Speak Up, Santiago!: (A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel) by Julio Anta, Gabi Mendez
Published by Random House Graphic on March 4, 2025
ISBN: 0593651642
Pages: 224
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

The first in a new graphic novel series about Hillside Valley. Santiago is spending the summer in Hillside Valley with his abuela, who speaks Spanish, and though Santi looks like he should speak the language, he is Colombian after all, he is not that good at it. As he worries about fitting in, he meets other kids in town, who help him. Readers who love realistic fiction graphic novels about friendship, sports, fitting in, and family will eat this book up and eagerly await the next title, which will feature one of Santi’s new friends in Hillside. The illustrations are sharp and crisp and the dialogue is spot-on. 

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School