By Janine M. Schall, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Latin American and Latinx people have a long history of fighting to make their world a better place. In the face of oppression, discrimination, or inequality leaders have emerged to work for change across generations. Sometimes they do so by working within the system as a political or military leader but sometimes they seek change by working outside the system to disrupt institutionalized injustice.

This collection contains 12 picturebook biographies of Latinx and Latin American activists, politicians, and freedom fighters working for political freedom, better working conditions, environmental justice and more. Some of these people are beloved by all, while others have controversial histories. While the causes, movements, and actions vary, each biography depicts someone passionate about their cause and focused on improving their community.

WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older “must have” books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen. Use the printer icon in the upper left corner of this post to print or save this list as a PDF.​

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• Themes: Aida Salazar, Anita Ganeria, Annika Aldamuy Denise, Ariana Stein, Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez, Beatriz Vidal, Benito Juárez Fights for Justice, Carolina Valencia, Child of the Flower-Song People, Citlali Reyes, Daughter of the Nahua, David A. Adler, Duncan Tonatiuh, Emma Otheguy, Forest Fighter, Gabriela Baeza Ventura, Gloria Amescua, Hero of Cinco de Mayo: Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, Janine Schall, Joe Cepeda, José Angel Gutiérrez, Jovita Wore Pants, La Vida de la Pola, Loris Lora, Margaux Carpentier, Martí’s Song for Freedom, Mirelle Ortega, Molly Mendoza, Monica Brown, Patty Rodriguez, Phenomenal AOC, Picture Book of Simón Bolívar, Robert Casilla, Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerto and Cesar Chavez, Small Room Big Dreams: The Journey of Julián and Joaquin Castro, Soldier for Equality, Stephen Marchesi
• Descriptors: WOW Dozen