Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel
Julio Anta, illustrated by Gabi Mendez
Santiago leaves New York City to spend the summer with his abuela in Hillside Valley and improve his Spanish. He hopes to play soccer with new friends, but his lack of fluency leaves him feeling excluded in the local Latine community. Worried that he is a “fake” Colombian, Santi struggles with his emotions. His reactions put pressure on his relationships with friends and family as he works through language, belonging, and Colombian identity.
This book appears on 4 reading lists across 3 editions from 4 organizations.
