Speak Up, Santiago! (Hillside Valley #1)
Julio Anta, illus. by Gabi Mendez. Random House, $21.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-593-65164-3
Anta (This Is Our Land) and Mendez (Lo and Behold) charm in this graphic novel series launch that follows middle schooler Santi, who is leaving New York City for the summer to visit his grandmother in idyllic upstate Hillside Valley. What’s supposed to be a fun excursion is overshadowed by his insecurities with his Spanish-speaking skills: though his grandmother is Colombian, he didn’t grow up speaking Spanish. And though he’s been practicing, he’s nervous to put what he’s learned to the test. In Hillside, he befriends local kids who invite him to join their soccer team, learns about the town’s Latin American community, and finds a comfortable rhythm communicating with his abuela, but various incidents challenge his limited understanding of Spanish, causing embarrassment and anxiety to rise. Soon he’s acting out of character and threatening his relationship with Abuela and his new friends. Santi’s thoughts and side-by-side speech bubbles translate the liberal Spanish spoken throughout. Themes of celebrating one’s culture, battling insecurity, and finding self-confidence permeate this vibrantly colorful narrative, a bright start to a promising series. Ages 8–12. (Mar.)
Details
Reviewed on: 12/05/2024
Genre: Children's
Library Binding - 224 pages - 978-0-593-65165-0
Paperback - 224 pages - 978-0-593-65163-6