5 books featuring Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead celebration
Growing up in Puerto Rico, I'd always heard about the Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico with altars, marigolds, and sweet bread for the spirits of loved ones. Unlike Halloween, it’s not about scares, it’s about remembering. Families gather to honor ancestors, decorating graves and homes, leaving offerings of food, candles, and photos.
For us book lovers, there’s no better way to experience the magic of Día de los Muertos than through stories that bring these traditions to life. Here are five books available in the Libby app that feature this Mexican tradition.
Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
If you haven’t read Raina Telgemeier, you’re missing out. Her graphic novels are like little warm hugs—and this one has a touch of spookiness. Ghosts follows sisters Cat and Maya as they move to Bahía de la Luna, a town full of ghosts and family secrets. It’s sweet, funny, full of Mexican culture, and makes you feel the love of familia.
Cemetery Boys
by Aiden Thomas
If you want something with magic, heart, and a little swoon, Cemetery Boys is it! Yadriel wants to prove himself to his traditional family, but when he accidentally summons a ghost, everything gets wild. This book is about identity, love, and all the ways family can surprise you. This stuck with me long after I finished it
Gods of Jade and Shadow
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This adult fantasy opens on the Day of the Dead with Casiopea discovering her connection to the Mayan god of death. Gods of Jade and Shadow takes you to 1920s Mexico, and a journey through the underworld. You’ll meet gods, spirits, and a whole lot of adventure, all wrapped in Moreno-Garcia’s gorgeous writing.
The Invisible Parade
by Leigh Bardugo
Set on the night of Día de Los Muertos, Cala doesn’t want to join the neighborhood party, still grieving her grandfather. But when she gets separated from her family, four mysterious riders help her discover courage and strength in unexpected places. The illustrations alone are worth it, but the story is full of heart and lessons.
The Ofrenda That We Built
by Jolene Gutiérrez
This picture book introduces young readers to the traditions of Día de los Muertos, showing the colorful altars and traditions to honor ancestors. It’s a sweet story all about family, memory, and honoring loved ones. Perfect for kids or anyone who loves a book that makes your heart swell a little.
*Title availability may vary.
Día de los Muertos is about remembering and celebrating, and these books do that in such beautiful, different ways. These stories invite readers of all ages into the traditions where the living and the dead are connected by memory.
Check out these titles in Libby and get swept up in stories that make you feel close to the people you love, living or not.
Published Oct 28, 2025
Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia
Nahomy Ortiz-Garcia is a social media specialist for OverDrive. When she’s not working, she’s most likely reading or creating bookish content for @NahomysLibrary. Nahomy’s current favorite book is Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole.