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"We want to continue building culturally relevant curriculum in our schools by being intentional about what we teach with. We can go beyond land acknowledgments as a community and create a different narrative by centering Indigenous stories missing from our classrooms." —Mr. Yu, Elementary School teacher, OR

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read. And every child should have access to books about cultures beyond their own. That's why we've compiled a list of must-read books that center Native American voices and highlight the heritage of Native peoples.

Elementary Books

The Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom

How do you protect the water that your community and sacred land relies on? This is what a young girl named Winona aims to discover as she learns of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the harm it may cause on the environment and her people. That’s also when she meets The Water Protectors.

This engaging tale shows the reader the power behind people coming together, and is a page-turner for any young learner.‍

Key themes: Community, environmentalism, resilience

Berry Song, by Michaela Goade

Tag along with a young Tlingit girl and her grandmother on a berry picking adventure in this story that is filled to the brim with lush illustrations of the Alaskan landscape. ‍

Berry Song is a rich celebration of intergenerational relationships, cultural heritage – and our connection to the natural world and one another. You won’t want to put it down!‍

Key themes: Grandparent-grandchild relationships, nature, cultural preservation, family

We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, by Traci Sorell

This nonfiction picture book is filled with vivid depictions of how the Cherokee people celebrate every aspect of life  — from food to family to festivals.  

Filled with Cherokee words and pronunciations, this book can teach you more about the Cherokee culture.

Key themes: The connecting power of music, family, migration, biography

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, by Kevin Noble Maillard

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is a children's picture book about family heritage and traditions. In Kevin Noble Maillard’s debut publication, he tells this story about a Native American family cooking fry bread using lively and powerful verse. 

The book also features a recipe to make your own fry bread.

Key themes: Identity, community, culture, traditions

Middle School Books

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, by Cynthia Leitich Smith 

Set at a powwow, this award-winning collection of intersecting stories all written by different Native writers immediately weaves you into the worlds of the diverse characters and lives unfolding on the pages.

Edited by bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ancestor Approved shines with hope and resilience through and through.

Key Themes: Intertribal experiences, Native culture, multiple perspectives, short stories

‍Rez Ball, by Byron Graves

Tre Brun knows what brings him joy. Happiness to him is a basketball in his hands as he plays on the Red Lake Reservation high school team. The same team his late brother once played on. But will he get his chance to represent his Ojibwe rez all the way to their first state championship? 

Rez Ball is an intensely compelling coming of age story, worth picking up whether you are a sports fan or not. 

Key Themes: Family, grief, coming of age, reservation life

Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief

Based on true events, this historical fiction novel tells the story of Maria Tallchief, America’s first Native American prima ballerina. According to Osage tradition, women are not allowed to dance. Fortunately, Maria’s parents believed in her talent and led her to make history.

Today, Maria Tallchief is admired for her courage, talent, and strength. This fascinating story will captivate and inspire all readers. 

Key themes: Family relationships, finding your talent, overcoming obstacles

Two Roads, by Joseph Bruchac

In this Great Depression-era tale, a young Cal leaves life with his father, a WWI veteran, to join the unknown world of the Challagi Indian Boarding School. 

Along with other Creek boys in the boarding schools, Cal discovers more of his Creek heritage after an unexpected turn of events. 

Key themes: Family, culture preservation, coming of age

High School Books‍

The FireKeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley

Daunis Fontaine feels like an outsider in both her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. She has already put her dreams on hold to care for her mother in the wake of a family tragedy — and now Daunis has just witnessed a shocking murder. One that she will soon be made to go undercover to investigate. 

This vivid story is a complex, but beautiful tale of tribal life, finding identity, and the lengths one can go to protect your community. 

Key themes: Family history, complexities of identity, community, magical realism

There There, by Tommy Orange

Journey to the Big Oakland Powwow of California in this a multigenerational tale of Native American heritage told through the eyes of diverse characters. With each chapter, the reader gets to know a new person and the unique relationship they hold with their Native American heritage and community.

Each character will capture the hearts of the reader and demonstrate just how much of a person’s journey lies below what we see on the surface.

Key themes: Storytelling, family history, complexities of identity, resilience

Where the Dead Sit Talking, by Brandon Hobson

This 2018 National Book Award Finalist follows a teenage Cherokee boy through his journey in the foster care system. Sequoyah must define and redefine home as he bounces from house to house in rural Oklahoma. 

Key themes: Home, identity, displacement

“In a powerful collaboration, Panda Cares [the philanthropic arm of Panda Express] teamed up with DonorsChoose with the goal to make a significant difference in the world of education and communities. Through its campaign, the partnership has managed to fund numerous teacher projects, deliver meals to classrooms and engage associates, fostering a sense of pride and community connection….

The campaign’s success is a testament to the collective efforts of 44,961 donors who contributed to the cause. The PandaCares and DonorsChoose partnership continues to shape a brighter future for education and communities across the nation.”

Read the full write up.

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Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) program is a national competition challenging public school students in grades 6-12 to explore the role of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in solving significant issues in their local communities, with the opportunity to win a share of $2 million in Samsung technology and classroom supplies. Samsung partners with crowdfunding nonprofit DonorsChoose to ensure that diverse students across the U.S. have the tools and experiences they need to power their STEM education.

Beyond the competition, SFT sheds light on local issues and possible solutions, which creates a positive ripple effect for communities. The visibility created by Samsung and DonorsChoose for teachers, students, and schools not only leads to community and government recognition but also initiates increased funding for more comprehensive STEM curricula. What’s more, SFT students have gone on to study STEM in college, pursue STEM careers, and take active civic leadership roles in their communities.

Read the full awards write up.

Congratulations to our friends at SamsungSolve for Tomorrow, who also received the Ragan CSR & Diversity Award, Education or Scholarship program!

This Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month at DonorsChoose, our community went all-out in celebrating AND supporting the amazing Latino/a teachers who make a difference in their classrooms year-round.

In fact, our donors and partners helped fund a total of $10.1 million in support of Latino/a teachers — or schools where the majority of students are Latino/a. And those numbers are only half of the story. For the rest? We compiled a recap of just some of the highlights from this month’s celebrations.

What Our Teachers Say

Ms. Ocampo knows the unique connections she gets to make with her students being a teacher who is part of the Latina community and the LGBTQ community, both big and small.  

Ms. Banda understands just how critical representation can be when helping her kids learn, and her story about a student learning to feel proud of their skin tone in her classroom certainly shows the impact.

What the Stats Show

We know we said the numbers only tell half the story, but we also couldn’t help sharing with you the overall impact that we were able to achieve together for classroom projects during this month:

$10,145,265 funds for classrooms with Latino/a teachers and students

$914,169: Daily average of project donations during Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month 

92,503: Number of donors who gave

‍What’s Happening in Classrooms

Speaking of fully funded projects, we couldn’t help showcasing just a few of the many classroom projects that will now become reality thanks to our teachers and supporters efforts during Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month:

“Thank you so much for supporting my classroom! It will make the learning environment amazing. They will walk in and feel like they have left the US and entered any of the other Spanish speaking countries!” —Ms. Dubose, whose “Spanish Welcoming“ project will give her students a warm and open learning environment as they dive into their Spanish studies.

“My students are bilingual students trying to not only learn the English language, but they are learning to be successful in their first language. These engaging games and activities will not only help encourage my students to learn, but they will enjoy the learning process.“ —Ms. Dominguez, whose Reading Growth Must-Haves project will be providing her young readers with the language-learning resources they need.

“Your support will provide the means for these extraordinary young musicians to unleash their artistic potential and shape a harmonious future through the power of music.” —Mr. Lacari, whose Empowering Students Through Turntablism! project is giving his creative class the gift of music, mixing, and motivation to learn big.‍

‍Even Our Staff Got in on the Action

Hear directly from the DonorsChoose staff on Instagram!

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For Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebrations this year, Ruby Broobs, a Chicanx artist based in San Francisco, helped us surprise some of our Latino/a educators with beautiful portraits that they can cherish forever. To see the portraits and the teachers we featured, head to Instagram!

Ruby also shared a little about the teachers who supported and inspired them.

Read more about the DonorsChoose Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month celebrations here.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a moment to celebrate the history and contributions of Native American communities, and recognize the truth of how Indigenous peoples in the Americas have been treated. 

Thanks to ongoing efforts by activists like Millie Ketcheschawno and groups like Resistance 500, over 130 cities and 14 states celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day, giving teachers of all backgrounds a unique opportunity to elevate Indigenous voices and teach students about their culture and history.

In the Classroom

“In history class, another student once said that without Columbus there would be no us or the United States today. That really got under my skin; I don’t think he knew what really happened.”
    — Citlaly Patricia Ortega of the Fernandeño-Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. This quote was taken when she was a student at John F. Kennedy High School.

Traditionally, the American school system has largely forgotten or grossly misrepresented Native American people, their cultures, and their histories. A 2015 study by Pennsylvania State University found that 87% of the references to Native Americans in state standards  are in a pre-1900s context, with no mention of Native Americans’ accomplishments in the 20th and 21st century.

“Student textbooks I have encountered often leave out many important people, places, leaders, events, losses, and triumphs of Indigenous People.” —Mr. Stohl, American History Means Indigenous History!

In response, many educators are finding ways to introduce Native American voices, narratives, and perspectives. By partnering with Indigenous local leaders for semester long projects, comparing Indigenous poetry, dance, and song to United States primary source documents, empowering Native American girl students to advocate for themselves and others, creating a STEAM Lab to explore community and environmental issues in the Navajo community, and many other creative teaching practices, these educators are bringing Native American stories into their classrooms.

"At our High School, I am working to create a program to empower my teen Native American girl students to advocate for themselves and to become "Warrior Ambassadors" for the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women of our tribes. Together, we can create a culture of empowerment for young Native American women and change the statistics of abuse." — Mrs. Pasquinelli, Our Native American Girls Are Warriors For Change

Classroom Resources

• Native Knowledge 360° was created by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and has educational materials, virtual student programs, and teacher training programs that challenge common misconceptions and highlight historical and contemporary Native American narratives.
• Living with the Land Lesson Plan: In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Illuminative partnered with Amplifier and Nia Tero to create a project-based lesson plan asking students: How does honoring and restoring land stewardship to Native Americans impact human lives and property, biodiversity, and air and water quality?
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resources: This selection of lessons, books, and films by the Zinn Education Project helps students critically analyze the history of Columbus and understand the meaning of Indigenous People’s Day.
• Whose Land Are We On? Dr. Emma Humphries recommends starting close to home when learning about Native American history. This website maps Indigenous territories all around the world and is searchable by address.
• Wisconsin First Nations Education: This collection was created to give educators and pre-service teachers an accurate and authentic way to start teaching about the American Indian Nations of Wisconsin.

Teachers, create a project to help bring Native American history into your classroom.

At DonorsChoose, we love that back-to-school feeling. That “new locker to decorate, freshly sharpened pencil, whole year of endless possibilities ahead of you” kind of feeling.

We also know that it’s teachers who are the ones working hard to make that feeling happen every year. That’s why rallying support for our educators’ back-to-school projects is always important to us around here. This year, that support came through in a big way: Over 112,100 teachers received support this year!

By the Classroom

Thanks to $43M from 218,779 individual donors and 205 corporate and foundation partners, the amazing teachers on our site had exactly 108,833 classroom projects fully funded during back-to-school — ranging from calculators to band instruments to library books. Here’s just three of those thousands of classrooms — with words of thanks from the teachers themselves!

‍Books and Art Supplies for Mrs. Moskal’s Students‍

“Thank you so very much for the educational books and art supplies to bring our Great Lessons to life! … This year will be better than ever thanks to your generous donation! This really means the world to me and my students.”— Mrs. Moskal, “The Great Lessons” 

‍Microscopes for Mr. Vinderland’s Kids

“HOT DIGGITY DOG! Thank you for fully funding our prepared microscope slide project on DonorsChoose! Your contribution will further understanding and comprehension in my science classroom — and microscopes are just dang cool to use. My students can't wait to use the materials you've helped to provide! We all appreciate you!” — Mr. Vinderland, “Everyone Loves Microscopes!” 

‍Flexible Seating for Mrs. Schryver’s Class

“Thank you so much for helping to fund my project. My students were so thrilled to hear the news when the email arrived this morning. They are so excited to have a new table to sit at each day. I can barely wait to see their faces when it arrives ready for them. They will be over the moon with excitement.” — Mrs. Schryver, “Kindergarten Table”

By The Numbers

Of course, behind every heartwarming note of gratitude is also real, tangible impact. Don’t just take our word for it either, the numbers from this back-to-school season speak for themselves:  

• $43M: Total funds from 218,779 total donors for back-to-school projects 
• $524,390: The back-to-school daily average for donations raised on our site
• July 28: Our Biggest posting day so far with 7,192 total projects submitted by teachers who need items for their classrooms
• $62: The average donation given by individual donors during back-to-school season — it adds up so fast!
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By Our Partner Power

In addition to the 218,779 supporters from our online donor community who showed up at this time, we also were honored to connect with 205 partners who gave generous match gifts and beyond for back-to-school, including: 

• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who teamed up with our generous community of donors to support nearly 25,000 teachers at over 16,000 schools across the country in one incredible day.
• SONIC provided a 1.5X match for every single project across the country, up to $1M.
• 3M fully funded all STEM projects in St. Paul, followed by a 5X match and $200 first donation to STEM projects across St. Paul, North St. Paul, and Maplewood, Minnesota.
• Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation matched all donations to Equity Focus Schools in Georgetown County, South Carolina.
• Panda Cares doubled donations to every classroom furniture project for an amazing day of funding, creating countless wonderful learning environments with teachers.
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That’s just to name a few big moments, too! Our entire all-star lineup of partners below gave critical funds for local schools and teachers across the country, and we seriously can’t thank them enough!

3M 

Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

Allstate Foundation 

Alpine School District Foundation 

Altice USA

Amazon 

Antioch Schools Education Foundation

Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BJ’s Charitable Foundation 

Bloomingdale’s

Calmenson Foundation

Carter's OshKosh B'gosh

Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies

Charles Schwab

Chevron 

The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation

College Football Playoff Foundation

Colorado Department of Education

Dial Soap

DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation

Edmond Public Schools Foundation

Education Foundation of Sarasota County

Ferrero U.S.A., Inc.  

Fiesta Bowl Charities

Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation 

Gates Ventures

General Motors Corporation

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

H-E-B Read 3

Home Run Inn 

Horace Mann 

Horace Mann Foundation

Impetus Foundation

INK! (Investing in Kids)

Johnson Ohana Foundation

Mission Tiger

Kickstart 

Kleenex

Lakeshore Learning

LOFT 

The Montgomery Family Fund

National Corn Growers Association 

 The State of Oklahoma

OKCPS Foundation

Olathe Public Schools Foundation

Panda Cares

Perry and Donna Golkin Family Foundation

Peterson Family 

Quill

Riot Games 

San Antonio ISD Foundation

SDGE 

State Farm Insurance

Subaru Hawai'i

Thea Foundation

Tracy Family Foundation

United Airlines

VanTrust Real Estate

Wawa Inc

….and a few anonymous partners too!

By The Possibilities Ahead: 

More teachers hear about DonorsChoose every single day. And — as teachers get to know their students this year — they are continuing to request the perfect materials to help kids learn and grow. Right now…‍

• ‍This back-to-school season 71,363 new DonorsChoose teachers joined DonorsChoose
• Right now, 3,584 total new teacher projects are submitted every day on average

Pretty tremendous, right? Every student deserves to enter a classroom that has what they need to succeed. And with the support of our amazing teachers and DonorsChoose community behind them, that’s exactly what they’ll have this year.

‍Want to make this back-to-school season the very best for a classroom in your community? Find teacher projects in your area today.  (If you’re a teacher, you can learn more here.)

Capturing the moment

In her project, I’m Proud of My Work, Let’s Take a Selfie!, Mrs. Combs has found a fresh new use for a standard classroom item: the printer.

‍“My students will be able to use the Canon Selphy printer to be able to document photos of the work they are most proud of…I will then be able to see that the student is proud of their work and take a picture of them holding up their work. I will have a specific place in our classroom to display their selfies.”‍

Encouraging students to celebrate themselves – and each other – can be as easy as hitting ‘print’.

‍Teaching each other

In her project, Proud of Our Origin, Ms. Lopez del Rio’s little learners get to teach each other about their heritage through play.

“Latino culture has a wide variety of board games that can be used in the classroom to enhance the value of Hispanic culture and the Spanish language. What better way to encourage cultural exchange and mutual respect than by playing games. Children of Latin origin will be able to teach their classmates Spanish vocabulary, traditions of their countries of origin, rules of these games, etc.”

Empowering students to be the teacher, especially in a fun and engaging way, is an opportunity for students to feel proud of their Spanish language and heritage.

Sparking joy

Ms. LaBrant is celebrating her students by investing in the things that excite them. Her school book club is just starting its 3rd year, but has grown from just 6 students in its first year to 20+ students today. Her project, Perfect Book for Not Perfect Book Club, acknowledges her students’ passion for reading alongside the complexity and richness of their heritage.

“Our high school majority is low income and Spanish speaking, but our book club continues to grow. Please help me to encourage these students by providing them with a book they can keep.  This semester we will dive into "I am not your perfect Mexican daughter" by Erika Sanchez. This is a great story about discovering your heritage and embracing who you truly are. It will hit our students on several levels as a young adult novel, as a story about someone like them split between 2 cultures and as an intriguing mystery.”

Whether it’s books, robots, ceramics, or cooking supplies, going all in on students’ interests will exponentially increase classroom joy. 

Honoring Heroes

Mr. De La Cruz Rosales wanted to prepare his middle-schoolers for their informative writing unit project: A Just America Wax Museum. His project, Wax Museum Research PBL, provided them with representational reading resources that 

“My students, primarily, Latino, Filipino, and Black will feel validated and their experiences will be reflected in the works that have been selected for our classroom library. Representation is key and seeing main characters that have similar viewpoints characteristics and shared experiences will engage and motivate them to engage with literature.”

A library of books that reflect students’ lived experiences can help foster a sense of pride and joy in students’ Latino heritage.

Finding the beauty

Teachers across the country are discovering cultural celebrations outside of the classroom.

Ms. Portugal took her Oakland students to a local production of “In the Heights”:

“One young lady, Nacia, said she could watch the play on repeat and at one point was brought to tears.”‍

Mrs. Jones took her students to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago:

“I continued to hear priceless feedback from the students like, ‘I can relate to so much here!’”

Whether it’s an in-person field trip, a virtual excursion, or tapping into the education resources of theaters and museums, Latino/a artists and creators provide an endless source of inspiration.

Showing up authentically

Ms. McGroarty’s project, Make A Spanish Speaker Out Of You, 

“I am very privileged that I get to teach Spanish classes to my amazing middle school students. Spanish was my first language so teaching my students how to speak, read, and write Spanish is very important to me. For me to complete this task correctly, I need access to specific materials to hand out to my students to provide success.”

Students of all ages and identities benefit from diversity in the classroom. When teachers feel supported in bringing their expertise and authentic selves to their teaching practice, everyone is better for it.

Leveling Up

Ms. Stewart’s students are outstanding Latino kids in the heart of Chicago. Through her project, 5th Graders Can Be Published Authors!, she’s investing in her students’ work by helping them feel professional and accomplished.

“Each year, my students create books for several different units of study…For every book they publish I struggle to come up with a great way to bind their work in a nice way. We have tried everything from pipe cleaners to rings to staples but none of that will look as nice as having them actually bound in this professional looking manner!

My 5th graders will be so proud of their books with the use of these materials! We showcase their books at our bi-annual parent teacher conferences where the kids present the things they are most proud of to their parents.”

Lamination and binding supplies are a low-cost way to help students feel immeasurably valued.

Throwing a Fiesta!

Honor Hispanic and Latino/a Heritage Month like Dr. Puicon did with her project, Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Books, decorations, t-shirts, and posters created a grade level-wide celebration of all of the wonderful diversity within the larger Hispanic community.

“These supplies will ensure we close out the month in a celebratory fashion, and the remaining supplies will allow us to continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage throughout the academic year. Thank you for your contributions and for supporting the students this year.”

And like Dr. Puicon, Latino/a joy and achievement in the classroom can – and should – be celebrated all school year long.

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Latino/a teachers are walking a tightrope: Their voices are needed more than ever, but many are battling lifelong feelings of being on the outside, compounded by the current political landscape. Many Latino teachers report experiencing a duality on a daily basis. For example, there is stress about hostility toward immigrant communities and elimination of diverse curriculums and there is joy in cultural celebrations and representative reading materials.

We asked dozens of Latino teachers about their perspectives, pressures, and moments of joy in the classroom. While their answers and experiences are strikingly different, a clear theme emerges: Latino students — and all of their peers — benefit from the life experiences, bilingualism, cultural understanding, empathy, and passion of their Latino teachers.

What unique perspectives does your heritage give you as a teacher?

“I can relate to my students and their families. I know what it's like to not speak English and having to figure out what the teacher is saying. I understand the feeling of not having help at home with homework. I can sympathize with parents that want to help their children with homework but the language barrier prevents them. That's why I use social media to upload examples in Spanish in order to help parents with homework.” - Cynthia, 2nd grade teacher, Texas

“I am very proud to be a Latinx educator who gets to work so closely with Latinx students. It has brought me the greatest joy to honor my culture and my people by continuing to better our community by teaching the next generation. We are a community of intelligent, capable, and talented leaders who are already making their mark on the world.” - Amanda, English language program teacher, Illinois

“For me, being a Latinx child in a very white community brought some tough learning experiences, prejudice, and a whole lot of feeling like an outsider. That experience has fueled my mission to make my readers all feel like a part of our library, all students should feel a part of the book world.” - Katie, Elementary school librarian

“Being a Latina teacher allows me to see the importance of representation in the classroom. Students need to see teachers who share their culture and traditions. Students need teachers who are able to communicate with their parents and embrace them as well.” - Maria, 5th grade teacher, Illinois

How has your experience as a Latino teacher changed in the last few years?

“Honestly, it's been heartbreaking to see some of the outright hostility towards my Latinx community. In particular for my students to feel so unsafe and unwelcomed in a country that for many is home. I've worked harder to make sure our library is a safe place in the chaos.” - Katie, Elementary school librarian

“Because the social and political climate has become more agitated, I am more proud of my culture but I am also careful not to broadcast my beliefs so loudly as I do not want to get pressured to change my book selection policies.” - Lupe, Elementary school librarian, Texas

“I have felt stressed by the movements around the country toward eliminating inclusive curriculum. This has made me more dedicated to making sure my students feel that their culture and heritage is valued.” - Jennifer, 4th grade teacher, California

“I have to be much more aware of what are the things I educate my students in —especially regarding pride in their identities, how to continue to be strong and go forward in the face of adversity, as well as to know that their potential is limitless regardless of what others may say or do.” - Maria, 5th grade teacher, Massachusetts

“In the last few years, my experience as a Latinx teacher has been filled with positive, humbling, and validating experiences that have strengthened my bond to my identity and culture. In my school and classroom, we are constantly looking for ways to honor and embrace our culture through academic content, celebrations and traditions, and building relationships with one another.” - Amanda, English language program teacher, Illinois

“In recent years, I've observed a resurgence of challenges related to the acceptance of immigrants, primarily towards people of my heritage, including discrimination from descendants of the same background. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for my students. My personal experiences have reinforced the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and understanding in my teaching approach.” - Carlos, High School technology teacher, Texas

“When I first started teaching 33 years ago, there were not many Hispanic/Latinx teachers and I felt like a rarity. I am happy to say that there are many of us now and we are passionate about our teaching like we are passionate about many things.” - Rita, Kindergarten teacher, California

What do your students gain from celebrating Hispanic & Latinx heritage (and joy and culture) all year round?

“For my Latinx students, seeing their culture represented allows them to feel a part of our school world. For non-Latinx students, our activities and reading broadens their world, helping them build not only understanding but empathy for those that are different from them. Many students also find connections to their own cultures which again builds that empathy!” - Katie, Elementary school librarian

“All students are excited and motivated when our classwork is centered around something that is reflecting their heritage and culture, including reading books by Latino authors. Listening to stories about Latino characters is always a fun and engaging time in my classroom.” - Rita, PreK–2nd grade teacher, Texas

“I enjoy sharing how many Hispanic and Latinx individuals have been ‘successful’ in the world. Many students see movie stars and sports players as being successful. It is great to show how others are successful, and they do not need to be famous. It’s great to highlight those who have reached that success and let them know they will do it as well.” - Kathy, 3rd grade teacher, California

“Any moment where we overcome labels and stereotypes for the betterment of ourselves is meaningful. Whether it's winning an Esports tournament or celebrating high school graduation, these instances exemplify the unity and inclusivity we strive to foster in our classroom. These moments of shared accomplishment transcend cultural boundaries and demonstrate the strength of diversity in our learning environment.” - Carlos, High school technology teacher, Texas

“Reminding my beautiful 8th graders that their heritage matters, is important, and we are not going anywhere but up!” - Mary (Mari), 8th grade teacher

“By celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage all year round, our students gain the confidence and pride to embrace their culture and their identity. These celebrations of our culture also help us strengthen our sense of 'we' as they allow us to build a strong sense of community within our school as well as the greater community in which our school belongs.” - Amanda, English language program teacher, Illinois

“Rather than merely celebrating, our heritage is an integral part of who we are. We honor our traditions, such as enjoying dishes like posole, marking significant milestones like quinceañeras, and appreciating our rich musical heritage from classics like "Cielito Lindo" to modern tunes like "Ella Baila Sola." By embracing our culture continuously, we cultivate self-acceptance and pride. This acceptance of ourselves extends to acceptance of the diversity within our community, fostering a sense of unity and respect among my students.” - Carlos, High School technology teacher, Texas

“They become more tolerant of other cultures and people who do not look like them! I teach second grade, and I have noticed that kids at this age (between kindergarten and second grade really) don't pay attention to color or skin tone difference, they just know that they love playing with so-and-so or working in a group with so-and-so. Helping children understand that people are different and it's cool to be so will make them a more worldly, cultured, sophisticated, and tolerant adult when they grow up!” - Kerry, 2nd grade teacher, Virginia

Is there a student that really benefited from celebration of their heritage? How did it help them?

“I remember a student who saw a book cover featuring a child with her skin color. She ran to the book, hugged it, and said, "Mama, look! It looks like me!" She has since investigated more books in the library and is a joyful reader now.” - Lupe, Elementary School librarian, Texas

“One year, I had a student who was Hispanic and had darker skin. Her mom had shared it had become a very big issue at home. I was able to get culturally relevant books through DonorsChoose. This not only helped her, but it provided an assortment of books for her to have at home to work through her feelings. Appreciating our different shades of brown brought us closer together.” - Gloria, 1st grade teacher, Texas

“With a particular reading unit we do using the book "Yes, We Are Latinos/ Si Somos Latinos" students have shown a great deal of interest in the learning from that book as well as the histories of their countries. Students glowed with pride sharing stories and many learned new things about their countries of origin. It even sparked conversations at home that were positive and educational.” - Maria, 5th Grade, Massachusetts

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Want to hear more from Latino teachers in 2023? Check out Lessons from the Frontlines: 4 Things You Need to Know about Latino Educators.

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Latino educators are a vital part of America’s teacher workforce with unique insights and contributions to share. Understanding those perspectives — along with the specific challenges Latino teachers face — is the first step to better supporting and uplifting these teachers.

Latino students thrive when they see their identities reflected in their educators, and students of all backgrounds benefit from having Latino educators. Even though Latino students make up 25% of all US students and are the largest demographic of students of color, only 8% of public school school teachers are Latino. By recruiting and retaining Latino educators, we can help overcome America’s teacher shortage while increasing diversity in our teacher workforce.

67,000 Latino educators spoke to us through surveys and project data

DonorsChoose makes it easy for public school teachers to request resources for students, giving us singular insights into the exact books, science experiments, and art supplies teachers need for their students. Because we focus support on teachers and students of color, we have one of the largest communities of teachers of color in the country. Latino teachers make up 13% of our active teacher users.

To learn from these teachers’ experiences, we looked at results from our survey of 5,000 DonorsChoose teachers and 23 years of resource request data from the more than 67,000 Latino teachers who’ve shared their demographic information with us.

1. Latino teachers are the most likely of all teachers to see education as social justice work

In our survey, Latino teachers were the demographic most likely to say they started teaching because they see teaching as social justice work. Not only that: Nearly half of all Latino teachers said they entered the profession because they wanted to teach a curriculum that affirms the identities of students of color.

One look at the most popular books among Latino educators, and this passion for social justice and representation was clear.

2. Latino educators expect to stay in the profession longer than teachers of other identities

In that same survey, 66% of male Latino educators and 62% of female Latina educators said they planned to still be teaching in 10+ years. But even with this dedication and longevity, Latino educators are underrepresented, meaning more efforts need to be made to recruit new Latino educators to the field.

We reached out to Latino educators in our community and asked them to share how their identities affect their experience as a teacher. Latino teachers’ passion for affirming their students’ identities again appeared as a common reason behind their dedication.

“I am very proud to be a Latinx educator who gets to work so closely with Latinx students. It has brought me the greatest joy to honor my culture and my people by continuing to better our community by teaching the next generation.“ —Ms. Calzada, Chicago, IL

“In recent years, I've observed a resurgence of challenges related to the acceptance of immigrants, primarily towards people of my heritage, including discrimination from descendants of the same background. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for my students.” —Mr. G, Mission, TX

3. Latino teachers shoulder additional responsibilities because of their identity

Latino teachers reported that they’re often expected to serve as liaisons for families of color, including, for example, serving as translators for Spanish-speaking parents. These responsibilities are often unacknowledged and almost always unpaid, and can contribute to burnout and attrition. 

This “invisible tax” is experienced by all groups of teachers of color, though it may manifest differently. In our survey, we saw that in schools where racial tensions run high, teachers of color are much more likely to shoulder additional expectations. 

4. Classroom basics, educational kits & games, and art supplies are what most Latino teachers need

Research indicates that funding teacher-requested resources through platforms like DonorsChoose can support teacher retention despite the low-cost of such requests, and that learning from a diverse group of teachers benefits all students. By enabling teacher innovation, improving classroom conditions, and showing teachers that we trust their professional expertise, we can make sure Latino educators and their students have the resources they need to thrive and grow.‍

Listening to teachers informs the way we talk about racial equity. Learn why we use 'Latino' in reference to teacher and student identities.

📣 Breaking News: On September 20, donations to projects supporting Latino teachers and students will be doubled (while funds last)! 📣

Joy, history, celebration. All year, we see amazing teachers on our site creating space for their students to know — and take pride in — Latino culture and identity. For Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, we wanted to help give those classroom projects the boost they deserve, including yours. 

Here are 3 easy-to-follow ways for you to spread the word about your DonorsChoose project (or a project of someone you know) all month long. Pick the sharing option that works best for you!

Option A: I’m a Social Media Sharer

Pick your favorite graphics from our collection and share at least twice on social media before the end of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 through October 15). You can mix & match your favorite platforms (i.e. 1 Facebook post + 1 TikTok), do a morning and evening post on the same platform, or post and re-share your own content (Insta feed + Insta story!). Wherever you tweet, post, snap, or share, make sure you include a link to your project.

Feeling extra excited about these graphics? You can create your own custom graphic using the Canva templates below:

• Instagram templates on Canva
• Instagram Stories / TikTok templates on Canva
• Facebook templates on Canva
• X (formerly Twitter) templates on Canva

Option B: I’m a Teacher Who Texts (or Emails)

Option B is for those mobile-friendly educators out there. Here’s the plan: Customize, copy, and paste the text below (with your project link!) into a group text chat with 3-5 friends — or in an email to at least 3-5 people. 

‍Wherever you send it — your starred group chat, that DM thread with your funniest friends, your family email chain — just remember to be yourself, so they know it’s coming personal from their favorite teacher (you!).

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Option C: I’m Here for All of the Above (and Beyond!) 

Let’s call option “C” the ultimate option. This is a way to let friends, family and your wider network know about your project in a big way. Complete these three steps together to give your project the momentum it needs:

1. Send a personalized email to one person who cares about you and your classroom, asking them if they would like to celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month by supporting your project. Include your project link!
2. Post your project on your favorite social media platform and Include your project link!
3. Send one group email or text to folks you know, asking them to help you spread the word about your project while there are doubled donations. Include your project link! 

Not sure who to reach out to? Get some ideas here!

Whichever approach you choose, remember your community at home (and our DonorsChoose community here!) want to see you and your students thrive. So go ahead and share your project up along with a heartfelt message or note of thanks — and your classroom will be celebrating in no time.

Pssst! Don’t forget: On September 20, donations to projects supporting Latino teachers and students will be doubled so be sure to re-share your project on that day!

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These book titles are among our teachers favorites in 2023 that celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage and voices.

"In order to be citizens of the world, it is vital to understand that students need to learn about themselves as well as about others who are different from them." —Ms. Mendez, Senior High teacher, IL

Every student deserves to see their stories and histories reflected in the books they read. These must-read titles celebrate Hispanic and Latino heritage and voices and are popular among DonorsChoose teachers and students alike! Add these to your classroom collection (and your personal library!), and you’ll have great reads all year round.

Elementary Books

Paletero Man, by Lucky Diaz

Written by Latin Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz (and inspired by Lucky Band’s popular song), Paletero Man follows our narrator through his community in search of the ice pop truck. Young readers will encounter Spanish words and phrases throughout the book as they cheer on our young paleta-seeker and all of his sweet, generous neighbors.

This story is also available in a bilingual edition Paletero Man/Que Paletero tan Cool! with the English and Spanish text side by side on each page.‍

Key themes: Kindness, generosity, community

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln, by Margarita Engle

Child prodigy, Teresa Carreño, achieved a once in a lifetime opportunity when her love for music was discovered by Abraham Lincoln. Based on a true story, Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln tells how young Teresa rose to fame after her family migrated from Venezuela.

This inspiring story follows Teresa as she helped her family define their American Dream and overcome new challenges, all while doing what she loved most: playing the piano.

Key themes: The connecting power of music, family, migration, biography

Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal

This Randolph Caldecott Selection explores the sentimental meanings behind our names. Alma, whose full name is Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, is embarrassed by her long name and decides to ask her father about it. Yet, when her father explains the various people her name honors, Alma recognizes the beautiful significance of her long name.

Full of warmth, this book helps kids realize that their unique attributes make them special and should be celebrated.

Key themes: Identity, family heritage, diversity

Where Are You From, by Yamile Saied Méndez

In this picture book, a young girl with brown skin and dark, curly hair consistently faces variations of the same question—where are you from? Looking for answers, she turns to her loving abuelo for help. Abuelo’s response is not what she expects, but what he shares turns out to be even better.

This book is written in the spirit of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo. The Spanish version is entitled ¿De Dónde Eres?

Key themes: Self-acceptance, identity, home

Too Many Tamales, by Gary Soto

On Christmas Eve, Maria is in the kitchen helping her family make tamales for dinner. When her mother leaves the kitchen for a moment, Maria tries on her mother’s beautiful diamond ring. Later on, Maria realizes that she cannot find the ring, so she enlists the help of her cousins to eat their way out of trouble. 

This holiday story shows why it's better to tell the truth than to try to cover up a problem. This book is also available in Spanish as ¡Qué montón de tamales!

Key themes: Family, holidays, food, life lessons

My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero

With beautifully illustrated pictures, My Papi Has a Motorcycle celebrates the love between a daughter and her father. Growing up in a predominantly Mexican-immigrant working-class town in California, Daisy sees the people that have shaped her hometown, like the mailman and the corner store owners, as she zooms around on the back of her papi’s motorcycle. While things are changing in her neighborhood, Daisy realizes that some things can never change. 

This moving story will encourage young readers to explore their own culture and ties with their hometown.

Key themes: Father-daughter relationship, culture symbols, love

Mango, Abuela, and Me, by Meg Medina

Young Mia is ecstatic when she learns her grandmother is moving from her sunny house to live with Mia and her parents in the city. As Mia prepares for her grandmother’s arrival, she thinks of all of the fun activities they will do together but forgets one important thing: her grandmother doesn’t understand English, and Mia doesn’t know Spanish! 

This endearing story tells how a family’s love can surpass language barriers and connect new generations to their ancestral roots.

Key themes: Persistence, family, language barriers

Middle School Books

Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Based on actual events, this historical fiction novel tells the stories of Esperanza and the struggles she and her family go through after the Mexican Revolution. Bandits threatening wealthy landowners, like Esperanza’s family, force her family to seek economic opportunities in the United States. 

As field workers in California, Esperanza tells of their stories and struggles by the fruit and vegetable seasons that have passed. If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and captivate your senses, Esperanza Rising is the one for you.

Key themes: Class struggles, grief, hope, overcoming obstacles, solidarity

Miss Quinces, by Kat Fajardo

In this semi-autobiographical debut middle-grade graphic novel, Kat Fajardo introduces young readers to Suyapa Gutiérrez (“Sue”), who is begrudgingly spending the summer with relatives in Honduras instead of at sleepaway camp with her friends and reading manga. To make matters worse, Sue’s mom has just announced a surprise quinceañera for Sue, which is just about Sue’s worst nightmare.

This boldly colorful, illustrated volume weaves together family expectations, cultural traditions, and a relatable story about choices, self-expression, and being caught between two cultures at a critical moment of adolescence.

Miss Quinces/Srta. Quinces is the first graphic novel published by Scholastic/Graphix to be simultaneously released in English and Spanish editions.

Key themes: Coming of age, cultural traditions, family, bicultural and bilingual experiences and communities

Efrén Divided, by Ernesto Cisneros

A personal and heart-warming story, Efren Divided guides us through a twelve-year-old’s sudden transition into adulthood. When his family is separated by U.S. immigration policies and faces deportation, Efren’s world is turned upside down. The immediacy of his situation forces him to become an adult overnight and fight to get his family back.

While remaining deeply honest, this fictional book emphasizes the realities for many American families on issues surrounding immigration policies, family, and poverty.

Key themes: Family, migration, coming of age

High School Books

¡Ay, Mija! (A Graphic Novel): My Bilingual Summer in Mexico (¡Ay, Mija!), by Christine Suggs

Inspired by their own travel as a teenager, Christine Suggs explores their own heritage, their family’s generational differences, and their place in all of it through this graphic novel memoir. 

¡Ay, Mija! Follows young Christine to Mexico as they visit their grandparents and tía where Christine doesn't speak the language and doesn't fit in. As they learn more about their family’s history, Christine begins to understand not just Spanish, but also the powerful, complicated, beautiful discomfort of their mixed identity.

Key themes: Family heritage, mixed identity, bilingualism, generational differences, colonialism

Clap When You Land, by Elizabeth Acevedo

Sisters Camino and Yahaira Rios are brought together after their father tragically dies on a flight from New York City to the Dominican Republic. As they cope with their father’s loss and mourn his memory, they discover more about his past and the secrets left uncovered. 

With occasional references in Spanish, the reader will be immersed in the Dominican culture and its love and grief.

Key themes: Loss of a parent, grief, forgiveness, hope

The Dreamer, by Pam Muñoz Ryan

The Dreamer follows the early experiences of Neftali Reyes, a boy who grows into the Nobel Prize winning poet, Pablo Neruda. Reyes is spellbound by the wonders of the natural world but is continuously ridiculed by his authoritarian father. Despite the critiques, Reyes is drawn to an unexplainable calling. 

This novel will keep you on the edge of your seat as you get transported to a world full of magical realism and poetry.

Key themes: Following your dream, hope, imagination

In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez

In the Time of the Butterflies, by Julia Alvarez, is a work of historical fiction based on the true story of the four Mirabal sisters: Patria, Mariá Teresa, Minerva, and Dedé’s. These four women made history in the late 20th century by fighting for freedom under Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. 

In this powerful narrative, Alvarez places us years back as we read the effects of Trujillo’s dictatorship and the women who bravely fought against it. Through their unwavering courage, we witness their strength in face of deep adversity.

Key themes: Historical dictatorship, family, and courage in the face of danger

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, by Erika L. Sanchez

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter tells the story of a contemporary Mexican American teenager in Chicago who is caught between the cultural expectations of her traditional family and her desire to forge her own path. The story opens with Julia Reyes attending the funeral of her seemingly perfect older sister, who was killed tragically in an accident. As Julia begins to process her grief, she learns that her sister may not have been as perfect as she seemed.

Netflix is developing a movie adaptation of this book and it will be directed by award-winning actor, director and producer America Ferrera.

Key themes: Mental health, first-generation immigrants, grief, growing up

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Ready to get these books for your classroom? Create a project on DonorsChoose and let our community help you get the resources you need!

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