Speak Up, Santiago!: A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel by Julio Anta and illustrator Gabi Mendez is a story about friendship (even to yourself), family and finding your place. The cultural references, the ideas of community and more comes to life. The feeling is a younger The Misfits by James Howe, with colorful illustrations that brings Santi and his four new friends together. In the end it is a cozy read that is both familiar and fresh. Santi is trying to come to terms with not being “enough” for his community (he’s not Columbian enough, doesn’t speak Spanish well), and this starts to eat away his confidence. As the month he is staying with his abuela passes, he goes through emotions, lashing out, and finally ends in one amazing win. 
The pieces are nice. The artwork is simple, but keeps you engaged. We focus on Santiago, but the other four friends get their moments (and by the sounds of it, their own books, with the lone girl, Sol, coming in 2026). Soccer plays a role, martial arts is given a nod, and I am wondering if there is a modern twist that Sol is hiding from Santi. 
And while it is perhaps best for middle schoolers aged 10 to 14, I do not feel there is anything inappropriate for the younger reader. Yes, there is conflict and Santi is not always the best friend to his new friends, but it is all done for a reason and to move the story forward. Maybe the “villain” you need to fight is not learning Spanish and the expectations of others (and yourself), the story allows all readers to relate to something about the story.