Are you looking for Día de los Muertos books for elementary students? Well, you’re in the right place! I’ve got a collection of heartwarming and educational Día de los Muertos picture books that will not only honor the rich heritage of your students but also bring diversity and fun into your classroom.
But first, let me share a little something about myself. I’m not a Mexican-American; I’m white and I speak Spanish as a second language. Yet, I understand the importance of embracing diversity and making every student feel seen and appreciated. That’s why I worked to put together this list of Día de los Muertos books for elementary students that can bridge cultures and open up exciting discussions in the classroom. The transformation I’ve witnessed in my students’ understanding and empathy is truly remarkable.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to some fantastic Día de los Muertos books for elementary students that celebrate this beautiful holiday that honors the memories of loved ones who have passed away. But before we dive into the book recommendations, let me tell you why these books are so special.
Why Día de los Muertos Books Matter
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and colorful celebration of life and death in many parts of Mexico. It’s a time to remember and celebrate our loved ones who have departed, and it’s a perfect opportunity to teach our students about diversity, traditions, and the importance of cherishing memories.
By incorporating Día de los Muertos books into your teaching, you’ll:
1. Promote Cultural Understanding: These books offer insights into Mexican traditions and allow students to appreciate the beauty of different cultures.
2. Encourage Empathy: Reading about the importance of family and remembrance can foster empathy in young minds.
3. Enhance Language Skills: Many of these books are bilingual, making them a valuable resource for language development.
Now, before we get started, a quick heads-up: I’m an Amazon affiliate, which means that if you decide to purchase any of these Día de los Muertos books using the links I provide, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a way for you to support this blog and keep the educational resources flowing.
Recommended Día de los Muertos Books for Elementary Students
Book 1: Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras
Summary: Explore the fascinating story of calaveras, those delightful skeletons that have become synonymous with Día de los Muertos, through the eyes of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada.
Activity: Encourage your students to create their own calavera drawings inspired by the book. Let their creativity shine!
Book 2: I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo Recuerdo a Abuelito: Un Cuento del Día de los Muertos
Summary: Join a young girl as she prepares to honor her grandfather on the Day of the Dead in this bilingual book.
Activity: Inspire your students to write or draw their own memories of loved ones, fostering connections and understanding.
Book 3: The Dead Family Díaz (Spanish Version)
Summary: Follow the adventures of Angelito, a young skeleton, as he overcomes his fears during Día de los Muertos celebrations.
Activity: Have a discussion with your students about facing their fears and embracing new experiences. Share personal stories to make it relatable.
Book 4: Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book
Summary: Discover the vibrant world of Día de los Muertos through the alphabet as you explore calaveras for each letter.
Activity: Challenge your students to create their own alphabet book using elements from their own culture or family traditions.
Book 5: The Remembering Day / El día de los muertos
Summary: Travel back in time to Mexico and learn about the significance of a special day for remembering loved ones.
Activity: Encourage students to share stories about their own family traditions, creating a sense of community and understanding.
Book 6: Mi Familia: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Summary: Join Valentina and her loving family as they celebrate the Day of the Dead, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Activity: Invite your students to share stories about their own families and the traditions that hold them together.
Book 7: Chicano Jr’s Day of the Dead Adventure
Summary: Experience Día de los Muertos in both English and Spanish through the adventures of Chicano Jr.
Activity: Organize a multicultural celebration in your classroom where students can learn about different holidays and traditions.
Book 8: The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos: A Bilingual Celebration
Summary: Dive into the colorful festivities of Día de los Muertos, with text in both English and Spanish.
Activity: Have a classroom celebration where students create their own ofrendas (offerings) and share stories about their loved ones.
The Final Chapter: Día de los Muertos Books for Elementary Students
Día de los Muertos is a magical celebration that offers rich opportunities for cultural understanding, empathy, and language development in the classroom. By incorporating these wonderful books, you can create a classroom environment that celebrates diversity, cherishes memories, and transforms your students’ perspectives.
Explore these Día de los Muertos books, ignite conversations, and watch the magic unfold in your classroom. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for our students. Happy reading and celebrating Día de los Muertos!
For even more Día de los Muertos ideas, be sure to read my post full of Día de los Muertos Activities.
