Latino Literature: A Guide to Reading Interests

(Hardback)

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Description

Latinos comprise the fastest-growing population in the U.S., and that means more Latino readers at the library. In addition, works written by Latinos, whether written in or translated into English, have become a vibrant and growing body of literature that is of great interest to all readers as well as literary scholars. Yet, there are few tools to guide readers and the professionals who work with them through this expanding terrain. The primary purpose of this guide is to help readers and those who advise them find enjoyable leisure reading material. Focusing on popular works by Latino authors, i.e. U.S. authors of Latino heritage; and authors from Latin American countries or Spain, the book organizes and describes approximately 750 titles by genre, subgenre and theme, providing readers with lists of like reads. Complete bibliographic information is provided for each title, along with a concise plot summary, a subject list, award information, a brief quote from the book, and a list of similar reads. Other features of the guide include an introduction to Latino literature, a discussion of RA services in a multicultural society, trends in Latino publishing, and a discussion of pertinent ethnic terminology. In addition, you'll find guidelines for selection of Latino Literature, information sources, publishers, and organizations and societies. Further access is provided by indexes to authors, titles, subjects, character names, and settings .

Reviews

Martinez (Hispanic library resources, Oklahoma) and four other librarians collaborated to select the 775 titles described here, sampling the best of Latino literature published between 1995 and 2008. Every title has an English version, and the authors range from US Latinos to writers from Spain, Latin America, and Portugal. The lists also include books by non-Latinos who address related subject matter. Each entry contains bibliographic information, a brief plot summary, a subject list, award information, a quote from the book, and recommendations for similar reads. The entries are organized into the following themes: general fiction, historical fiction, Women's fiction, Latina romance and love stories, mysteries and suspense, fantastic fiction (encompassing science fiction, paranormal, and magical realism), young adult fiction, life stories, and narrative nonfiction. Additional chapters discuss the work of librarians in multicultural settings. * Reference & Research Book News *
Since it provides in essence a core reading list of modern Latino authors, it will be an appropriate addition for all public libraries, not just those that serve Latino populations. * ARBAonline *
This guide is useful for librarians involved in collection development and readers' advisory work, teachers, students, and others looking for an introduction to Latino books and authors. . . . This guide is highly useful, particularly as books appropriate for older teens by Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, Gabriel Garcia Mrquez, and others can readily be found in other chapters via author, title, and subject indices. * VOYA *
This well-written book is an essential resource for public and high-school libraries, especially if they serve Latino populations. * Booklist *
School librarians looking to expand representation of Latino literature in their collections will find this a usable resource. . . . Adult fiction titles with strong sexual situations or strong language are noted, making this useful for collection development and readers' advisory at the high school level. * Library Media Connection *
I recommend this work highly for readers interested in expanding their knowledge of an ever-increasing segment of the American public. * Catholic Library World *

Author Bio

SARA E. MARTNEZ is Coordinator, Hispanic Resources Center, Martin Regional Library, Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has also worked as a high school Spanish teacher, ESL teacher, and Coordinator of the Mexico Study Center at University of California in Mexico City, Mexico.