Speak Up Santiago - Graphic Novel
- Vanessa Bettencourt
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Book Info:
Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta & Gabi Mendez (Graphic Novel)
Genre: Middle Grade
Publishing Date: March 4, 2025
Review
4.5 stars
Short, easy to read, and right to the point. All characters make mistakes, making it more realistic, and all know how to do the right thing and apologize at the right moment. Santiago is visiting his Colombian for the Summer and only Spanish is allowed (so he can improve his skills).
It can't be easy to feel frustrated for not being able to communicate; more than that, the lack of communication is not just a language barrier; it's also being aware of the limits. What can be a joke for some can be hurtful to others and that is not a language problem. I am glad the author covered the difference with a positive ending. It's very easy to misunderstand others (due to a lack of self-confidence even) or be misunderstood. Communication is the key.
Synopsis:
How can you speak up if you don’t have the words?
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 HIlliside’s summer soccer tournament?!
Book Links:
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/speak-up-santiago-a-hillside-valley-graphic-novel-1-julio-anta/21526134
About Julio Anta:
Julio Anta is the writer of many graphic novels including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, Home and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.
Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.
Julio’s Links:
Website: https://www.julioanta.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/JulioAnta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julioanta
About Gabi Mendeze
Gabi Mendez is a queer latinx comics artist and illustrator. A graduate of the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Sequential Art Master’s program at SCAD, she is currently working and taking on new and exciting projects! She writes a lot of silly comics, says “dude” too much, and just wants everyone to feel included.
Gabi’s Links:
Website: https://www.gabimendez.com/about-1
Twitter: https://x.com/hobbleshmobble
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hobbleshmobble/
Tour Schedule:
@tbrbeyondtours & @julioanta & @hobbleshmobble
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