Speak Up, Santiago! Graphic Novel
Written by Julio Anta
Drawn by Gabi Mendez
Colors by Rodrigo Reyes Rico and Juan Murillo
Lettering by me (signed by me)
Genre: Young Adult, Bilingual
Page Count: 224
Format: Color
Size: 5.5 x 8
Published Date: March 2025
Publisher: Random House Graphic
Welcome to Hillside Valley! 12 year-old New York city kid Santi is heading upstate, in the debut of this irresistible contemporary graphic novel series about friends, family, community and identity!
Santi is excited to spend the summer in Hillside Valley, meeting the local kids, eating his Abuela's delicious food, exploring! There's just one problem—Santi doesn't speak Spanish that well and it feels like everyone he meets in Hillside does. There's Sol (she's a soccer player who really loves books), Willie, (the artist), Alejandro (Santi's unofficial tour guide!), and Nico (Alejandro's brother and blue belt in karate). In between all of their adventures in Hillside, Santi can't help but worry about his Spanish-what if he can't keep up?! Does that mean he's not Colombian enough? Will Santi find his confidence and his voice? Or will his worries cost him his new friendships...and the chance to play in Hillside's summer soccer tournament?!
Review
"An honest take on seeking acceptance and striving to fit in." —Kirkus Reviews
"Themes of celebrating one’s culture, battling insecurity, and finding self-confidence permeate this vibrantly colorful narrative, a bright start to a promising series." —Publishers Weekly
"A love note to bilingual kids, this story empowers them to feel secure in their identities and the bond of family and community." —Booklist
"[T]his graphic novel might serve as a mirror for students who feel caught between cultural expectations....An enjoyable story about learning Spanish and much more." —School Library Journal
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