We're thrilled to host the launch of Speak up, Santiago!, a fantastic new graphic novel for middle grade readers and beyond. Meet the incredible author, Julio Anta (comic series HOME), who will be joined by the amazing Alex Segura (Araña/Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Man: Stories from the Spider-Verse, Secret Identity). After a reading and discussion of Speak Up, Santiago!, there will be an audience Q and A, plus a signing with Julio and Alex. Speak Up, Santiago! is the first book of the new Hillside Valley Graphic Novel series, published by Random House Graphic. An event perfect for ages 8 to 12, but older kids and adults will enjoy meeting Julio and Alex as well. Hosted by Yvonne Brooks. No RSVP required. Free. 

 

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 HIlliside'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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About the Author: Julio Anta is a Cuban and Colombian American author from Miami, Florida. He currently resides in New York City where he works to tell  stories about diverse Latinx characters for readers of all ages. He is best known for his comic book series HOME, and his work at Marvel and DC Comics. Julio is making his middle grade debut with Speak Up, Santiago!

About the Author: Alex Segura is the bestselling and award-winning author of Secret Identity, winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller, a New York Times Editor’s Choice and an NPR Best Mystery of the Year. He’s also the author of the acclaimed Pete Fernandez series, as well as the Star Wars novel, Poe Dameron: Free Fall, and the YA Spider-Verse adventure, Araña/Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow. In 2024, he published a sci-fi/espionage novel, Dark Space, co-written with Rob Hart; the graphic novel The Legendary Lynx, illustrated by Sandy Jarrell; Encanto: Nightmares and Sueños; and Alter Ego, a standalone sequel to Secret Identity. Alter Ego was an instant USA Today bestseller, featured in Cosmpolitan, Parade, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and described as “thrilling” by the Wall Street Journal. In addition to his prose writing he has written a number of comics for Marvel and DC, including Star Wars: Battle of Jakku, Spider-Society, and The Question: All Along the Watchtower. With Michael Moreci he is the writer behind the noir re-launch of Dick Tracy. He lives in New York City with his family.