Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

I really enjoyed this book and shared it with some 4th/5th graders at my school! Thank you for sharing.

Adrianna Cuevas’ latest novel for young people takes place in the 1960s. Its seeds were planted then, too.

The author, who lives outside Austin, is a first-generation Cuban American whose father came alone to Miami as a teenager after Castro’s rise to power. She’d always known that her grandparents sent him to the United States, but she didn’t know many details. As she mulled ideas for the book that would follow her Pura Belpré-honored debut, “The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez,” she realized it was time to dig deeper.

Part of it was the inherent drama that would be ideal for a story aimed at children aged 8 to 12. An even bigger part, Cuevas explained in a phone interview, was her realization that the time to hear this family history was drawing short.

“I knew I didn't want to miss out on the chance to find out what it was really like for him to come to the U.S.,” she said. “It was something I knew about, but it wasn’t really something that was discussed. It wasn't dinner-table conversation. While I had heard little bits and pieces here and there, I had never really gotten the whole story, or an opportunity to really ask him what things were like.”

Cuevas used her father’s experiences as a springboard for “Cuba in My Pocket” (Farrar Straus Giroux BYR, $16.99). She launches the book with a virtual event at 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at BookPeople, in conversation with Ellen Oh, author of “Finding Junie Kim” and the co-founder of We Need Diverse Books. Registration is free, and signed and personalized books are for sale.

“Cuba In My Pocket” centers on 12-year-old Cumba, whose parents send him to live in Miami to avoid being drafted into Young Rebel training that the new Castro-led government runs. With an altered passport and in a strange country with limited knowledge of the language, Cumba learns to navigate his new life, while still holding on to hope that the rest of his family will join him in a few months as promised.

Heading to school is a particular challenge, with its swirling sounds of unfamiliar words and customs: “School is a hurricane of noise,” Cumba writes to his little brother, Pepito. “Remember when that storm came through when you were little and the branches of the banyan tree banged on the windows all night? We couldn’t sleep. That’s school. It’s all banging, all noise. I watch everyone’s move, to see what they’re doing and guess if that’s what I should be doing, too.”

Cuevas, a former ESL teacher, was acutely aware of what her former students experienced, as well as her father’s crystalline memories.

"Of all of the things that my dad told me about his experience, I could tell that his experience in school must have been what stuck with him the most,” she said. “He was 72 when he was telling me all this stuff about when he was 15, and that was the most vivid information he gave me. He remembers the teacher who mispronounced his name, he remembered the teacher who basically ignored him. He remembered the teachers at the next school who acknowledged and helped him as much as they could.

“As a middle-grade author, our books are used so much in classrooms, and the gatekeepers of our books are the teachers and librarians. I almost wanted to include those scenes to speak to teachers ... so they can see what it's like for some of their students in their classrooms.”

Cuevas still loves school settings. She’s offering free 30-minute virtual classroom visits this school year, booked through her website. And she’s conscious that though “Cuba In My Pocket” has its roots in history, its lessons are still relevant.

“When I was writing the book, the news was dominated by undocumented minors coming across the U.S.-Mexican border,” she said. “While this is my personal story and this is a family story, this is nothing new in terms of the history of the United States. We didn't have this influx of Cuban immigrants and then it ended. Always, because of world politics and humanity, this is something that happens. These are the choices that parents have to make to keep their children safe.”

Equally heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas shows us the power of place, family, and identity in the midst of turmoil. 12 year old Cumba is forced to leave Cuba to avoid being forced into Castro's army. Navigating a new environment is hard enough without having to learn a new language and culture that feel so alien, and doing it alone. When Cumba just starts to get his feet under him he is again pulled away, and while it feels daunting he soon settles into a rhythm that has him embracing his new life. When Cuba starts to return to him he struggles with reconciling his new life with the one he left behind. This book was beautifully told, Cumba is a compelling narrator whose emotions feel like the reader's own. From the moments of joy to the ones of profound sadness, Cuba in My Pocket sheds light onto a moment of history not often told from the perspective of one so affected by it.

I flew through this historical fiction story, wanting to know more about Cumba and his family. I feel like most stories circa 1960s Cuba have taken place in Cuba, or in northern USA. When Cumba flees Cuba to escape from Castro's regime, he ends up in southern Florida, which is a place of refuge for many Cubans. I was fascinated by his story and efforts to fit in to his new adopted homeland, without his family. I am sure this is a story for so many young Cubans and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more. Highly recommended for middle school readers.

I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My how I loved this book! Cumba and his family are managing as well as they can from Castro's grip on Cuba. However, when mandatory youth conscription is threatened for Cumba, his family makes a way to smuggle him out of Cuba, to the United States. Poignantly written, you feel the emotion Cumba has about leaving his family, his country, and adjusting to a new country that is foreign to him in every way. I hope Adrianna Cuevas wins ALL the big awards for this one. She deserves it. #NetGalley #CubaInMyPocket

This book was fantastic - and so different from the author's debut! As the daughter of someone who came to Puerto Rico from Cuba around the same year Cumba did, I really related to his story. And as an ESOL teacher, I can vouch for the realities of bad and good school experiences he went through. I will definitely be recommending this one to students.

When Fidel Castro liberates Cuba, 12-year-old Cumba Fernandez doesn’t feel liberated. He feels scared. Soldiers with guns on every street corner, neighbors whispering against neighbor, and his comfortable life in Santa Clara no longer feels comfortable. His parents, a lawyer and a dentist, come under scrutiny from the new regime.

In fact, one solider, a boyhood friend of his father’s, seems to take particular interest in the Fernandez family and their loyalty to Castro’s cause. When he demands Cumba join Castro’s Young Rebel movement, the Fernandez family bands together to get Cumba out of Cuba before the deadline.

In 1961, leaving Cuba means giving up all connection with home—except for infrequent letters. Will Cumba’s family ever make it out alive? And how will he ever fit in at a new school where he doesn’t understand the teachers or the students?

Why I Loved this Book

My husband and his family escaped from Cuba in 1969. I’ve heard stories from his family about their time in Cuba (he was three when they left, so doesn’t remember much), and Cuevas’s book helps me understand the political and social upheaval my husband and his family experienced.

Readers will appreciate Cumba’s sense of humor and adaptability in the face of peril. Although Cumba sees and hears things he wishes he could unsee and unhear, he finds ways to cling to the positive. When he lands in a foreign country with no close family members, he forages friendships and builds relationships which will help sustain him while he awaits word from Cuba.

Cuevas paints beautifully poignant pictures of Cuba, family, and friendships. Readers will appreciate this own-voices book for the lyrical beauty of the words and the understanding it brings to the complexities of history, immigration, and childhood. Fans of Laura Ojeda Melchor and Angeline Boulley will enjoy Cuba in My Pocket.

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas will be added to all of my teacher's classrooms. The story's relevance to today (even with the historical side) makes for great discussion, as do themes of courage, oppression, and strength. I know that my middle school students will devour Cuba in My Pocket.

Cuba in my Pocket is loosely based on the author’s dad and his life. Cumba Fernandez leaves Cuba shortly after the Bay of Pigs invasion to avoid having to go into Fidel Castro’s program for young soldiers. His parents send him to Miami to live with a cousin all by himself. He doesn’t understand the language or the way of life in the United States. Slowly, Cumba makes some friends who help him with his English and help him become more acclimated to life in the US. Through all of his experiences, Cumba realizes even though it is hard to leave your family behind, it is possible to find people that become like family in other places. A wonderful, heartfelt book about immigration, the harsh reality of life in Cuba in the 60s, and what family really means.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas, 2021

Recommended for grades 4-8; Historical Fiction

Brief Review:

It’s 1961 in Santa Clara, Cuba, and life has been turned upside down by Fidel Castro’s rise to power and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Twelve-year-old Cumba Fernandez and his family and friends live in fear of Fidel’s soldiers, especially since Cumba is old enough to be forced into joining the garrison. His parents decide to protect him by sending him to Florida. In order to successfully escape Cuba, Cumba needs falsified documents claiming that he will be studying in America. Once in Florida, Cumba must navigate all the challenges of life in a new country with a different language. With the help of various new friends, he gradually acclimates, but all the while, he misses his homeland and fears for his family’s safety. Much of the book centers around Cumba’s conflicting desires to hold onto his memories and relationships, but also to “forget where [he came] from in order so [he] can bear being in a new place.” For middle grade readers who don’t necessarily know much about Cuba or its role in the Cold War, this book is an eye-opening picture of what life is like amidst such extreme political turmoil. Although Cuba in My Pocket doesn’t say much about communism itself or the greater context of the Cold War, it has a lot of educational value for the context it will offer to students when they encounter those topics elsewhere.

Long Review:

It’s 1961 in Santa Clara, Cuba, and life has been turned upside down by Fidel Castro’s rise to power and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. Twelve-year-old Cumba Fernandez and his friend Serapio play a game called AFDF (Antes de Fidel, Despues de Fidel) in which they try to one-up each other’s examples of how life “before Fidel” was better than life “after Fidel”. AFDF may be a joke, but Cumba and his family and friends are truly afraid of Fidel’s soldiers, especially since twelve is old enough to be forced into joining the garrison. Cumba’s family decides to protect him by sending him away to Prima Benita, a relative who lives in Miami. Eventually, he is to be joined by his younger brother Pepito and the rest of the family. 

The Cuban government is making it difficult for people to leave. People who flee Cuba are called “gusanos” and are considered “a worm and a cobarde”. The only way to get Cumba out of the country is to produce falsified documents claiming that he is traveling for school. By the time Cumba actually escapes Cuba, he is being actively pursued by a sinister soldier named Ignacio who has given him a deadline for joining the garrison. But Cumba’s departure is successful and he arrives safely in Miami. He brings with him a “caja de muertos”, the unlucky double nine domino, which he carries around in his pocket for most of the rest of the book as a pessimistic reminder of the losses and dangers he is enduring. As long as he’s an exile from his home country and his family is still living under an oppressive government, Cumba isn’t safe or happy.

Once in Florida, Cumba must navigate all the challenges of life in a new country with a different language. His new school doesn’t accommodate his limited English vocabulary, and Cumba is overwhelmed. But he quickly befriends Alejandro and Valeria, two other Cuban refugees who are staying with Prima Benita. Just when things are starting to get easier and Cumba has even befriended a classmate, Prima Benita puts him into foster care in order to take in more refugee children. 

Although Cumba isn’t happy leaving Prima Benita, Alejandro, and Valeria, his new home in Key Largo turns out to be comfortable and happy. His foster parents are generous and supportive, and Cumba is reunited with his friend Serapio, who also fled Cuba. But the situation back in Cuba isn’t improving and Cumba’s parents are even in jail for a while. Cumba doesn’t want to give up hope, but there’s a part of him that still believes what he told his cousin earlier in the book, that you have to “forget where you come from so you can bear being in a new place.”

For middle grade readers who don’t necessarily know much about Cuba or its role in the Cold War, this book is an eye-opening picture of what life is like amidst such extreme political turmoil. Although Cuba in My Pocket doesn’t say much about communism itself or the greater context of the Cold War, it has a lot of educational value for the context it will offer to students when they encounter those topics elsewhere. It also has some interesting themes, most notably seen in Cumba’s internal conflict as he tries to reconcile his Cuban identity with his desire to be free of Cuba. At one point, Cumba struggles to keep up with writing letters to his brother because it’s difficult to appreciate the opportunities in his new life when he’s preoccupied with everything he’s left behind.

While I personally didn't find this to be a particularly interesting book, I feel that it's worth recommending for its educational value, its representation of Cuba and (by extension) Cuban Americans, and its themes of hope, identity, memory, and moving forward into a brighter future.

Cuba in My Pocket is a tale of a Cuban boy, Cumba, facing the threat of military service. Cumba's parents send him to the U.S. where he struggles to adapt to unfamiliar places, food, English, and school. A book that touches the reader's heart. @NetGalley @acuevaswrites

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

I love historical fiction, and when I found out this book was inspired by the real life events of the author's father, I was even more interested in reading the story. And it did not disappoint. I was engaged in the story from the first page and particularly liked the use of letters between Pepito and Cumba. A beautiful story about family, friendship, and home.

Teaching Note: Would be very interesting to pair this with Inside Out & Back Again and have students compare the experiences of Cumba and Hà.

This book is perfect for my middle school classroom. It combines a historical even that is unfamiliar with an immigrant childhood story that is very familiar. for some students. Cumba has to flew Cuba after Fidel's revolution to come to the United States on his own. When he leaves Cuba he doesn't know if he will see his family, friends, or country again. The author sprinkled in Spanish words and also provided a glossary to help those of us who don't speak Spanish. Cumba experience once he reaches the U.S. are both scary and funny as are most middle school adventures. Will Cumba ever learn to hope again or will bad luck always follow him? The author's note is a can't miss feature of this book and could be very helpful if looking at it for a lesson.

From my blog post: So you all know that I love a good historical fiction and this one was no exception. CIMP gives insight as to what it could be like for those who have immigrated, not just to the US but anywhere really, and what could’ve led them to their new home. Growing up, I heard quite a few stories from my own family members about their experiences but there is always something special about reading other experiences and learning those histories. There was also a lovely balance of the emotional, funny and life lessons in this book. I also believe it would help kids to develop a sense of empathy for those learning their way around a new environment.

Cuba in My Pocket” is an engaging middle grade novel set in 1961 in Santa Clara Cuba and Miami, Florida. Author Adrianna Cuevas drew on stories from her father to craft a work of historical fiction that explores themes of home, grief, and healing. The main character of Cumba lives with his parents, grandparents, and younger brother Pepito in a Cuba that has emerged from a revolution a changed country, where fears and suspicion threaten to bring continued violence. Cumba’s family is in danger, because of his father’s ties to the previous government. Cumba himself, will soon be forced to report for military training. His family decides to send Cumba to the United States for safety. The first half of the book contains the drama of their secret plan as its put in motion. In the latter part of the book Cumba struggles to adjust to life in America. Always he carries with him the pain and grief of leaving his family and homeland, represented literally by a domino, the "caja de muertos" that he keeps in his pocket. With the help of some new friends Cumba learns to be hopeful again. Cuevas’ story is one that will act as a mirror for many young immigrants. It is also one that will spark readers to want to read more about Cuban history and culture.

Cuba in My Pocket is based on a true family story. With Cuba currently in turmoil again, this historical fiction novel is even more timely. In the book, Cuban soldiers shout, "Patria o muerte!" which means "Homeland or death" and today in Cuba, the people say "Patria y vida!" which means "Homeland and life!"

When the Bay of Pigs Invasion fails, twelve year old Cumba Fernandez's family sends him to the United States to prevent him from being sent to the Soviet Union for military training. Cueva devotes a fair amount of time to the rising tensions in Cuba and the what the family must go through to send their son away. Once in the U.S., Cumba has much to learn and worries for the safety of the family he left behind in Cuba. It is easy to put yourself in Cumba's shoes and worry with him as to what the future holds. You may be familiar with stories of Cuban refugees fleeing in small boats or rafts, but this story seems to take place before the major exodus and, for me at least, filled in some of the lesser known history of the era.

A really heartfelt human story set against a precisely portrayed historic period. Cumba is a relatable narrator and a fully fleshed out character, and there's a full cast of side characters who feature. There is a bit of an episodic feel to the arc of the story, with the sections set in Cuba, Miami, and Key West sometimes seeming a little disconnected. However, this is a well-written choice for either lovers of historical fiction or those looking for a story based in family and friendship.

Cumba is a twelve year old boy living in Cuba at the time Fidel Castro rises to power. Castro is rounding up boys ages twelve and up to send them to Russia to be trained in the military. In order to escape the horrors that have befallen Cuba, Cumba's parents make the difficult decision to send him to America in order to keep him safe. Cumba knows very little English and the move to Florida is very difficult for him. He misses his family and wonders if he will ever see them again.

This novel touches upon a time in history in which many refugees, mainly children, were coming to the United States in search of a safer life. The story is told from Cumba's perspective and how he felt about all of the changes occurring in his life. The pain and sadness he experienced is evident in the writing and the reader can feel his emotions along with him. This is an important novel to help others understand why refugees come to the United States and what Americans can do to help welcome them and ease the transition.

The story is told with Spanish phrases throughout, which made it difficult to follow at times as the author doesn't always explain what the phrases mean. At the end of the novel, I did discover that there was a glossary of terms, which would have been helpful to know before reading the book. If using this novel in a classroom setting, pre-teaching some of the Spanish vocabulary would be helpful to students.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #MacmillanKids for an ARC of #CubainMyPocket by #AdriannaCuevas in exchange for an honest review. 4 1/2 stars (rounded to 5)

Cuba in My Pocket is a powerful book -- a must-read for middle grade and YA students! I'll admit that I didn't learn much about the history of Cuba or the takeover by Fidel as a child, and it was heart-wrenching to read about from Cumba's point of view.

I didn't realize how much of the book would take place IN Cuba, but the action started to pick up about 1/3 of the way in. So many amazing characters were woven into Cumba's experiences, and I really felt the truth of Mr. Rogers' quote about looking for the helpers.

As current events unfold in the Middle East, I think Cuba in My Pocket can help 21st-century kids develop empathy for refugees fleeing Afghanistan under a terrorist regime.

Content warning: please be aware that there are frightening scenes involving Cuban soldiers, including a firing squad (and references to it later).