Speak Up, Santiago! (Hillside Valley #1)
Written by Julio Anta
Illustrated by Gabi Mendez
Published by Random House Graphic
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?!
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Primary ISBN: 9780593651643
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Colombian/Colombian American
Themes: Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Friendship, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Language Ability, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Format: Graphic Novel, Generation: 2nd, Multilingual: Spanish Featured Words, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Sports, Welcoming by Community
Setting: United States (New York)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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