How to Say Goodbye in Cuban

By: Daniel Miyares

Narrated by: Giordan Diaz, Gary Tiedemann, Marisa Blake, Gustavo Rex, Veronica Thames, Demi Deaguiar, Robb Moreira, Emmanuel Chumaceiro, Annette Amelia Oliveira, Daniel Miyares

Here is the dramatic coming-of-age graphic novel memoir of 12-year-old Carlos (who would grow up to become the author’s father), his life during the Cuban Revolution, and his family’s harrowing escape to America.

A Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Outstanding Comics Award Honor for Best Children's Nonfiction

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal

Carlos, who lives in a small town in the Cuban countryside, loves to play baseball with his best friend, Alvaro, and to shoot home-made slingshots with his abuelo.

One day, a miracle happens: Carlos' father, his papi, wins the lottery! He uses the money to launch his own furniture business and to move the family to a big house in the city.

Carlos hates having to move -- hates leaving Abuelo and Alvaro behind -- and hates being called country kid at his new school. But the pains of moving and middle school turn out to be the least of his problems.

When rebel leader Fidel Castro overthrows the existing Cuban president, the entire country is thrust into revolution. Then, suddenly, Papi disappears. Carlos' mother tells him that Papi has gone to America, and that they will soon join him. But Carlos really doesn't want to leave Cuba, the only home he's ever known. Besides, how will they get to America when Castro's soldiers are policing their every move? Will Carlos ever see his father again?

This powerful book about a boy coming of age amid massive political upheaval tells a timeless story of one family's quest for freedom and for a new place to call home.

Critic reviews

★ “Miyares beautifully renders Carlos' home and experiences in ink and watercolors with warm tropical tones and inky shadows that recall the work of Raul Colón.” —Booklist, starred review

★ “A heartfelt, suspenseful story about family and resilience.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “[A] reverent graphic novel about one immigrant family’s experience navigating Cuba’s tumultuous political history that offers a glimpse into the events’ effect on future generations.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Lush ink and watercolor illustrations bring emotional depth to the story....an honest look at the complicated relationships within and among Cuban families in this period." —The Horn Book, starred review

"The ­stunning art is rendered in watercolor and ink, with murky blues and browns in especially harrowing scenes and pops of orange and pink that inspire hope throughout." —School Library Journal