2020 has been a challenging year for everyone but particularly the Latinx community. Despite being hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community continues to demonstrate resilience. The following booklist compiled by Aspen Words and the Latinos and Society Program showcases the bravery of the Latinx community. Amid crisis, hope, and unity triumph overall.

  • With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo New York Times bestselling author, Afro-Dominican poet, and speaker at the Institute’s Summit on Inequality and Opportunity Elizabeth Acevedo employs a thought-provoking and culturally rich narrative through her novel With the Fire on High. Young Emoni Santiago is constantly overwhelmed with chores and responsibilities, tasked with both high school and taking care of her aging abuela. Through all the craziness life brings, she finds peace and harmony when she is cooking, always adding a little bit of magic to her delicious dishes. Dreaming on, Emoni looks forward to the day when she can cook in a real kitchen and pursue her love full time.
  • Self-Made by Nely Galán Nely Galán is an Emmy award-winning television producer, the owner of Galán Entertainment, and the former president of Telemundo’s entertainment division. She is a fearless and talented entrepreneur and a thought-partner to the work of the Institute’s Latinos and Society Program. Self-Made is a book about the importance of independence, especially the financial type. Galán insists that being self-made starts with financial independence and the ability to live without precarity. The engaging read provides tactics and lessons in becoming rich in every aspect of your life and making your dreams a reality.
  • Sabrina & Corina: Stories by Kali Farajado-Anstine Kali Farajado-Anstine debuts this touching story collection on friendship, mothers and daughters, and the deep-rooted truths of Latino homelands.

Read the full article about books showcasing Latinx community at The Aspen Institute.