How to Say Goodbye in Cuban, Daniel Miyares
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban, Daniel Miyares
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How to Say Goodbye in Cuban

Author: Daniel Miyares

Narrator: Giordan Diaz, Gary Tiedemann, Marisa Blake, Gustavo Rex, Veronica Thames, Demi Deaguiar, Robb Moreira, Emmanuel Chumaceiro, Annette Amelia Oliveira, Daniel Miyares

Unabridged: 1 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/03/2026


Synopsis

Here is the dramatic coming-of-age graphic novel memoir of 12-year-old Carlos (who would grow up to become the author’s father), his life during the Cuban Revolution, and his family’s harrowing escape to America.

A Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) Outstanding Comics Award Honor for Best Children's Nonfiction

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NPR, Publishers Weekly, Horn Book, School Library Journal

Carlos, who lives in a small town in the Cuban countryside, loves to play baseball with his best friend, Alvaro, and to shoot home-made slingshots with his abuelo.

One day, a miracle happens: Carlos' father, his papi, wins the lottery! He uses the money to launch his own furniture business and to move the family to a big house in the city.

Carlos hates having to move -- hates leaving Abuelo and Alvaro behind -- and hates being called country kid at his new school. But the pains of moving and middle school turn out to be the least of his problems.

When rebel leader Fidel Castro overthrows the existing Cuban president, the entire country is thrust into revolution. Then, suddenly, Papi disappears. Carlos' mother tells him that Papi has gone to America, and that they will soon join him. But Carlos really doesn't want to leave Cuba, the only home he's ever known. Besides, how will they get to America when Castro's soldiers are policing their every move? Will Carlos ever see his father again?

This powerful book about a boy coming of age amid massive political upheaval tells a timeless story of one family's quest for freedom and for a new place to call home.

About The Author

Daniel Miyares is the critically acclaimed author-illustrator of NIGHT OUT, which was called a “pleasure” by Publishers Weekly in a starred review, and FLOAT, which the Boston Globe called a “perfect wordless picture book.” He is also the illustrator of NIGHT WALK TO THE SEA, written by Deborah Wiles, described as “majestic” by Bulletin Center for Children’s Books, and THAT IS MY DREAM! a picture book version of Langston Hughes’ “Dream Variation,” hailed as “a must-read” by Kirkus in a starred review. He lives in Kansas with his family.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jesse (JesseTheReader) on January 11, 2026

A heart wrenching graphic novel following 12 year old Carlos as his family faces the Cuban revolution head on. The artwork is incredible and does a fantastic job of showcasing the intensity of the journey this family faces.......more

Goodreads review by Rod on January 17, 2026

The Cuban Revolution as seen from the perspective of a young boy whose family ends up fleeing Fidel Castro's new regime. The protagonist -- the author's father -- comes off a little bratty at time, but it seems a not unreasonable response to the stress he was experiencing as the family's property is......more

Goodreads review by Bookishrealm on October 10, 2025

A wonderfully crafted coming of age middle grade graphic novel about growing up in Cuba during the Cuban Revolution.......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on October 02, 2025

Confession: I have never been able to read a graphic novel from beginning to end. My sons have pressed their favorites on me, but I just could not manage them. There's something about how my brain processes so much art with text that it becomes overwhelming for me. Yet I finished this graphic novel b......more

Goodreads review by Emily on January 23, 2026

4.25 A glimpse inside 12-year old Carlos' everyday life--including hanging out with friends, exploring, arguing with siblings, etc.--amidst the Cuban Revolution. Updates on Fidel Castro's path (shown in gray panels) break up Carlos' story. Daniel Miyares' watercolor and ink art is gorgeous (that cover......more


Quotes

A CCBC Choices List Selection!

★ “Miyares beautifully renders Carlos' home and experiences in ink and watercolors with warm tropical tones and inky shadows that recall the work of Raul Colón.” —Booklist, starred review

★ “A heartfelt, suspenseful story about family and resilience.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “[A] reverent graphic novel about one immigrant family’s experience navigating Cuba’s tumultuous political history that offers a glimpse into the events’ effect on future generations.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Lush ink and watercolor illustrations bring emotional depth to the story....an honest look at the complicated relationships within and among Cuban families in this period." —The Horn Book, starred review

"The ­stunning art is rendered in watercolor and ink, with murky blues and browns in especially harrowing scenes and pops of orange and pink that inspire hope throughout." —School Library Journal