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Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States
Meet the unsung Latino rebels, artists, and activists who changed the United States–from Dolores Huerta to Desi Arnaz to Lin Manuel Miranda–in this bold and entertaining graphic history.
From community activism, to the halls of government, pop-culture, arts, and beyond, Latinos have shaped every aspect of American life. Nevertheless, these significant figures and their contributions are often left out of our textbooks. Sí, Se Puede, named after the “Yes, We Can” motto of the United Farm Workers, brings Latino history in the U.S. to the forefront.
The book follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they embark on an interactive museum tour to meet Latino heroes they may not have learned about in school. The high tech, immersive exhibit allows the tour group to virtually travel through time, visiting the Hispanic Union soldiers of the Civil War; marching with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the farmworkers struggle; going to space with Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina to leave Earth’s atmosphere; meeting the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; and more. This ensemble of unlikely friends discover the rich history of Latinos in the United States, and gain new insights into their own American experiences.
Sí, Se Puede shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Latino heroes throughout US history, bringing their stories to life through the sequential action, illustrated characters, and lush color palette of a graphic novel.
From community activism, to the halls of government, pop-culture, arts, and beyond, Latinos have shaped every aspect of American life. Nevertheless, these significant figures and their contributions are often left out of our textbooks. Sí, Se Puede, named after the “Yes, We Can” motto of the United Farm Workers, brings Latino history in the U.S. to the forefront.
The book follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they embark on an interactive museum tour to meet Latino heroes they may not have learned about in school. The high tech, immersive exhibit allows the tour group to virtually travel through time, visiting the Hispanic Union soldiers of the Civil War; marching with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the farmworkers struggle; going to space with Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina to leave Earth’s atmosphere; meeting the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; and more. This ensemble of unlikely friends discover the rich history of Latinos in the United States, and gain new insights into their own American experiences.
Sí, Se Puede shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Latino heroes throughout US history, bringing their stories to life through the sequential action, illustrated characters, and lush color palette of a graphic novel.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
10 people are currently reading
4877 people want to read
About the author
Julio Anta
18 books75 followersJulio Anta is the writer of many graphic novels including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, Home and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.
Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.
Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 22, 2023
si se puede is an extremely important illustrated history. did you know 20% of the u.s. population is latino? such a significant number, yet latino history is often glossed over.
the book covers soldiers in the u.s. civil war, activists, athletes, scientists, entertainers, and politicians; all latinos whose stories often go untold, but who have each been part of u.s. history.
our story starts with a discussion of labels (from spanish, to hispanic, to latino, to latinx or latine), which is extremely important. we cover the dark early history of colonization and genocide, which is heartbreaking but also important to acknowledge. and i really appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from complexity, particularly in the chapter about the u.s. civil war. latinos fought on both sides of the war, both for and against slavery of african americans. a greater number did fight on the side of emancipation, but humans are diverse and complicated, and the picture isn't entirely black and white.
i was really happy to learn more about figures whose names were familiar but whose stories i'd never really learned. césar chávez and dolores heurta, in particular, are activists that all american kids should be learning about in school.
my only issue with this book is that sometimes it feels text-heavy. i wanted more from the art; more dynamic images to catch the eye. but overall, it still tells important stories in an accessible manner, which is extremely important!
in the end, there's a chapter on significant modern day figures, which is really interesting. modern day immigration horrors and ICE injustices are mentioned, but not delved into deeply; i suppose because that history is still being written.
the book ultimately ends on an inspiring, hopeful note. it must be a challenging balance, to acknowledge harsh realities and yet remain hopeful and celebratory. julio anta has does a wonderful job of walking that line.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
the book covers soldiers in the u.s. civil war, activists, athletes, scientists, entertainers, and politicians; all latinos whose stories often go untold, but who have each been part of u.s. history.
our story starts with a discussion of labels (from spanish, to hispanic, to latino, to latinx or latine), which is extremely important. we cover the dark early history of colonization and genocide, which is heartbreaking but also important to acknowledge. and i really appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from complexity, particularly in the chapter about the u.s. civil war. latinos fought on both sides of the war, both for and against slavery of african americans. a greater number did fight on the side of emancipation, but humans are diverse and complicated, and the picture isn't entirely black and white.
i was really happy to learn more about figures whose names were familiar but whose stories i'd never really learned. césar chávez and dolores heurta, in particular, are activists that all american kids should be learning about in school.
my only issue with this book is that sometimes it feels text-heavy. i wanted more from the art; more dynamic images to catch the eye. but overall, it still tells important stories in an accessible manner, which is extremely important!
in the end, there's a chapter on significant modern day figures, which is really interesting. modern day immigration horrors and ICE injustices are mentioned, but not delved into deeply; i suppose because that history is still being written.
the book ultimately ends on an inspiring, hopeful note. it must be a challenging balance, to acknowledge harsh realities and yet remain hopeful and celebratory. julio anta has does a wonderful job of walking that line.
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
Earlier this year, I read Good Girls Don't Make History, a graphic history of the women's suffrage movement, so a look at another underrepresented part of American history seemed like a natural next step. Sí, Se Puede highlights the contributions of Latinos (the book briefly discusses the use of words like Latine and Latinx but defaults to Latino) in the US, ranging from soldiers in the Civil War to scientists to actors and singers. Some of the names you're sure to recognize, but others—unless you are particularly well versed in Latino-US history—will likely be new to you.
I'm particularly interested in the discussion of Sylvia Mendez, who was at the centre of a court case about segregation that predated Brown v. Board of Education by a decade but did not (to the best of my admittedly patchy memory) make it into my history textbooks. It feels particularly illustrative of how limited the view of history is in textbooks—the story in US textbooks is so often told from a white perspective, and with only a limited nod to minority experiences. I can imagine this book being a valuable classroom resource.
The book is structured as a walk through an immersive museum exhibit. From a storytelling perspective, I would have liked to get to know the museum visitors (and guide) we follow—they're introduced at the beginning, but beyond that introduction we only get the barest of glimpses of the life of the oldest woman, Yolanda, and a suggestion that a man in his 40s hasn't heard of feminism (...slightly concerning). The illustrations get their point across but are rather flat, and this is probably best read for history rather than a particular interest in graphic novels. (It is worth noting that I read an ARC six months before the publication date, so it is possible that the illustrations are not final.) There's some good food for thought, though, in discussions of how language, and the language used to convey identity, has changed, of the "myth of the monolith," and more.
Thanks to the authors and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I'm particularly interested in the discussion of Sylvia Mendez, who was at the centre of a court case about segregation that predated Brown v. Board of Education by a decade but did not (to the best of my admittedly patchy memory) make it into my history textbooks. It feels particularly illustrative of how limited the view of history is in textbooks—the story in US textbooks is so often told from a white perspective, and with only a limited nod to minority experiences. I can imagine this book being a valuable classroom resource.
The book is structured as a walk through an immersive museum exhibit. From a storytelling perspective, I would have liked to get to know the museum visitors (and guide) we follow—they're introduced at the beginning, but beyond that introduction we only get the barest of glimpses of the life of the oldest woman, Yolanda, and a suggestion that a man in his 40s hasn't heard of feminism (...slightly concerning). The illustrations get their point across but are rather flat, and this is probably best read for history rather than a particular interest in graphic novels. (It is worth noting that I read an ARC six months before the publication date, so it is possible that the illustrations are not final.) There's some good food for thought, though, in discussions of how language, and the language used to convey identity, has changed, of the "myth of the monolith," and more.
Thanks to the authors and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
January 28, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley, for offering the opportunity to read this ARC.
Before I will start my review you have to know that I am not American, I am Polish so I genuinely know barely anything about Latinos/Latinas history in the US.
I really enjoyed this comic book. It was super educational for someone who doesn't know anything about American history. I appreciate the fact that the author is not avoiding bad moments as well. The variety of people we learn about on these pages is pretty impressive. We have activists, scientists, politicians, musicians, actors... Illustrations are clear and detailed, it is absolutely possible to recognise people we are learning about. I think that if you are interested into the history of Latinos/Latinas in the US or you are a parent who wants to give their child a good piece of a history that will definitely not bore them, then this one is a perfect idea.
Before I will start my review you have to know that I am not American, I am Polish so I genuinely know barely anything about Latinos/Latinas history in the US.
I really enjoyed this comic book. It was super educational for someone who doesn't know anything about American history. I appreciate the fact that the author is not avoiding bad moments as well. The variety of people we learn about on these pages is pretty impressive. We have activists, scientists, politicians, musicians, actors... Illustrations are clear and detailed, it is absolutely possible to recognise people we are learning about. I think that if you are interested into the history of Latinos/Latinas in the US or you are a parent who wants to give their child a good piece of a history that will definitely not bore them, then this one is a perfect idea.
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November 25, 2023"As an entry point into the subject, as a work of graphic nonfiction, and as a celebration of the proud history of a rich ethnic heritage, Sí, Se Puede is a work well worth adding to any collection and can hopefully serve as a jumping-off point for further conversation, learning, and celebration of the vital diversity that has shaped the United States since its founding."
Full review at No Flying No Tights: https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/202...
Full review at No Flying No Tights: https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/202...
October 3, 2024
This is a great graphic nonfiction biography collection about Latines in United States history. The frame story is a group of 4 Latines taking a tour of a new museum exhibit that explores the lives of Latin Americans in the U.S. They learn about a variety of figures, from Civil War soldiers to baseball players and activists.
I would've loved a deeper dive into each person, but that wasn't really the point of the book.
I would've loved a deeper dive into each person, but that wasn't really the point of the book.
March 22, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the eARC.
4.5* This graphic novel follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they embark on an interactive museum tour to meet Latino heroes they may not have learned about in school.
I really liked the way it talked about all these people, we learned about scientists, activists, politicians, entertainers, athletes and many other Latine people who changed the world for the better. The information is really accessible and easy to understand, it's short and goes straight to the point, and I think it encourages the reader to research and learn even more from the people and topics they follow. We see personalities like Sylvia Rivera and Mario Molina, as well as many others with different backgrounds and professions. Overall, it's a very informative read and one that I would thoroughly recommend.
cw: mentions of gun violence, war, racism, colonization, xenophobia, and misogyny.
4.5* This graphic novel follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they embark on an interactive museum tour to meet Latino heroes they may not have learned about in school.
I really liked the way it talked about all these people, we learned about scientists, activists, politicians, entertainers, athletes and many other Latine people who changed the world for the better. The information is really accessible and easy to understand, it's short and goes straight to the point, and I think it encourages the reader to research and learn even more from the people and topics they follow. We see personalities like Sylvia Rivera and Mario Molina, as well as many others with different backgrounds and professions. Overall, it's a very informative read and one that I would thoroughly recommend.
cw: mentions of gun violence, war, racism, colonization, xenophobia, and misogyny.
November 23, 2023
This was informative! I appreciate getting introduced to so many Latino heroes in such colourful and striking graphics. It was inspiring to say the least, especially when reading about the ways some of these historical people came up with to help their communities.
I will say that the info is a bit hard to remember in the end since it all feels very packed. I got barrages of information flung at me in every line I read while the storytelling aspect is barely there it feels like. But it's okay! I still enjoyed myself so that's what matters, am I right? :>
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I will say that the info is a bit hard to remember in the end since it all feels very packed. I got barrages of information flung at me in every line I read while the storytelling aspect is barely there it feels like. But it's okay! I still enjoyed myself so that's what matters, am I right? :>
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley, for offering the opportunity to read this ARC. 4.5* I learned so much from reading this graphic novel, and I loved the illustrations and how it tells the story of these heroes' impact on America. As the title says, there’s a lot to know about the impact of Latinos/Latinas in the United States, yet so crucial In a history that sometimes gets forgotten or erased. I recommend everyone to read this book, very informative and great storytelling!
November 26, 2024
This is a must read of any American.
July 7, 2023
I loved all the things I learnt through this graphic novel. I still think we need much more Hispanic representation in books and a graphic novel is a great way to learn about historical figures!
June 7, 2023
I loved this graphic novel. It was like a rewritten history textbook focusing on just influential Latine figures throughout the US's history. The information was easy to read and digest, but I go into every graphic novel thinking I can read it in one sitting. Sí, Se Puede should be read chapter by chapter with breaks in between. My history-loving heart couldn't help it, but I think that would be my number one suggestion for readers. There is a lot of information here, and readers should take the time to sit with what they learned about in between to better grasp what's being taught.
I agree with other reviewers that setting this in a museum felt like a good way to introduce these concepts, with the museum goers being people from different Latine backgrounds to put the lessons into perspective. But it also felt a bit cliché. It works well, but there were some moments of dialogue that I felt like could have been taken out and the impact of the stories would have been just as powerful.
Overall, this is a 100% recommended read from me. A great history to have on your shelf to learn more about how influential Latine people have been, and a good resource for a classroom or high school library. Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press. This title publishes October 10, 2023.
I agree with other reviewers that setting this in a museum felt like a good way to introduce these concepts, with the museum goers being people from different Latine backgrounds to put the lessons into perspective. But it also felt a bit cliché. It works well, but there were some moments of dialogue that I felt like could have been taken out and the impact of the stories would have been just as powerful.
Overall, this is a 100% recommended read from me. A great history to have on your shelf to learn more about how influential Latine people have been, and a good resource for a classroom or high school library. Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press. This title publishes October 10, 2023.
July 10, 2023
First of all I want to thank netgalley for providing me with this graphic novel.
The novel tells us about various Latino people who immigrated to the United States, from singers to scientists, how each one affected the history of the country and the lives of others.
Although I liked the way of telling the life of each one of the characters, I felt that it was missing, that there could have been a little more interaction between the protagonists and the historical characters. Make them guide your lives. rather it was like watching a program from the outside and for a short time.
but in itself it is a good way to learn a little more about historical characters, ideal for children and for those who enjoy simpler books.
For me I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
The novel tells us about various Latino people who immigrated to the United States, from singers to scientists, how each one affected the history of the country and the lives of others.
Although I liked the way of telling the life of each one of the characters, I felt that it was missing, that there could have been a little more interaction between the protagonists and the historical characters. Make them guide your lives. rather it was like watching a program from the outside and for a short time.
but in itself it is a good way to learn a little more about historical characters, ideal for children and for those who enjoy simpler books.
For me I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
September 22, 2023
This is a review based on the advanced reader ebook copy I received from NetGalley.
First of all, I LOVED this book! Both the art and the writing were so well thought out and fitting to the subject at hand. This is a book about Latinx history, culture, and influence in the United States throughout history. And it goes all the way back. And it goes all the way forward.
The illustrations in this book are vibrant, clear, and detailed. Flores Montañez takes care in visually representing the diversity of the Latinx community in each panel. Her choice of colors also helps keep the reader engaged and guides them between the different places and time periods.
The writing is top notch. The setting for this book is fascinating; Anta begins with placing the reader in an interactive museum exhibit. We meet our tour guide, Camilo and four fellow visitors on the tour. These visitors are from different generations, and they (or their families) came from different countries at different points in time. They represent just a handful of the differences faced by Latinx people in the US today.
Throughout the book we journey to different parts of the exhibit, looking at historical and contemporary Latinx figures from all walks of life. There are activists, athletes, scientists, entertainers, and more. And what this book does really well is that it digs into some of the names that we might already be familiar with (César Chavez, Rita Moreno, Ellen Ochoa, etc.) while also introducing us to names that might not be as well-known to all readers (such as Felipe Luciano, Sylvia Acevedo, Dara Torres, and more).
Not only does the book address serious issues such as colonialism, intersectionality, colorism, discrimination, and more, but it also tackles these topics without being dismissive of the differing opinions that may exist on the subject. A great example of this is around the term “Latinx.” I won’t spoil it here, but the conversation among the characters in the book is genuinely thoughtful and considerate of the different perspectives they each hold. Anta also provides an index at the end of this book, something not often seen in comics or graphic novels but something that is incredibly useful in a classroom text.
The only “downside” that I saw to this book is that it wasn’t released until after the fall semester started. Otherwise, I would have included the book in my college curriculum unit on the US as Latin America. Combining this graphic novel with academic articles or chapters (some from the books Anta references at the end of the book) would be a great way to help students more fully understand the impact of Latin Americans and Latines on the US.
I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy of this book when it is released!
First of all, I LOVED this book! Both the art and the writing were so well thought out and fitting to the subject at hand. This is a book about Latinx history, culture, and influence in the United States throughout history. And it goes all the way back. And it goes all the way forward.
The illustrations in this book are vibrant, clear, and detailed. Flores Montañez takes care in visually representing the diversity of the Latinx community in each panel. Her choice of colors also helps keep the reader engaged and guides them between the different places and time periods.
The writing is top notch. The setting for this book is fascinating; Anta begins with placing the reader in an interactive museum exhibit. We meet our tour guide, Camilo and four fellow visitors on the tour. These visitors are from different generations, and they (or their families) came from different countries at different points in time. They represent just a handful of the differences faced by Latinx people in the US today.
Throughout the book we journey to different parts of the exhibit, looking at historical and contemporary Latinx figures from all walks of life. There are activists, athletes, scientists, entertainers, and more. And what this book does really well is that it digs into some of the names that we might already be familiar with (César Chavez, Rita Moreno, Ellen Ochoa, etc.) while also introducing us to names that might not be as well-known to all readers (such as Felipe Luciano, Sylvia Acevedo, Dara Torres, and more).
Not only does the book address serious issues such as colonialism, intersectionality, colorism, discrimination, and more, but it also tackles these topics without being dismissive of the differing opinions that may exist on the subject. A great example of this is around the term “Latinx.” I won’t spoil it here, but the conversation among the characters in the book is genuinely thoughtful and considerate of the different perspectives they each hold. Anta also provides an index at the end of this book, something not often seen in comics or graphic novels but something that is incredibly useful in a classroom text.
The only “downside” that I saw to this book is that it wasn’t released until after the fall semester started. Otherwise, I would have included the book in my college curriculum unit on the US as Latin America. Combining this graphic novel with academic articles or chapters (some from the books Anta references at the end of the book) would be a great way to help students more fully understand the impact of Latin Americans and Latines on the US.
I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy of this book when it is released!
June 22, 2023
First I would like to thank Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
As someone who identifies as part of the Latino community I was curious and excited when I saw this book. I love learning about history and I was curious how this book was a graphic novel covering some of the most important Latino figures within the US.
What I Loved:
- Museum concept, this story is focused around a fictional museum which walks a diverse group of Latinos through different phases of Latino history
- Timeline, this story covers everything from the indigenous cultures of the Americas through the US's most recent historical figures
- Subjects, I enjoy how they chose to highlight Latinos who made contributions across a wide range of subjects including military, science, entertainment, sports and politics
- Learning, there were more people featured in this book that I didn't know about than I did and it was amazing what type of contributions different members of the Latino community have made to the development of the US
- Art, the art within this book and how they drew each person and the color choices used throughout the story really added to the overall feeling of the book and was super engaging.
I love reading books where I learn something new and the fact that this is a graphic novel made it even better. I will be telling anyone who will listen about this book and recommending it to everyone because I think in the time we are currently living everyone should take the time and learn about all of the communities which have contributed to the building and growth of our nation.
If you like non-fiction, are interested in learning stories from the Latino community or just learning about a different part of US history run don't walk to get your hands on this book!
As someone who identifies as part of the Latino community I was curious and excited when I saw this book. I love learning about history and I was curious how this book was a graphic novel covering some of the most important Latino figures within the US.
What I Loved:
- Museum concept, this story is focused around a fictional museum which walks a diverse group of Latinos through different phases of Latino history
- Timeline, this story covers everything from the indigenous cultures of the Americas through the US's most recent historical figures
- Subjects, I enjoy how they chose to highlight Latinos who made contributions across a wide range of subjects including military, science, entertainment, sports and politics
- Learning, there were more people featured in this book that I didn't know about than I did and it was amazing what type of contributions different members of the Latino community have made to the development of the US
- Art, the art within this book and how they drew each person and the color choices used throughout the story really added to the overall feeling of the book and was super engaging.
I love reading books where I learn something new and the fact that this is a graphic novel made it even better. I will be telling anyone who will listen about this book and recommending it to everyone because I think in the time we are currently living everyone should take the time and learn about all of the communities which have contributed to the building and growth of our nation.
If you like non-fiction, are interested in learning stories from the Latino community or just learning about a different part of US history run don't walk to get your hands on this book!
July 25, 2023
It’s been a while since I sat down to read a graphic novel and this one definitely is a tough one to get back into it. While I’m always eager to learn, the idea of learning through a graphic novel sounded so satisfying since it’s easier to digest. I think that’s the main reason why this book is a wonderful recommendation for all ages. The point I was trying to make is that it does start out with a lot of text and information to swallow. You definitely have to pay attention with this one.
As a European the history on the continent of America was interesting in itself since it’s parts we gloss over during our own history classes. We have enough major events and centuries of European history to focus on. Readin the quick summation of the years and the actions of the USA truly made me wonder how that all is being taught in the USA – if at all. My own country, Belgium, has a horrible colonization history and I remember it being taught in schools and it being very clear that it was bad. But looking back at it now, I feel like a lot was still glossed over and not truly mentioned. The crimes of our own royalty and military definitely gets mentioned but the impact? Not really.
It’s interesting, is it not – because then you have the World Wars that get so much attention in European history classes because as a whole we were the victims so we feel the need, rightfully so, to make sure people get educated and all the information is out there. But as soon as it’s a historical event where you’re the bad guy… History is written by the victors. Never forget that.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
As a European the history on the continent of America was interesting in itself since it’s parts we gloss over during our own history classes. We have enough major events and centuries of European history to focus on. Readin the quick summation of the years and the actions of the USA truly made me wonder how that all is being taught in the USA – if at all. My own country, Belgium, has a horrible colonization history and I remember it being taught in schools and it being very clear that it was bad. But looking back at it now, I feel like a lot was still glossed over and not truly mentioned. The crimes of our own royalty and military definitely gets mentioned but the impact? Not really.
It’s interesting, is it not – because then you have the World Wars that get so much attention in European history classes because as a whole we were the victims so we feel the need, rightfully so, to make sure people get educated and all the information is out there. But as soon as it’s a historical event where you’re the bad guy… History is written by the victors. Never forget that.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
April 25, 2023
Si, Se Puede is a very good overview of Latines who have had a major impact on the United States — in terms of politics, social movements, science, and culture. This graphic novel centers around a small group of Latines being guided through a Latin American History “museum” — which was an occasionally fun, but also occasionally tiresome, premise. history (and does so in a highly accessible way). The museum guide takes the group to different exhibits and highlights people in Latine past and present.
Due to this structure, and also perhaps due to the graphic novel format, the profiles were brief and somewhat shallow. I still, however, learned a lot, and think that people of all ages with little to no knowledge of important Latine historical figures would benefit from reading this. Oh, and I also didn’t love the approach to gender — early on in the graphic novel, the characters discuss non-gendered terms (i.e., Latine and Latinx) and the author still opts to use Latino, basically because more inclusive terms aren’t mainstream enough yet. Not great.
Basically, the structure and depth didn’t totally work for me, and the terminology could’ve been more inclusive, but the content is important, it was generally enjoyable to read, and I’m glad it exists.
Due to this structure, and also perhaps due to the graphic novel format, the profiles were brief and somewhat shallow. I still, however, learned a lot, and think that people of all ages with little to no knowledge of important Latine historical figures would benefit from reading this. Oh, and I also didn’t love the approach to gender — early on in the graphic novel, the characters discuss non-gendered terms (i.e., Latine and Latinx) and the author still opts to use Latino, basically because more inclusive terms aren’t mainstream enough yet. Not great.
Basically, the structure and depth didn’t totally work for me, and the terminology could’ve been more inclusive, but the content is important, it was generally enjoyable to read, and I’m glad it exists.
October 9, 2023
A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.
4/5 - Really liked it!
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel covers the often overlooked and forgotten history of Latino trailblazers who promoted a variety of advances. The story covers everything from military heroes to leaders of social movements to scientists to athletes to politicians to influential artists. In between the stories, readers learn about the history of Latinos not only in the U.S. but throughout North and South America, as well as concepts regarding feminism, activism, and the importance of representation within culture and politics.
This is a fantastic resource for students of U.S. history, but also a fascinating account of the many contributions of Latino individuals not only to the progress of American advancement but also on the welfare of the world. Although the book explores some heavy topics, I had the impression of being on a journey similar to the Magic Schoolbus, in which an interesting and well-informed guide took me on a stunningly-illustrated tour of the different moments in history shaped by Latino Americans. Overall, this was an informative and fascinating read.
4/5 - Really liked it!
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel covers the often overlooked and forgotten history of Latino trailblazers who promoted a variety of advances. The story covers everything from military heroes to leaders of social movements to scientists to athletes to politicians to influential artists. In between the stories, readers learn about the history of Latinos not only in the U.S. but throughout North and South America, as well as concepts regarding feminism, activism, and the importance of representation within culture and politics.
This is a fantastic resource for students of U.S. history, but also a fascinating account of the many contributions of Latino individuals not only to the progress of American advancement but also on the welfare of the world. Although the book explores some heavy topics, I had the impression of being on a journey similar to the Magic Schoolbus, in which an interesting and well-informed guide took me on a stunningly-illustrated tour of the different moments in history shaped by Latino Americans. Overall, this was an informative and fascinating read.
April 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
It took me a moment to get into this book as I thought the introduction of the museum-tour format was a bit abrupt, but after sticking it out through the first few pages, the book was great! This nonfiction graphic novel read very smoothly and was quite entertaining and informative. It contains brief biographies of many important Latino figures in American history dating from the Civil War up until today. Featured people included political figures, sports icons, entertainers, inventors, astronauts, and many others.
The tour format was well utilized, because on the tour were a small group of Latino people of different ages, origins, and backgrounds and their unique experiences and points of view came into play during different exhibits. Sometimes they knew something from lived experience or could say how a person was perceived in a particular Latino community.
I really did enjoy this book and I know that it will have a meaningful impact on readers. I was reading this e-arc on a plane and a white man in the row behind me who was traveling with his Latino wife and their three children stopped me to ask what I was reading, saying that it looked like it would be a perfect book for his family! Of course, I gave him the information.
It took me a moment to get into this book as I thought the introduction of the museum-tour format was a bit abrupt, but after sticking it out through the first few pages, the book was great! This nonfiction graphic novel read very smoothly and was quite entertaining and informative. It contains brief biographies of many important Latino figures in American history dating from the Civil War up until today. Featured people included political figures, sports icons, entertainers, inventors, astronauts, and many others.
The tour format was well utilized, because on the tour were a small group of Latino people of different ages, origins, and backgrounds and their unique experiences and points of view came into play during different exhibits. Sometimes they knew something from lived experience or could say how a person was perceived in a particular Latino community.
I really did enjoy this book and I know that it will have a meaningful impact on readers. I was reading this e-arc on a plane and a white man in the row behind me who was traveling with his Latino wife and their three children stopped me to ask what I was reading, saying that it looked like it would be a perfect book for his family! Of course, I gave him the information.
June 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for this ARC!
- If I still taught, I would instantly buy this for my classroom! This book is a perfect way to extend discussions on social justice and history. Whether as an extension book for curious students or as a whole class read, this book is necessary to get into the hands of students!
- I really enjoyed how the book was laid out! After going in-depth on a few people in a certain topic (from science to sports to entertainment), they include a few more people with a smaller highlight on their past. The way that they managed a deep dive as well as covering a broad range of trailblazers was really well done.
- I liked how it was framed as an interactive museum exhibit. While parts of the book had a lot of information, the interactive exhibit made it much more engaging.
- I loved how much I wanted to share the new information I learned! I often found myself reading some highlights aloud to my husband throughout this book.
- If I still taught, I would instantly buy this for my classroom! This book is a perfect way to extend discussions on social justice and history. Whether as an extension book for curious students or as a whole class read, this book is necessary to get into the hands of students!
- I really enjoyed how the book was laid out! After going in-depth on a few people in a certain topic (from science to sports to entertainment), they include a few more people with a smaller highlight on their past. The way that they managed a deep dive as well as covering a broad range of trailblazers was really well done.
- I liked how it was framed as an interactive museum exhibit. While parts of the book had a lot of information, the interactive exhibit made it much more engaging.
- I loved how much I wanted to share the new information I learned! I often found myself reading some highlights aloud to my husband throughout this book.
August 18, 2023
Absolutely adore the approach in this graphic novel history of Latinos in the United States because the narrator takes the other characters through the history to the present of movers and shakers in the Latino world that were shaped by their own individual cultures in different parts of the world to colonization, and ultimately what impact they have on everyday life here in the United States dropping facts and knowledge but also providing deeper learning around topics like gendered language the Spanish language and what's up with "latinx" to the percentage of Latinos in the United States to the shifts from Spanish to Hispanic to Latino and where we find famous Latinos from the Supreme Court to the laboratory.
It's chock full of information without losing pace or interest with vignettes and breaking the fourth wall. It's similar in complexity and visual historical interest to the March trilogy.
It's chock full of information without losing pace or interest with vignettes and breaking the fourth wall. It's similar in complexity and visual historical interest to the March trilogy.
October 18, 2025
This was a really fascinating read. Having only been familiar with a small portion of Latinx history, it was really cool to be walked through their role in America’s history. That being said, this book, while narrative, can be dense at times. I’m not a huge history buff, so at times having all the names, dates, and places was a lot.
The artistry and time traveling in this graphic novel was amazing. Everything was vibrant, intentional, and informative. I really enjoyed seeing the time periods being portrayed and all of the different regions being highlighted for their varying accomplishments. It was powerful to see how many women really helped bring the culture to the forefront too. Not only through pop culture, but politics and science as well.
This would be such a cool novel to use in a classroom to introduce Latinx history and showcase the role they have played in this country. I’d highly recommend this to those curious about the culture and its impact.
The artistry and time traveling in this graphic novel was amazing. Everything was vibrant, intentional, and informative. I really enjoyed seeing the time periods being portrayed and all of the different regions being highlighted for their varying accomplishments. It was powerful to see how many women really helped bring the culture to the forefront too. Not only through pop culture, but politics and science as well.
This would be such a cool novel to use in a classroom to introduce Latinx history and showcase the role they have played in this country. I’d highly recommend this to those curious about the culture and its impact.
December 9, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me an ARC of Sí, Se Puede in exchange for an honest review!
This is different from what I normally read, but I am constantly looking to push myself further and be more mindful of what I read. Sí, Se Puede is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that focuses on the history and contributions of Latinos on American culture, science, and society.
There are some pages that I wish had more images than text - the art is so vibrant! - but sometimes there was so much either blank space or text it was a little disappointing.
This is the perfect book for a history classroom and school library. I will be recommending it to a coworker who teaches a Black and Latino Studies course.
As a note, I think it leans more towards middle school and early high school readers.
This is different from what I normally read, but I am constantly looking to push myself further and be more mindful of what I read. Sí, Se Puede is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that focuses on the history and contributions of Latinos on American culture, science, and society.
There are some pages that I wish had more images than text - the art is so vibrant! - but sometimes there was so much either blank space or text it was a little disappointing.
This is the perfect book for a history classroom and school library. I will be recommending it to a coworker who teaches a Black and Latino Studies course.
As a note, I think it leans more towards middle school and early high school readers.
August 29, 2025
I would like to thank Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for a free eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I had enjoyed reading this even a little bit, but honestly this book was a slog to get through from beginning to end. I am sure the idea of having a book about notable latinos be a comic book that represented a walk through a futuristic museum was a good one on paper. It was, however, not great in execution. The dialogue is incredibly clunky and just plain awkward. The facts often feel manufactured even if they are true, at the very least.. it all feels very curated. There is just nothing organic feeling about this narrative, and I strongly feel that the information would have been better served to be listed like a textbook with cute illustrations without the whole guide motif.
I wish I had enjoyed reading this even a little bit, but honestly this book was a slog to get through from beginning to end. I am sure the idea of having a book about notable latinos be a comic book that represented a walk through a futuristic museum was a good one on paper. It was, however, not great in execution. The dialogue is incredibly clunky and just plain awkward. The facts often feel manufactured even if they are true, at the very least.. it all feels very curated. There is just nothing organic feeling about this narrative, and I strongly feel that the information would have been better served to be listed like a textbook with cute illustrations without the whole guide motif.
July 10, 2023
Words cannot express how happy reading Si, Se Puede made me! I did not want it to end at all, paired with the beautiful illustrations. I had no idea Lucy Ricardo and Ricky Ricardo was one of the first interracial marriages shown on tv at the time!! It actually makes me really mad that the us curriculum does not teach us about the various Latino scientists (Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mario Molina) and warriors/soldiers and entertainers who literally influenced and inspired countless people today! It's a shame!
small suggestion, i wished in the entertainers part the smaller, but important artists of freestyle in the bronx had an impact on Latin music!! :^") (exposé, sweet sensation, Lisa Lisa etc) it was still a good book nonetheless!
small suggestion, i wished in the entertainers part the smaller, but important artists of freestyle in the bronx had an impact on Latin music!! :^") (exposé, sweet sensation, Lisa Lisa etc) it was still a good book nonetheless!
September 17, 2023
A nonfiction graphic novel that follows the unsung #latinx heroes in history.
✊🏾
This book follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they attend an interactive museum tour traveling through time, learning about various rebels and heroes such as Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, AOC, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Desi Arnaz and more!
✊🏾
I adored this NF book! I can’t say enough about it because these are not always the people we learn about in school. More often than not we rarely hear about these artists, government workers, pop-culture icons so books like these are a necessity. It was also told in such an engaging way that all students will enjoy it.
CW: gun violence, war, racism, colonization, xenophobia, misogyny
✊🏾
This book follows a group of Hispanic-Americans as they attend an interactive museum tour traveling through time, learning about various rebels and heroes such as Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Ellen Ochoa, AOC, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Desi Arnaz and more!
✊🏾
I adored this NF book! I can’t say enough about it because these are not always the people we learn about in school. More often than not we rarely hear about these artists, government workers, pop-culture icons so books like these are a necessity. It was also told in such an engaging way that all students will enjoy it.
CW: gun violence, war, racism, colonization, xenophobia, misogyny
April 6, 2023
This book covered an amazing amount of history in less than 200 pages. Told in the format of a tour guide taking a small group of people through exhibits, this graphic novel talks about events from ancient Mayan civilization up to modern day figures like Jennifer Lopez and Sonia Sotomayor. While the content is incredibly valuable for all readers to learn, I felt like many parts of the test was info heavy and overwhelming. I wish the author would’ve made the book a bit longer so there was space to spread out the info more.
(Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
(Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
April 23, 2023
I really like the premise of this book. There is a tour guide leading a group of people through a museum that displays a variety of different Latinos in the US, and describes all of their achievements. Some were popular & I had heard a lot about them beforehand, and some were brand new that I had never heard of. Even in the section about Modern Trailblazers, there were a few people I hadn't heard of, which was super cool to learn about. My only complaint is that a lot of the pages have giant blocks of text in the speech bubbles. For a graphic novel, some of those were just instinctively disheartening to see, even before I read the words. But otherwise, I loved the book!
December 11, 2023
Delayed ARC (and also I finished this a few days ago and forgot to mark it as completed). Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this (even though I didn't read it before publication date and it's been out for a while...whoops).
I really enjoy graphic novels, especially when they're used for nonfiction texts. I appreciated how this one showed more unknown history with Latinx populations in the US. I loved all of the stories, and I also appreciated how the graphic novel broke down important concepts and would explain things, like Latino vs. Latina vs. Latinx, Intersectionality, and colorism.
I need to get a copy, now, to put in my classroom.
I really enjoy graphic novels, especially when they're used for nonfiction texts. I appreciated how this one showed more unknown history with Latinx populations in the US. I loved all of the stories, and I also appreciated how the graphic novel broke down important concepts and would explain things, like Latino vs. Latina vs. Latinx, Intersectionality, and colorism.
I need to get a copy, now, to put in my classroom.
May 22, 2025
one of the high schooler’s i work with was reading this in their history class. god how i wish my high school history classes weren’t whitewashed - this is the second historical graphic i’ve read (both from this class he’s taking) and it touches on all the history i wasn’t taught in school. latinx figures who made incredible achievements or advancements in american history, who rarely get recognized. really enjoyed learning about these people & their impact!! it’s very intro but what i need and makes everything accessible to them jump into deeper dive if i’d like :) overall great work
May 27, 2023
Wow, the research that went into this graphic novel. Julio did such a good job.
Yasmin's illustrations are phenomal.
This collection of stories/information about Latinx figures in history and now was so fascinating. Ranging from sad, anger, and hopefulness.
I love graphic novels like these, because it makes it easier to digest history. Which I do want to learn about, but find it hard to digest in full book form.
Yasmin's illustrations are phenomal.
This collection of stories/information about Latinx figures in history and now was so fascinating. Ranging from sad, anger, and hopefulness.
I love graphic novels like these, because it makes it easier to digest history. Which I do want to learn about, but find it hard to digest in full book form.
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