(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. Pepe and his mami, papi, and abuelo are preparing their family home for ­Christmas as well as participating in a community-wide Latine Christmas ­cultural festival: “Pepe and his friends will help to decorate the square, / inspired by traditions of the heritage they share.” Their family’s contribution is a piñata, representing “the tradition mexicana,” while others bring food (“Yuca fries from Cuba. Spanish ham and rice. / Pollo from El Salvador with just a little spice”), perform music, share games, and more. Bouncy rhymes and colorful cartoony illustrations reflect the vibrancy and fun. An appended glossary, author’s note, and sources provide more details.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. Brown begins this biography of the Mexican American twins--one a member of President Obama's cabinet and presidential candidate, the other a U.S. congressman--with their grandmother's emigration from Mexico to Texas as an orphan in 1922. The twins were raised by their grandmother, who had only a third-grade education, and their single mother, "the first Chicana to run for San Antonio City Council, in 1971." The women's positive influence is clear as the well-shaped narrative emphasizes the brothers' commitment to education, hard work, and community betterment. The welcoming digital illustrations reflect the laudatory text's enthusiasm. An author's note, brief glossary of Spanish words and terms, and bibliography are appended. Concurrently published in Spanish as Pequeña habitación, grandes sueños: El viaje de Julián y Joaquín Castro.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn