Although many new books depict Latino people and culture in a positive realistic or artistic perspective, others continue to present stereotypes or are marked by poor translations that do not represent the richness of the Spanish language. Annotations review 10 recommended and 13 not recommended books for young readers. (SLD)

Discusses how Scott O'Dell's books that deal with pre-Columbian Hispanic cultures reveal his limited views of those cultures and his use of stereotypes in describing the pre-Columbian, Mexican, and Spanish people.

Lists good books and insensitive and stereotyped books about Hispanic Americans for young readers. A tentative grade level is indicated, along with a brief description of each book. Those that are recommended are marked. An annotated bibliography of 17 titles is grouped by children and adolescents. (SLD)