Perez-Bustillo (Brooklyn, NY) – is a featured reader for Brownstone Anthology 2025 on Dec 6; for the Artemis Poets Collective on Dec 21; and on Jan 1 for the New Year's Day Alternative Reading, Westbeth.

 

  

****************************

  

Congratulations to all !

 

This list is for promotional purposes only and not intended as an endorsement of any kind.

COMADRES LEAD THE WAY !