How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
Author: Daniel Miyares
Twelve-year old Carlos’ idyllic life is shattered when Castro’s forces take over Cuba, but can his family survive the dangerous journey to America? Lush, action-packed art, back matter.
Our Young Reviewer Says:
I liked that it was based on something that actually happened. The characters were real people. I liked that it was narrated by someone who is my age which makes it more relatable. I liked that it was a graphic novel because it made such a big event easier to understand for a middle schooler.
There are illustrations throughout the book and photographs at the end of the family. The photographs made the story come to life. The picture of the family looks like it could be any family. Thinking this family was able to make it from Cuba to Florida without getting caught is amazing. After every chapter there was a picture of what was happening with the government and the people of Cuba.
Carlos’s dad didn’t like the new government of Cuba. Instead of staying there and dealing with it he decided to move to America with his family even though that was very difficult because they were leaving so many things and people behind. This is inspiring to young people because it teaches you if there is something going on that you don’t like, do something about it even if it’s challenging because if you don’t nothing will change.
–Emma, grade 7, Eastchester, NY
Young people who are interested in reviewing are invited to do so as we welcome the individual perspective of our age-appropriate readers. If you are interested in being a reviewer, contact youngreviewers@bankstreet.edu
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