Do you remember your first thrilling narrative or transformative tale from your pre-teen years?

It's a magical era for children ages 9-12, a golden period where their fascination for culture, history, and riveting stories begins to bloom. This year, as the colorful, intriguing Day of the Dead, or 'Dia de los Muertos' approaches, it’s the perfect moment to ignite their imagination and cultural awareness with books specifically tailored for this age range.

Whether you're hunting for holiday reading or diversifying your child’s literary voyage with multicultural books,

Our carefully curated list of Children's books revolving around Day of the Dead will not only entertain but also educate young minds, painting a vibrant, unforgettable picture of an iconic festival celebrated by millions around the world.

Must-Read Day of the Dead Books for Kids

"Day of the Dead" by Tony Johnston

To start off our list with a bang, "Day of the Dead" by Tony Johnston sets the stage. This beautifully illustrated book for kids can introduce the youngest member of the family to this vibrant cultural celebration. The verses are simple yet profound, and it paints an exquisite picture of the Day of the Dead festival. As a bonus, Johnston includes a useful glossary at the end to further explain the traditions and elements surrounding Dia de los Muertos.

"Ghost Squad" by Claribel A. Ortega

If you're seeking to deepen their understanding with middle-grade books that pack in history along with a captivating narrative, look no further than "Ghost Squad" by Claribel A. Ortega. This thrilling book combines elements of fantasy and adventure while maintaining a touch of historical relevance. While the story isn’t solely based around the Day of the Dead, it bears an important connection between the holiday and the storyline that children ages 9-12 will find engaging.

“The Day of the Dead/El Dia De Los Muertos” by Bob Barner

Optionally, you could also go down the path of fun educational books, such as “The Day of the Dead/El Dia De Los Muertos” by Bob Barner. This brilliantly layered book is written in English and Spanish, making language learning an added benefit. The book weaves together the festival's facts along with an engaging narrative, making it one of our top reading recommendations for multilingual households or for children keen on learning a new language.

"Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras" by Duncan Tonatiuh

Another gem worth exploring is the book "Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras" by Duncan Tonatiuh. This is one of those engaging children's books that expertly combines the Day of the Dead lore with the biography of famed Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. It introduces children to the historic iconography of Dia de los Muertos through Posada's artwork and life, making it not only an enjoyable read but also an effective tool for cultural education.

"Pablo and the Dancing Chihuahua" by A.E. Roman

"Pablo and the Dancing Chihuahua" by A.E. Roman is a delightful addition for 9-12 year-olds that mixes elements of adventure, mystery, and humor set against a Day of the Dead backdrop. The festivities, cuisine, and cultural significance of Dia de Los Muertos play a key role in the narrative, making this selection an age-appropriate book that beautifully showcases the charm of this famous holiday.

"I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story" by Janice Levy

For those interested in giving older children a more immersive experience into the Day of the Dead customs, the book "I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story" by Janice Levy makes a perfect gift. This book allows kids to experience the holiday's emotional depth through the story of a young girl celebrating her grandfather's life. This story has a gentle approach to the topic of loss, framed lovingly within the rich traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. It's an excellent choice if your objective is to spur cultural awareness in your child's reading journey.

"Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier

Finally, for the lovers of graphic novels, we recommend "Ghosts" by Raina Telgemeier. This engaging choice introduces Dia de los Muertos through the story of two sisters in a new town, discovering the true meaning of friendship, family, and the cycle of life. The unique blend of poignant storytelling matched with vivid comic-style illustrations makes this an exciting and visually appealing holiday reading choice, breathing a fresh, modern twist to the genre of Day of the Dead children's books.

25 Engaging Day of the Dead Books for Children Aged 9-12

- "The Day of The Dead" by Jen Arena
- "Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras" by Duncan Tonatiuh
- "Clatter Bash!: A Day of the Dead Celebration" by Richard Keep
- "Day of the Dead: A Pictorial Archive of Dia de Los Muertos" by Jeanette Winter
- "Ghosts for Breakfast" by Stanley Todd Terasaki
- "Rosita y Conchita" by Erich Haeger and Eric Gõnzalez
- "The Dead Family Diaz" by P.J. Bracegirdle
- "Felipa and the Day of the Dead" by Birte Muller
- "Pablo Remembers" by George Ancona
- "The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story" by Janice Levy
- "Day of the Dead" by Tony Johnston and Jeanette Winter
- "I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story" by Janice Levy
- "Day of the Dead in the USA: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon" by Regina Marchi
- "La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones" by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein
- "A Gift for Abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead" by Nancy Luenn
- "Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life and Death" by Sarah Weitzman
- "The Festival of Bones / El Festival de Las Calacas" by Luis San Vicente.
- "Serafina's Promise" by Ann E. Burg
- "Day of the Dead Activity Book" by Karl Jones
- "Maria Molina and the Days of the Dead" by Kathleen Krull
- "The Smiling Skeletons" by Caroline Cunningham
- "The Day of the Dead: A Mexican-American Celebration" by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
- "Uncle Monarch and the Day of the Dead" by Judy Goldman
- "Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book" by Jeanette Winter
- "Mi Familia Calaca / My Skeleton Family" by Cynthia Weill.

In Sum: The Power of Books

Books are a powerful way to celebrate, understand, and respect the richness of different cultures. By introducing books themed around the Day of the Dead to children aged 9-12, you are not only providing them with hours of entertainment but also fueling their curiosity about world cultures, instilling empathy, and broadening their horizons.

Every page they turn is a new adventure, and each book is a vibrant new journey where they can dive into remarkable traditions, meet unforgettable characters, and live numerous lifetimes. It is through these shared stories we foster a greater appreciation for our diverse world and ensure that the Day of the Dead –and the profound lessons of life and continuity it brings—will continue to be celebrated and kept alive for generations to come.

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