Miyares, Daniel. How to Say Goodbye in Cuban. Ann Schwartz Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 2025. 978-0-593-56829-3. $21.99. 223 p. Grades 4-8.

Alongside his family twelve-year-old Carlos lives through the changes and hardships brought on by the Cuban Revolution of the late 1950s. Carlos lives in the beautiful Cuban countryside and lives a simple, idyllic life next door to his abuelo before Carlos’s father wins the lottery and moves the family away—into a large city home. Carlos’s papi also uses lottery money to start a lucrative business that is short-lived due to the coming governmental takeover of private property. Family conflicts and tensions run parallel to the escalating, unfolding political revolution in this graphic format memoir. Ultimately, Carlos and his family flee the country secretly, by boat, to avoid persecution from Fidel Castro’s new communist, Soviet-backed power.

THOUGHTS: This is a powerful graphic memoir written by Daniel Miyares to capture his father’s story of growing up and emigrating to America during the Cuban Revolution. The illustrations are detailed, colorful, and captivating; Miyares also includes enough information about the revolution to provide context for middle-grade readers without overwhelming them or making assumptions about their contextual background knowledge. This title would pair with Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis or other memoirs about growing up in the midst of political revolution and turmoil. Highly recommended at both elementary and middle school levels for purchase—an enduring standout in this year’s batch of graphic format titles.

Graphic Novel
Memoir

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban is a graphic novel based on the life of the father of Daniel Miyares, who is the author and illustrator. The story follows Carlos, a 12-year-old living in Cuba with his family. After his father hits the lottery, they leave family and friends to move to the city. Carlos has trouble fitting in, and the kids at his new school call him “Country Kid.” His father opened a furniture business and is always busy. Castro takes over and aligns Cuba with the Soviet Union. Castro takes over “factories, farms, private businesses, and homes” including Carlos’ father’s furniture business. They worry about the rebellion; their neighbors are taken away, and they hear shots nightly. The family has to make a decision to stay in Cuba or try to leave.

THOUGHTS: Carlos is a relatable character who doesn’t fully understand what is happening around him. History of Castro, Cuba, and the Bay of Pigs is sprinkled between chapters on muted colored pages. The author’s note at the back of the book tells how Miyares was told his father’s story of growing up in Cuba and his journey to the United States. My students will love this book. I would pair it with When Stars are Scattered. 

Graphic Novel
Memoir