Spanish Is the Language of My Family

Spanish is the Language of My Family is an intergenerational bilingual picture book about a boy preparing for his school's Spanish spelling bee who turns to his grandmother for help — and discovers through her memories the painful history of a time when Latino children were forbidden to speak Spanish at school and punished for doing so. Based on stories author Michael Genhart's mother told him as a child, the book weaves English and Spanish together naturally throughout, celebrating both languages as living expressions of heritage, pride, and connection across generations.

This is a beautiful choice for students because it opens a powerful conversation about language, cultural identity, and the generational resilience of Spanish-speaking communities in America.

Publishing Details

Author : Michael Genhart

Illustrator : John Parra

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Hardcover

Pages: 40

Size: 8.7 x 10.2 inches

Year Published: 2023

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Hispanic Heritage Month, Family, Identity, About POC