Books About Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos

Last updated: September 10, 2026

The Day of the Dead is a centuries-old Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The worldwide animated hit Coco further popularized elements of the holiday, like sugar skulls and family altars, and today Día de Muertos transcends geographical and cultural boundaries as a global phenomenon. These picture books and novels present remembrance as an act of love, connection, and celebration. Great reads any time of the year, they're especially meaningful in the days leading up to November 1 and 2, when the Day of the Dead is celebrated. For more stories that explore Latino culture and traditions, check out Books with Latino Characters. For a holiday-themed movie night, see these 5 Family Movies to Celebrate the Day of the Dead.