September 2026 Selections
September is Hispanic Heritage Month
To access the books on our monthly MPS Reads book lists, visit your school library or local library. You can also go online to Sora* (formerly OverDrive) and log in with your MPS student ID number.
*Not all titles are available through Sora.
This page has been specially formatted for printing. To request a one-page, print-only version of these book selections for home or classroom printing, please contact webmaster@milwaukeepublicschools.org.
Primary (Preschool–Grade 2)
The Future Book
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Shawn Harris
Shapes. Do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, readers will enjoy a visually stunning journey through the lives of household appliances.
Pepe and the Parade
by Tracy Kyle, Illustrated by Mirelle Orteg
Pepe wakes up energized to attend his first Hispanic Day parade. With new food to taste and music to dance to, Pepe couldn't be more excited to celebrate and share his heritage. The parade represents 12 cultures: Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, and more!
Intermediate (Grades 3–5)
All the Blues in the Sky
by Renée Watson
Sage's thirteenth birthday was supposed to be about movies and treats, staying up late with her best friend, and watching the sunrise together. Instead, it was the day her best friend died. Sage is lost. In a counseling group with other girls, she learns that healing isn't predictable. Even as Sage grieves, good things enter her life.
Land of the Cranes
by Aida Salaza
Betita knows she is a crane. The Aztecs came from a place called Aztlan, which is now the southwest U.S., called the land of the cranes. Then Betita's beloved father is arrested and deported to Mexico. Betita and her pregnant mother are soon detained and must survive in a family detention camp. Will Betita and her family ever be whole again?
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Fearless Trailblazers
by Naibe Reynoso, Illustrated by Jone Leal
This bilingual book highlights 11 Latinos who excelled in their professional careers and made U.S. history by accomplishing something important in science, sports, the arts, and politics. Young readers will easily follow their journey to success. Each story is written in both Spanish and English to promote bilingual literacy.
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest
by Aubrey Hartman
Clare is the undead fox of Deadwood Forest. Long ago, he became an Usher, guiding souls to their final resting place. Then a badger soul named Gingersnipes was unable to leave Deadwood. Clare and Gingersnipes journey to find an answer, but they learn a shocking revelation that leaves Clare determined to change his fate.
High School (Grades 9–12)
Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band
by Christian Staebler and Sonia Paolini, Illustrated by Thibault Balahy
Brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas were talented Native American rock musicians who influenced The Doors and jammed with Jimmy Hendrix, and the idea of a band made up of all Native Americans soon followed. Created in cooperation with the Vegas family, this book takes steps to ensure the historical accuracy of this important story.
King of Nothing
by Nathanael Lessore
Anton Charles and his friends are the kings of the school, intimidating classmates. But at home, Mum reigns supreme, and she signs him up for the Happy Campers, a local activity group. Matthew, the school’s biggest dork, is in it too. How will he ever keep his reputation intact if anyone finds out? But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton’s life, everything changes.
Manga
My Hero Academia, Volume 1
by Kohei Horikoshi
What would the world be like if 80 percent of people had superpowers called "Quirks"? What would you do if you were born Quirkless? Middle school student Izuku Midoriya wants to be a hero, but he hasn't got an ounce of power. Then an encounter with All Might, the greatest hero of all, gives him a chance to change his destiny.
Books in Spanish
Llámame árbol
de Maya Gonzalez
Un cuento bilingüe en inglés y en español e imaginario de autodescubrimiento, narrado por un niño que crece, aprende sobre el mundo natural, acoge a los demás y es libre de convertirse en quien está destinado a ser: un niño tan único como un árbol.
MPS Reads Archive
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