Leyendas/Legends: 60 Latine People Who Changed the World

Celebrate sixty legendary Latine icons who have changed the world--from artists to engineers to activists and more! This gorgeous illustrated compendium is perfect for readers of Little Leaders and Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.

Did you know ...

• A famous Colombian singer wrote her first song at just eight years old and had a record deal by thirteen.
• The work of a Mexican chemist led to the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer.
• The youngest congresswoman in US history is Puerto Rican.

Discover the stories of sixty inspiring figures--including celebrities and icons like Frida Kahlo, Roberto Clemente, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sonia Sotomayor, Shakira, Walter Mercado, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Jharrel Jerome--in this beautifully illustrated, celebratory collection showcasing the multitude of talent within the Latine community.

Each extraordinary person has a unique story--from artists who have shaped pop culture to athletes who have won championships to activists who have changed laws and so many more--and this empowering book shows that anyone can make a difference in the world if they set to their mind to it!

REAL-LIFE ROLE MODELS: This collection is filled with real-life role models, both current and historical, for aspiring artists, scientists, and activists--particularly Latine children--to relate to and see themselves in.

GREAT TEACHING RESOURCE: Offering a fresh take on traditional history or biography books for kids, Leyendas/Legends profiles famous modern-day figures as well as past and lesser-known heroes. Makes an excellent addition to classroom and library collections for young readers eager for books that represent and celebrate people of all backgrounds.

EMPOWERING READ-ALOUD: Great for reading aloud together during story time or bedtime, this volume is full of satisfying, bite-sized biographical stories that encourage conversation, connection, and dreaming big.

INSPIRING GIFT: With vibrant visuals and engaging stories, this exciting contemporary nonfiction book for kids makes a great gift for almost any giving moment, from birthdays to holidays to special celebrations.

Perfect for:

• Readers who love biographies of inspirational historical figures
• Teachers and librarians looking for multicultural books
• Fans of Latine musicians, writers, activists, artists, athletes, scientists, and more
• Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month resource book
• Gift-giving for birthdays, including quinceañeras, holidays, graduation, and any special occasion

Author: Mónica Mancillas
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Published: 08/26/2025
Pages: 132
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.07lbs
Size: 9.69h x 10.08w x 0.71d
ISBN: 9781797211985
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 09/15/2025

About the Author
Mónica Mancillas is a musician, educator, and author of picture books, middle-grade fiction, and nonfiction. She holds a BA in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley. Her books include Mariana and Her Familia, The Worry Balloon, How to Speak in Spanglish, Sing It Like Celia, and Taco Tuesdays. She lives in the United Kingdom with her much-adored daughter, husband, and dog, Annie.

Isadora Zeferino is an illustrator and comic book artist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They were featured in Taschen's The Illustrator: 100 Best from Around the World, and they have created Brazilian covers for many beloved classics, including A Wrinkle in Time, Matilda, and The Princess Diaries. They live and work in Brazil.