(1) K-3 Translated by Lawrence Schimel. Illustrated by Ana Sender. How can one visit the moon without leaving our Earth? This question, reminiscent of a riddle or folktale, is answered in a surprising and loving fashion in this Argentinian import. Emilio, on a visit from his city home to his abuelo, who lives in a deep forest, wonders about the dark side of the moon. Abuelo describes the moon's many faces, including "the face of the Earth, as if the moon were a mirror that the Earth looks into as it gets ready for bed." He offers Emilio the chance of a moon visit. The two then enter that most magical of childhood kingdoms, the world of being out after dark. Skinny, freckled grandchild and amply bearded, gnome-like grandfather leap off a cliff, hand in hand, into the silver circle of the moon as reflected in a deep lagoon. Pencil illustrations in the muted greens and grays of a nighttime forest portray a world that welcomes the storytelling imagination. Starlight, moonlight, lamplight, and firelight strange up the familiar. This well-orchestrated adventure is a childhood idyll, complete with apple cake, chocolate, just enough danger, and the ultimate luxury of being carried home asleep in a grandfather's arms.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(3) K-3 This picture-book biography tells the story of Mercedes Sosa, popular folklore Argentino singer and activist. Pérez-Prado uses accessible, lyrical prose and includes difficult details about Sosa’s life and the time period during which she performed, including her years of exile in Spain and a brief, age-appropriate history of los desaparecidos. Digital collage illustrations incorporate visual metaphors to emphasize Sosa’s culture, including her Indigenous roots. An afterword providing further historical context and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer:

(3) K-3 Fernández Nitsche follows the life of iconic Argentinian folk singer and social activist Mercedes Sosa (1935–2009), from her humble working-class upbringing to her enduring posthumous legacy as a “voice of the voiceless.” Readers learn about Sosa’s off-the-cuff first public performance at the age of fifteen; her evolution from timorous greenhorn to world-renowned, powerhouse songstress; and her musical innovation. On spreads portraying age-appropriate scenes of protest and dictatorship, Sosa’s human rights advocacy is recognized, courageous work that led to her imprisonment, exile, and eventual status as a national and Latin American hero. Readers may be left wanting to know what enabled Sosa’s triumphant repatriation. Back matter includes a biographical timeline, a glossary of Spanish words used in the text, and a playlist of the author’s favorite Sosa songs. A fitting tribute to a cultural lodestar.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(2) K-3 Translated by Elisa Amado. Illustrated by Mariana Chiesa. In the Andean mountains of Argentina, five-year-old Picu sets off on a trek to Doña Ciriaca's house to borrow "the flavor bone" that is shared among the Quechua families in the surrounding foothills and used to flavor soup. Picu's mother, with many children to feed, instructs Picu ("the shusca--the smallest sister") not to delay and to return before noon, in time to prepare the day's supper, or face punishment. Moreno establishes a folkloric narrative arc in the voice and style of Argentinian Quechua storytelling (per the translator's note). She weaves in Quechua words (a brief glossary is appended) and reveals how the land and its flora and fauna enable Picu's successful completion of her important task: "She followed the little goat prints. There were more thorns but also more mistolas. She stopped to pick some of those reddish, sweet fruit, sucked them, and then continued along the hillside." Immersive textured crayon illustrations (digitally modified) heighten the feeling of a sensorial wonderland, conveying Picu's imaginative flights. For example: a "cloud of pilu-pintu butterflies" morphs into Picu with her siblings and cousins at play rendered as white-winged butterflies. Chiesa skillfully uses light to convey mood, juxtaposing the blazing yellows of the morning sun with cool violet tones of night's intimate darkness. The story ends satisfyingly: thanks to Picu and the flavor bone, the family enjoys a delicious, nourishing soup, and Picu revels in her mother's praise.

Reviewer: Lettycia Terrones | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Florencia Gigena. The paleontologist authors take readers step-by-step through the process of unearthing, transporting, and assembling a titanosaur skeleton they discovered. Additional definitions and facts are found at the bottoms or sides of the pages. Gigena's art (which appears to be pencil and watercolor) skillfully conveys the immensity of the fossils. Small photographs of the authors and their team members at work are found throughout.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2019

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez. This affectionate picture-book biography of Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, briefly covers his childhood and early years as a Jesuit priest dedicated to helping others before describing his papal achievements thus far. Dominguez's warm acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink art highlights the hopeful enthusiasm that permeates the text. Otheguy's appended note discusses her Latinx family's connection to Catholicism. Timeline. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gina Capaldi. Recently arrived Russian immigrant Jacob invites his new friend Benito to his family's first Passover Seder in Argentina, a meal that must overcome a few mishaps. The plot is thin, but both the text and realistic full-page gouache paintings convey the warmth of the ceremonial spring meal, and of the new friendship. An author's note discusses nineteenth-century Russian Jewish immigration to Argentina.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Real-Life Story series. This in-depth biography examines the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013, richly detailing his upbringing in Argentina and his progression from Jesuit novice. Bergoglio's humility, love for the poor, and dedication to social justice are emphasized alongside political and social upheavals in Argentina and within the Catholic Church. A well-rounded and -researched portrait. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 SportsZone: Playmakers series. Each athlete profile written for newly independent readers begins with a short action anecdote. After some brief family and childhood background, the bulk of each adulatory biography deals with the development of the athlete from rookie to seasoned professional; charitable and community-building behaviors are briefly mentioned. Color photos help to personalize the rather bland narratives. Facts and quotes are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these SportsZone: Playmakers titles: Michelle Wie, Maya Moore, Mike Trout, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Rory McIlroy.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer series. The international soccer stars highlighted in these small-trim, quick biographical profiles have all overcome injuries, family pressures, and professional challenges to become world-class athletes. Supplemented with color photos and a listing of each star's career highlights and awards, the well-written narratives effectively weave subjects' personal stories and athletic achievements into bios that will inform and inspire young soccer fans. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Goal! Latin Stars of Soccer titles: Soccer Star André Iniesta, Soccer Star Kaká, Soccer Star Robinho, Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo, Soccer Star Lionel Messi, and Soccer Star Ronaldinho.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Tony Hawk: Live2Skate series. Illustrated by Fernando Cano & Joe Azpeytia. In Above, fifteen-year-old skateboarder and budding filmmaker Nate loses his skating footage in a fire. At Large follows thirteen-year-old Ryan when he travels to South America as one of the youngest members of an elite skate team. These leveled texts don't offer much depth, but the fast-paced action, skate jargon ("grinding rails," "carving quarterpipes"), and hip cartoon illustrations will please skateboard fans. Glos. Review covers these Tony HawkLive2Skate titles: At Large and Above.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(3) YA When Tessa's straight-as-an-arrow FBI father and her newly fashionable mother object to her relationship with the sophisticated Lucien, Tessa rebels and determines to follow her heart. But Lucien's dark side quickly proves too much to handle. Conway's adept use of the Buenos Aires setting tempts readers to imagine life as a wealthy ex-pat, and Tessa's conflict and choices are deeply felt.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) K-3 Illustrated by William Low. Barron has imagined an explanation for the Tehuelche artwork in the Patagonian "Cave of the Hands." The slight narrative tells of a boy anxious to participate in the annual hunt with his elders. He first gets into trouble, then proves his courage by helping another person. Low's expressive illustrations are suitably dramatic for Barron's tale (and sometimes portentous writing).

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) YA Countries of the World series. These travel guide–like volumes begin with a tourist's view of the title country: "Your plane touches down at the Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina." Chapters then cover all the expected details for report-writers: geography, flora and fauna, history, people, culture, politics, economics, and contemporary life. Vivid photographs and useful maps in an eye-pleasing design enliven the presentation. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Countries of the World titles: Brazil and Argentina.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) YA Terrorism and a financial crisis in Dani's native Argentina force her family into poverty and her dad into a depression. They eventually emigrate to America where Dani feels like an outcast until she connects with siblings affected by a similar act of terrorism: 9/11. Her father's instantaneous recovery feels rushed, but many will relate to the relevant topical issues.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) YA In this sequel to And Then Everything Unraveled, Delia's previously feared-dead mother is hiding out in South America, and Delia's pretty sure her new boyfriend's father is involved. She tries to figure out who's out to get Mom, even going to Argentina to track her down. The mystery and quirky characters will continue to please fans of the first book.

Reviewer: Amanda Mc. MacGregor

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez. This bilingual colection includes twenty-six poems about the animals of the Iguazú National Park in Argentina. The precise language and deep-hued illustrations create a sense of wonder about the jungle's "untamed living spirit." The pieces may also inspire young people to think about endangered species.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) YA Great Hispanic Heritage series. These biographies provide substantive portraits, including background information and historical context, of their subjects: beloved writer Borges, charismatic band leader Puente, and worldwide celebrity Lopez. The well-documented texts effectively combine anecdotes, quotations, and historical details. Many photographs and sidebars are also included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Great Hispanic Heritage titles: Jorge Luis Borges, Tito Puente, and Jennifer Lopez.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Even though he loves water, penguin Sergio is afraid to swim in the ocean. On a school field trip to the open sea, he finally takes the plunge--but not without his snorkel, floaties, and life preserver. Rodriguez shows a good sense of comic timing in his uncluttered three-color illustrations featuring amusing speech balloons on an appropriately icy-blue background.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) YA In alternating narratives, Silvia and her brother, Eduardo, tell of their lives in Argentina in 1977. Eduardo is imprisoned for protesting against the military-run government; Silvia devises a plan to rescue him and ends up placing herself in danger as well. The siblings' narratives effectively evoke the time and setting, but their characters aren't completely fleshed out. Reading list.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King