With more than 200 literary and cultural activities in the span of three days, LéaLA, the Los Angeles Spanish-Language Book Fair, demonstrated American Hispanics’ desire to connect with books that reflect their culture in their language. Attendance at the fair, which was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, May 15–17, hit 86,700, up from the 85,000 at the previous event in 2013. The fair featured publishers from nine countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and the U.S. More than 200 exhibitors were present, including some of the largest American publishers, such as Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, as well as independent houses such as Editorial Sexto Piso and La Jirafa.

One of the highlights of the fair was a reading of a children’s book by Mexican actor Diego Luna. Other popular readings included one from Los Angeles Philharmonic director Gustavo Dudamel, who read to a mesmerized group of children. More than 100 writers, academics, and book professionals from Latin America, Spain, and the U.S. had presentations during the fair.

This year, for the first time, organizers invited librarians to attend LéaLA and designed a special program for them. Almost 100 librarians attended the fair, a number much higher than the expected 40. Marisol Schulz, director of the fair, is thrilled with the higher turnout from librarians and says she is committed to increasing that number for the next event: “There is obviously a need for librarians to speak with publishers and distributors, look at material, and see how consumers respond to certain books. We want to offer them the space in which to explore and experience books in Spanish.”

Fiction

Amor en verso (Slammed) by Colleen Hoover

Atria Español

ISBN 978-1-4767-6500-6

Not long after their first date, Will and Layken are shaken when a discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt.

Blitz (Blitz) by David Trueba

ISBN 978-8-4339-9790-6

Anagrama

Beto is a young architect facing a personal crisis who goes to Munich to take part in a contest. He is soon forced to make difficult changes.

Ve y pon un centinela (Go Set a Watchman) by Harper Lee

HarperCollins Español

ISBN 978-0718076344

Moving and funny, this new work casts a fascinating light on Lee’s enduring classic, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Nonfiction

Así es... Dalí (This Is... Dalí) by Catherine Ingram

Blume

ISBN 978-8-4980-1736-6

The colorful life of Salvador Dalí is revealed: where he came from, how he rose to fame, and his surrealist paintings.

Cóndor (Condor) by João Pina

Blume

ISBN 978-8-4980-1770-0

This book is a tribute to the victims of Operation Condor, a military plan devised in 1975 by six Latin American countries to eliminate their political opponents.

Contracultura (Counter Culture) by David Platt

ISBN 978-1-4964-0660-6

Tyndale

New York Times bestselling author David Platt urges Christians to take a stand on such issues as poverty, sex trafficking, marriage, abortion, racism, and religious liberty, challenging them to become passionate, unwavering voices for Christ.

Develar y detonar (Uncover and Detonate) by Itala Schmelz et al.

Editorial RM + Centro de la Imagen

ISBN 978-84-16282-11-1

A survey of current Mexican photography, featuring photographers of different ages and from different parts of the country.

Un zoológico de punto (Knit Your Own Zoo) by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne

Blume

ISBN 978-8-4153-1789-0

This book includes clear knitting patterns for 25 wild animals. Entertaining descriptions of the species and beautiful photography make this book irresistible for both keen knitters and wildlife enthusiasts.

Children's/YA

En busca de WondLa (The Search for WondLa) by Tony DiTerlizzi

Editorial Océano de Mexico

ISBN 978-6-0773-5316-4

Eva, a 12-year-old girl raised by robots, must venture aboveground for the first time when her underground sanctuary is destroyed.

El Chavo: Estrella de fútbol (Soccer Star) by Maria Dominguez and Juan Pablo Lombana

Scholastic

ISBN 978-0-5458-4235-8

Well-known TV character Chavo and his pals are invited to watch the Mexican national soccer team play at home. Will Mexico win the big game?

El Chavo: Una aventura a lo grande (A Great Big Adventure) by Maria Dominguez and Juan Pablo Lombana

Scholastic Inc.

ISBN 978-0-5458-4236-5

Chavo and his pals are determined to steal a delicious plate of cookies from Don Ramon. A crazy adventure ensues, involving catapults, tiny shrinking kids, and a giant spider.

Despierta tu héroe interior (Awaken your Inner Hero) by Victor Manzanilla

Grupo Nelson

ISBN 978-0-7180-2149-8

The author reveals the archetypical hero’s journey, with principles that have been used for centuries to write great stories, to help you summon the courage to live a great life.

iSistema Solar! (iSolar System)

Blume

ISBN 978-8-4980-1733-5

This interactive book takes readers on a journey through space. From the Moon to the outer planets, it includes stunning images that makes the mysteries of the solar system come alive.

Martina y el gatito vagabundo (Martina and the Stray Kitten) by Gilbert Delahaye and Marcel Marlier

Thule Ediciones

ISBN 978-8-4925-9506-8

Martina and Juan go to play in the river one afternoon and come across a litter of kittens. Martina and Juan must find shelter for the strays.