Speak Up, Santiago! is so much more than a bilingual graphic novel. It’s a coming-of-age story that reveals the struggles of how to connect with different generations, break barriers within a new friend group, and build up self-esteem and confidence. The pure magic between the storytelling and illustrations helps readers understand the challenges of learning a second language. Readers will be cheering for Santiago as he finds a way to communicate both at home and on the pitch.
Speak Up, Santiago! by Julio Anta, (List Price: $13.99, Random House Graphic, 9780593651636, March 2025)
Reviewed by Jenny Gilroy, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia