Good books can help children develop pride in their ethnic identity, knowledge about cultural history and positive role models, and improved self-esteem. However, Mexican American students often do not experience literature in this way. This digest briefly reviews Mexican American children's literature, recommends classroom strategies, provides literature selection guidelines, and suggests reading lists for various grade levels. Before 1990, few children's books with Mexican American themes were published. The past decade has seen increased dissemination of minority literature and national recognition of Mexican American authors. Using effective classroom strategies and selecting the best literature for particular groups of students are key to promoting reading among Mexican American students. Ten strategies help teachers to expand their own knowledge of available literature, influencing school district choices, incorporating multicultural readers and trade books, and involving parents and local Mexican American authors. A checklist provides nine guidelines for selecting appropriate classroom literature. A total of 67 books are recommended in the following age categories: grades pre-K-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, and grades 10-12. (Contains 15 references.) (SV)