Speak Up, Santiago!: (A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel)

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

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

Story Locale:Fictional Hudson Valley town

Series Overview: Each book will follow a different kid in Santi's friend group. Book 2 slated for Spring 2026 will follow Sol, with more to come!

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.

Author Residence: New York City, New York

Author Hometown: Miami, Florida

Gabi Mendez is a queer Mexican-American comics artist and illustrator. Originally from San Pedro, California, Gabi is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the sequential art master’s program at SCAD. Gabi made her graphic novel debut with Lo and Behold and lives in Chicago, where she’s working on the next Hillside graphic novel.

Illustrator Residence:Chicago, Illinois

Illustrator Hometown:San Pedra, California