The nation's classrooms have become more diverse, and children of Hispanic heritage represent a large and an important part of this multicultural mosaic. Events such as the commemoration of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon's historic voyage offer teachers the opportunity to reflect on important events of the past and connect them to students' lives today. These teachable moments have the potential to be some of the most lasting and meaningful lessons students learn. An examination of the Spanish influence which has existed in the Americas since the late fifteenth century can help students understand how important events in the past can continue to have a significant impact on today's culture, language, and society. Using the vehicle of children's literature, this article proposes various teaching strategies and suggested children's books which can be used as resources for teachers to help create a rich narrative that goes beyond the facts and academic accounts found in most social studies textbooks. (Contains 11 notes.)