Speak Up, Santiago!

Written by Julio Anta · Illustrated by Gabi Mendez

Part of the Hillside Valley series

A city kid faces language barriers and self-doubt in a summer of friendship and soccer.

4.1 Goodreads · 575 ratings

224 pages· 7,810 words· Est. 1.5 hour read· GN390L

$13.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Santi, a 12-year-old from New York, spends the summer in Hillside Valley, eager to make friends and explore. But his limited Spanish makes him question his identity and place among new friends like Sol, Willie, and Alejandro. As he navigates adventures and cultural challenges, Santi must find his voice to secure his friendships and a spot in the summer soccer tournament. Will he overcome his fears and embrace his heritage, or will his insecurities hold him back?

From the publisher

Welcome to Hillside Valley! 12 year-old New York city kid Santi is heading upstate, in the debut of this irresistible contemporary graphic novel series about friends, family, community and identity–just right for fans of Mexikid and the Click series! 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 Hillside’s summer soccer tournament?! Book 1 in the Hillside Valley Graphic Novel series introduces an unforgettable group of kids readers will love–look for more Hillside Valley graphic novels, coming soon! “A fun graphic novel about learning to understand each other.”–Kayla Miller, creator of the Click Series “I’ll say it in both Spanish and English! I love this book! Me encanta este libro!” –Raul the Third, illustrator of Stuntboy “A perfect read.”–Kat Fajardo, creator of Miss Quinces

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