Second Generation Blues: A Graphic Novel by Julio Anta, Red Dryer (PREORDER)

Young Adult Fiction - Comics and Graphic Novels - Coming of Age - Romance - Contemporary - Diversity and Multicultural

RELEASE DATE: 9/29/2029 (WILL SHIP DIRECTLY FROM OUR SUPPLIER'S WAREHOUSE)

Almost American Girl meets Brownstone in Second Generation Blues, a poignant coming-of-age young adult graphic novel about a Cuban American teen as he struggles to choose between being the son his parents need him to be and living the life he wants.

Luis Menendez wants to be free from his immigrant Cuban-American parents’ expectations. Instead, he’s spending the summer delivering food for his family's faltering restaurant, sweating under the hot sun and the crushing weight of a future he didn’t choose.

At least there’s Yara. Confident, assertive, and basically Luis’s dream girl, she might be the only person who understands him. If only he had any free time to spend with her.

Amid the chaos, Luis starts carving out his own path. But when trying to be the son his parents need clashes with the life he wants, he’s forced to face the question he’s most afraid of answering: Is family loyalty worth sacrificing his own happiness?

CONTRIBUTOR BIO:

Julio Anta is the author of many graphic novels, including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera; Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States; Speak Up, Santiago!; and This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story. Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and currently resides in New York City, where he works to tell narratively rich stories about a diverse range of Latinx characters for readers of all ages.

Red Dryer is a Mexican comic artist working on a solo debut graphic novel, along with a second untitled book, with HarperCollins Publishers. Dryer was born in White Plains, New York, is currently based out of California, and now pursues storytelling with heavy topics in a digestible manner.

Review Quotes:

"A vibrant, heartfelt coming-of-age story about the messy magic of teenage summers." - Pablo Leon, award-winning author of Silenced Voices

"This story lives at the delightful crossroads of mouthwatering Cuban food, tough immigrant parents, and trying to live your best teen life." - Jorge Aguirre, author of Call Me Iggy

"A thoughtful, hopeful, and real about the struggle to find yourself without losing yourself." - Victoria Evans, author of The History of Everything

"Leveraging a familiar premise, Anta excels at unpacking the intergenerational struggles that at times define immigrant parents and their children. Dryer's grounded artwork remains focused on the characters on each page, using frame breaks during tense moments for greater impact.
Refreshingly sincere." - Kirkus Reviews

"Relatable dialogue and emotive, character-focused artwork portray Luis's vulnerability and yearning for understanding with nuance and sensitivity. The result is an attentive and affirming portrait of one teen's experience blazing his own trail." - Publishers Weekly

"Scorching shades of orange, yellow, and pink stress the heat of summer in the city. This coming-of-age graphic novel uses technology, social media, and work to highlight the generational chasm between immigrants who came to the U.S. with nothing and their children with twenty first-century dreams." - Booklist

"Anta, who is making a name for himself for authentic Latine representation, has created another appealing protagonist. This coming-of-age graphic novel offers a realistic and respectful look at immigrant families and the struggles their second-generation children might face. Artist Dryer illustrates the diverse cast of characters with aplomb, and their warm yellow and orange palette enhances the city atmosphere. This duo's excellent dynamic makes for a thoughtful narrative. An eye-opening read that introduces YA audiences to cultural experiences and dynamics different from their own." - School Library Journal