Speak Up, Santiago!
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. 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 1 in the Hillside Valley Graphic Novel series!
Honors and State Lists:
2025 New York Public Library Best Books of the Year
2025 American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children
International Latino Book Awards - Best Graphic Novel (Silver medal)
2026-2027 Texas Bluebonnet Award List
2026 Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List
2026 Children’s Books Council - OMG (Only for Middle Graders) List
2025-2026 Indiana Young Hossier Award List
2026-2027 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award List
2026 Association for Library Service to Children - Summer Reading List
2025 Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books
Reviews:
"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
Blurbs:
“A tender and loving exploration of intergenerational relationships. This wonderfully illustrated graphic novel will resonate with readers.”
- Ernesto Cisnero, Pura Belpré award winning author of Efrén Divide
“Funny, gentle, and sparkling, Speak Up Santiago is about to become my new favorite graphic novel!”
- Andrea Beatriz Arango, Newbery Honor winner for Iveliz Explains It All
“A fun graphic novel about learning to understand each other.”
- Kayla Miller, New York Times Bestselling author of the Click Series
“I’ll say it in both Spanish and English! I love this book! Me encanta este libro!”
- Raul the Third, Creator of the Vamos series, illustrator of Stuntboy
A charming story exploring the joys and challenges of being bilingual--a perfect read for those reconnecting with their culture and language!
- Kat Fajardo, Bestselling author of Miss Quinces
“A cozy, heartwarming story about persisting through your struggles! Readers are sure to enjoy a cozy, soccer-filled summer vacation at Abuela Emma’s in Hillside Valley!”
- Deya Muniz, Author of The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
“A thoughtful and charming story about communicating your feelings in another language and falling short.”
- Stephanie Rodriguez, Author of Doodles from the Boogie Down
Speak Up, Santiago is a wonderful reminder that being fluent in a language is just one of many ways folks can embrace their heritage and culture. When my parents were growing up in Texas in the 1960s, students were punished for speaking Spanish in school. Many Latino families still carry the scars of feeling like they had to choose between passing on their language or raising “American” children, and Speak Up, Santiago is a reminder to the contrary. It’s a book I wish that I had growing up, and I hope kids of all Spanish abilities will walk away from reading it with unapologetic pride for who they are.
- Congressman Joaquin Castro
