8 Bookish Influencers Share Must-Read Books by Latinx Authors

Gabby—a librarian with two Master’s degrees in History and Library & Information Studies—has a passion for Black and Latine books! She posts reviews for several genres, including romance, fantasy, and science fiction, and audiences from middle grade to adult! Gabby is currently posting fun collages for the #23for23 challenge! 

Follow her on Instagram (@bookish_afrolatina), TikTok (@bookish_afrolatina), and the blog Bookish AfroLatina.

Full Moon Over Freedom by Angelina M. Lopez

“Full Moon Over Freedom is officially one of my favorite romance books of the year! Formerly known as the ‘Pride of the East Side,’ Gillian is embarrassed to tell her family why she’s home and what led to her recent divorce. After running into her former flame Nicky, she decides to confide in him. Gillian and Nicky’s chemistry was explosive! I loved their connection and the way they gave each other grace. I also appreciate the emphasis this story placed on community uplift—bringing opportunities to women & people who have been left on the margins in their community.”

Carmen recently celebrated eight years on Bookstagram—years packed with encouraging readers to diversify their shelves, composing stunning cover recreations, and sharing her fashion finds. A fierce advocate for BIPOC and queer authors, Carmen fills her social platforms with books of all genres and her weekly roundups of new releases by Latinx authors are not to be missed!

Follow her on Instagram (@tomesandtextiles) and TikTok (@tomesandtextiles).

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

“Silver Nitrate is a historical paranormal horror novel, but like much of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s work, this book defies genre. In the case of Silver Nitrate specifically, the story shifts genres mid-book and makes a great premise EXCELLENT. This book will leave you asking yourself whether or not you should ever meet your heroes. If you love cult films, cursed films, Nazi occultism, mysterious characters, Mexican telenovelas, amateur detectives chasing clues, making mystery dioramas, and hauntings, you need to pick up Silver Nitrate.”

Scarllet’s social media platforms highlight her passion for K-pop, cozy video games, and (of course) books! Her channels showcase everything from graphic novels to self-help books, and if you follow her X it’s only a matter of time before she convinces you to read This Is How You Lose the Time War. Readers looking for poetry recommendations will definitely want to hit that follow button, and you can read Scarllet’s poetry in The Latinx Poetry Project!

Follow her on X (@iamlitandwit) and Instagram (@iamlitandwit).

The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz

“I am so excited to read Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s debut The Sun and the Void. I absolutely adore reading about queer Latinx characters, so it’s no surprise that I added to my TBR. It’s an adult fantasy that focuses on South American culture and mythology, and the premise of searching for identity and belonging had me hooked. It has everything I love: multiple POVs, strong female characters and friendships, commentary on colonization, and, of course, sapphic main characters front and center! I can’t wait to fall in love with the main characters and the world.”

In addition to sharing great reviews and reading wrap-ups, Johanna posts roundups of new Latinx releases every month—ensuring you’ll always know which books to add to your TBR. She also runs Amor en Paginas, a Latinx romance buddy read which is currently doing an amazing series of romance cover recreations.

Follow her on Instagram (@johannawithbooks) and TikTok (@johannawithbooks).

When Trying to Return Home by Jennifer Maritza McCauley

“This is THE short story collection of the year. This collection tells the stories of Black American and Afro-Puerto Rican characters spanning generations living in America. Existing. Belonging. Finding home. The writing has a beautiful rhythm and is so full of emotion and humaneness. Each story was powerful on its own, but as a collection, this was breathtaking.”

Julith’s Bookstagram is dedicated to gorgeous flatlays of romance, young adult, and fantasy reads that you can’t miss. The cozy blankets and flowers of her posts perfectly capture our ever-present desire to curl up with a book. Head over to her TikTok where she showcases her love of K-pop, posts funny bookish content, and shares all her book mail!

Follow her on Instagram (@nerdy_little_julith) and TikTok (@nerdy_julith).

The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado

“You know a book will stay with you for a long time when you’re already emotional at the dedication. Crystal Maldonado has a really beautiful way of making you feel seen when you haven’t before, and she’s done it again with The Fall of Whit Rivera. Reading it truly made me wish there were books like this one when I was growing up and needed it. There’s not a book more perfect to give your heart to this fall season!”

If you love slow walks through museums, taking quiet moments to appreciate nature’s beauty, and in-depth book reviews, you’ll love Yennie’s Bookstagram. The snapshots of artwork on her page are sure to send you hunting for the closest museum to explore on your own, and readers who can’t stop listening to Hozier’s Unreal Unearth should check out her reel on what to read next.

Follow her on Instagram (@librosytierra).

Liliana’s Invincible Summer by Cristina Rivera Garza

“Part memoir and part political commentary, Cristina Rivera Garza pays a legendary tribute to the legacy of her sister while highlighting the growing epidemic of femicide as she attempts to retrieve her sister’s murder file. There is a core of love that runs through each page, a delicate consideration for Liliana’s life, and a universal story that she unfortunately shared with so many. The book touches on the importance of language and story both as a way to heal and also as a tool to be able to name and challenge gender violence. A work of the heart, we are so lucky that Rivera Garza shared Liliana’s story with us.”

From stunning reading journal videos to thoughtful musings about balancing other interests and hobbies alongside reading, every post from Cande comes from the heart and celebrates finding joy where you are. Cande is also a co-host of Latinx Bingo—a reading challenge encouraging readers to pick up Latinx books that match fun prompts. Join here!

Follow her on Instagram (@iamrainbou) and on the blog Cande Reads.

Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera

“Donna Barba Higuera’s writing is pure magic. Her previous novel, The Last Cuentista, is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever read. I’m beyond excited for her upcoming sci-fi novel, Alebrijes. It promises to be a powerful story about family, hope, and the things we must do to protect our loved ones. With her talent for world-building, creating charming characters, and devastating stories, I’m sure Alebrijes will become a new middle grade favorite.”

Book reviewer Astrid shows glimpses of her reading life on her social channels while highlighting romance, young adult, and fantasy books. Follow for fun unboxings, TikTok challenges, book tour reviews, and to share in her passion for Taylor Swift!

Follow her on Instagram (@bookloversbookreviews) and TikTok (@bookloversbookreviews).

Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

“I have been looking forward to reading Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo, as I have loved her previous books. I read With the Fire on High in one sitting and have followed her work ever since. I love how she’s able to captivate me with her writing to the point that I don’t realize how much I’ve read. She includes Latinx culture in each one of her stories from the food to the traditions to the family dynamic and it’s all so relatable.”