Over 35 of the best Spanish books for all ages: perfect for improving your Spanish or for learning Spanish!
I’m biased, but reading is absolutely the best! it’s relaxing, informative and just plain enjoyable. it’s my favorite hobby. (for that… follow me on goodreads!)
You are reading: Books to read in spanish
Recently, I wanted to challenge myself to read more books in Spanish, and I’m so glad I did! reading in a foreign language can be a bit daunting, but it’s also a great way to improve your fluency while having fun.
From timeless classics to contemporary favourites, the canon of Spanish literature has much to offer readers! I had a great time putting together titles to share with all of you, and I wanted to make sure I included books that all ages could appreciate.
This post is divided into sections dedicated to classic, adult, adult, and children’s book selections, so we hope there’s something for everyone.
Also, if you’re looking for a great Spanish curriculum for young children, definitely check out Llamas Spanish.
Without further ado, here are 35 of the best Spanish books I’ve come across. (until now!)
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Classic Spanish Novels
pepita jiménez de juan valera
A sweet and simple love story, this 1884 novel by writer and diplomat Juan Valera is easy to read and an excellent choice for intermediate Spanish learners.
don quixote by miguel de cervantes
an absolute classic! This iconic Spanish novel follows the (bad) adventures of an idealistic nobleman and his “squire” on their quest to restore chivalric justice to a world that so desperately needs it.
the house on mango street by sandra cisneros
Another beloved canon novel in Spanish, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros tells the coming-of-age story of a young Chicana in an impoverished Chicago neighborhood.
This beautiful exploration of identity, economic disparity, and femininity is considered a modern classic among the genre of Chicano literature.
story of a castaway by gabriel garcía márquez
Written by Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez, Narrative of a Castaway is based on the true story of a shipwrecked sailor.
Simple language and engaging action sequences make this an ideal read for those looking to learn Spanish.
one hundred years of solitude by gabriel garcía márquez
A masterpiece of magical realism, this book follows the exploits of the Buendía family in a sweeping intergenerational saga.
One Hundred Years of Solitude has been celebrated as one of the best works of the Latin American literary genre.
love in the time of cholera by gabriel garcía marquez
Another novel by García Márquez, Love in the Time of Cholera, is a look at love in all its beauty and complexity. ideal for Spanish speakers!
hopscotch by july cortázar
This classic novel in Spanish follows the fragmented life of Horacio Oliveira, an Argentinian intellectual who divides his existence between Buenos Aires and Paris.
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Spanish books for adults
beautiful gioconda waslala
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In this post-apocalyptic Guatemalan imagination, a woman sets out on a quest to rediscover the legendary city of Waslala. a beautiful meditation on human rights, ecological justice and economic inequalities.
the house of the spirits by isabel allende
In her first novel, Chilean writer Isabel Allende traces the life of the Trueba family through four generations and the political instability they witness.
This is the first novel I’ve read in Spanish and it’s still one of my all-time favorite books in any language.
the shadow of the wind by carlos ruiz zafón
This internationally best-selling Spanish novel is both a journey through time and a love letter to reading. super convincing plot format and engaging characters!
the day javier Castillo lost his sanity
This fast-paced Spanish is full of action, intrigue and suspense. perfect for fans of the romantic thriller genre!
the brief and wonderful life of oscar wao
This novel follows the short but remarkable life of Oscar de León, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey. Originally written in English, this book is a translation, but a good one.
** note: if you have an English copy of any of these titles, it can be very helpful to compare it to the Spanish versions!
the general and his labyrinth by gabriel garcía márquez
Garcia Marquez offers an unflinching portrayal of Colombian leader Simón Bolívar in his final months. This narrative departs from traditionally laudatory accounts of the Colombian figure’s life and instead investigates the inner demons and defeats that led to his untimely death.
like water for chocolate by laura Esquivel
By Mexican novelist and screenwriter Laura Esquivel, this iconic Spanish-language novel tells the story of Tita, a young woman whose emotions and desires are revealed through her cooking.
the entenado of juan josé saer
This Spanish novel describes the violent consequences between the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous people through the eyes of a young cabin boy. Highly thought-provoking, this book forces the reader to question their own perceptions of cultural identity.
signs that will precede the end of the world by yuri herrera
a powerful story that is both an examination of illegal immigration and a journey through the underworld.
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books in Spanish for young people
Once upon a time and other lies by andy weir, illustrated by sarah andersen
Alice, Dorothy and Wendy, famous for their fairy tales, are reimagined as teenagers at an exclusive magical boarding school. This wonderfully illustrated book makes for a fantastic dimension-jumping adventure!
the education of margot sanchez by lilliam rivera
After “borrowing” her father’s credit card, teenager Margot Sanchez is forced to work at her family’s grocery store as punishment. Full of heart, wit, and humor, this is a powerful and engaging read! ideal for Spanish speakers and readers alike.
Pan’s Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Fünke
Inspired by the film of the same name, this Spanish-language novel is a riveting dark fairy tale brought to life.
cardboard boxes by francisco jiménez
This novel consists of the author’s childhood memories as a migrant worker in California. a wonderful read for intermediate Spanish learners!
I taught this book for years to Spanish for Spanish Speakers and it was the perfect novel for native speakers in grades 6-9. this is one of three novels in the series and the continuation of a short story.
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malamor #1: towards the end of the world by jose ignacio valenzuela
First in the Malamor trilogy, protagonist Angela embarks on a quest to a mythical city to rescue her estranged best friend. Mystery, action, and romance follow!
the city of beasts by isabel allende
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another fantastic work by isabel allende, the city of beaststakes the reader on an exciting journey through the amazon.
hope is reborn by pam muñoz ryan
A favorite among young readers around the world, Hope Rising tells the story of a girl’s resilience and determination after moving to California farm camps during the Great Depression.
I’m not your perfect Mexican daughter by erika l. sanchez
Told with sensitivity and wit, this story follows Julia as she rebuilds her older sister Olga’s perfect life after Olga is killed in an accident.
a heartfelt tribute to the Mexican-American experience and the bonds shared between family members. This novel is a translation of the original in English.
the alchemist by pablo coelho
Long considered the masterpiece of Brazilian novelist Pablo Coelho, The Alchemistdetails the adventures of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd in search of Egyptian treasure.
Paolo Coelho is a Brazilian author who writes in Portuguese, but is recognized in Latin America for his books translated into Spanish.
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selections of children’s books in Spanish
fearless stories for girls by myriam sayalero and illustrated by ricardicus, ricard lopez
This collection of short stories focuses on intelligent and capable heroines. perfect for younger readers looking for a modern fairy tale and intermediate Spanish learners!
mother goose by susan middleton elya and illustrated by juana martinez-neal
an adorably illustrated compilation of traditional nursery rhymes with a Latin twist. This bilingual book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to Spanish words and pronunciation!
Singing of Colors: A Bilingual Harmony Book by patty rodriguez and ariana stein; illustrated by citlali reye
This adorably illustrated children’s book introduces the reader to colors, one of the most recognizable folk songs in the Spanish language canon. Spanish and English texts are included.
ana’s tamales by gwendolyn zepeda; illustrated by april ward
A sweet and heartfelt tribute to one of the Christmas traditions of the Hispanic world! especially good for little siblings.
malala yousafzai: war with words by karen leggett abouraya; illustrated by susan l. roth
the inspiring story of malala yousafzai adapted for children. Translated from the original English for a Spanish-speaking audience, this book offers a richly illustrated look at the power of education.
my daddy has a motorcycle of isabel quintero; illustrated by zeke peña
Touching and beautifully illustrated, this children’s book celebrates the bond between a father and daughter as they stroll through the neighborhood together.
just ask! by sonia sotomayor; illustrated by rafael lópez
a kind and compassionate examination of differences for a young audience. Created by the impressive author and illustrator duo of sonia sotomayor and rafael lopez, this book uses the metaphor of a community garden to celebrate diversity of experience and foster understanding.
the little prince by antoine de saint-exupéry
Beloved for its poignancy and insight, El Principito (The Little Prince) has been translated from the original French for the Spanish-speaking audience. This is a sweet and touching story that appeals to children and adults alike and is also a great introduction to simple Spanish sentences for beginners.
what things my grandmother says! by ana galán; illustrated by pablo pino
A boy describes to readers various sayings in Spanish from his grandmother.
the life of/ the life of selena by patty rodriguez, ariana stein; illustrated by citlali reye
This bilingual board book tells the story of beloved Tejano music icon, Selena. get ready to dance!
A favorite set of books here for babies is the “Seasons” series of board books from Blue Manatee Press, which you can find here.
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