Miyares, Daniel. How to Say Goodbye in Cuban. Daniel Miyares, Illus. Peguin Random House/Schwartz, 09/2025. 233pp. Graphic. Trade $21.99. 978-0-5935-6829-3. Paper $13.99. 978-0-593-56830-9. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Carlos is twelve years old as the Cuban Revolution is beginning, but he has other worries, like his family’s move from the Cuban countryside to the city and his father’s emotional distance. As the Revolution increases in intensity, Carlos has big questions about what the adults around him are doing. The ink and watercolor illustrations, punctuated with black and white pages about the Revolution, suit the seriousness of the narrative. Carlos and his family are drawn with tan skin, and other characters have various skin tones. An author’s note explains that the story is based on Miyares’ father’s life and provides personalized context for the book, along with photos of the real-life Carlos and his family. This is a timely graphic novel about navigating traumatic events that both children and adults can learn from.
Lillian Whithaus—Oakland Public Library