1. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
The youngest daughter in a Mexican family, Tita has been forbidden to marry and forced to take care of her mother until she dies. But, Tita falls in love with Pedro. In a desperate act to stay a part of her life, Pedro marries Tita’s sister and, for two decades, the two are unable to act on their passion, keeping their love a secret until a crazy twist of events reunites them.
2. The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
This family saga spans three generations of the Trueba family, including the political patriarch, his magical wife, and their daughter, who — with her forbidden love — conceive Alba, an ambitious girl who may just be the saving grace of the family and their country.
3. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevado
Since getting pregnant during her first year of high school, Emoni Santiago has put her daughter first, sacrificing her dreams of becoming a chef along the way. But the kitchen is the one place she feels free from the pressure of responsibility, and once she starts cooking, her talent takes over and opens a door that she thought she had closed.
4. Carmelo by Sandra Cisneros
Every year, Lala and the rest of the Reyes family travel from Chicago to Mexico City to visit “the Little Grandfather and Awful Grandmother.” This summer, Lala is determined to discover why her grandmother is so awful, and as her life story unfolds, generations of family history, lies, and secrets are discovered.
5. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
In a series of vignettes, The House on Mango Street follows a young Latina girl coming of age and discovering her identity in Chicago.
