Second Generation Blues: A Graphic Novel

by Julio Anta, Red Dryer (illustrator)

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?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Julio 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.

Reviews

[Chelsea]

RTC on September 14th

[kait_rose_reads]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Second Generation Blues is a heartfelt graphic novel about Luis balancing his own dreams and his familial responsibilities. Luis' tension with his father is one of the main arcs throughout the graphic novel. I can feel Luis' frustration with his family, in particular his father, and I am sure many readers would strongly relate to him. I would have liked to see more dimension from his father to show the complicated reality his father faces and why he pushes his son so hard. The relationship Luis has with his Tio was lovely to see. The art style is beautiful and it complements the story well.

I hope there are more stories that follow Luis and his family because the ending felt pretty abrupt and there were many plot points that I would like to see more of. I would definitely pick up a sequel to this book where we see Luis balancing his dream internship while also supporting his family.

[Ms. Yingling]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Luis Menendez spends most of his free time working at his parents' Havana Express restaurant with his Tio Pedro. Things aren't going well; his mother is meeting with new distributors and his father has had words with the landlord. When Luis makes suggestions to help the business, like signing up for online apps and having an internet presence, his father yells at him. Luis wants to be a music journalist, and has a lot of views on one of his posts about a street busker. A representative of Hype Media actually e mails and asks to see his work, and eventually offers him an internship. Even though he would really like the opportunity and thinks it would look good on college applications, Luis turns it down. He also starts dating a customer, Yara, on the sly. Her family roots are in Puerto Rico, but her father has done very well on the stock exchange. They've moved back to Queens for the Latine culture. Yara is understanding when Luis explains how angry his father gets when he does anything except work at the restaurant. After his father finds out about Yara and forbids Luis from hanging out with her, Luis decides to attend the Summer Sound Music Festival and accept the internship. His parents track his phone and find him, dragging him home. Yara isn't happy that Luis wasn't completely forthcoming with her, and Luis decides to just put his head down and do only what his father wants. When he learns that the landlord is close to evicting them, Luis works with his uncle to get the restaurant signed up on delivery apps. Business booms, but his father still isn't happy. Is there any way that Luis can meet his father's demands and save the business?
Strengths: I loved the illustration style of this; it made it seem much older than middle grade graphic novels. There's something about the characters being leaner and more angular instead of rounded that someone seems more "teen". This is an excellent "windows and mirrors" book; readers whose own family immigration stories happened generations ago will develop a new understanding for how difficult it was for their ancestors to come to a new country for a better life, and readers who may themselves have some from elsewhere will feel less alone if their parents are also demanding. As a Gen X'er the father's reactions seemed fairly normal. Why would Luis have fun when he could be working? It was interesting to see him balance his own desires while trying his best to make his father happy. I'll definitely purchase a copy.
Weaknesses: While this is absolutely appropriate for middle school readers, it does have a teen level of angst that elementary students might find repetitive.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like to learn about the tension over expectations in some immigrant families and enjoyed books like Yang's Front Desk, Chari's Karthik Delivers and Kuo's In the Beautiful Country. While Luis is in high school, I think this will have more appeal to middle school readers than this author's Frontera.

[Sacha]

4 stars

There is so much pressure on Luis to be exactly who his dad wants, but as Luis knows and readers come to learn quickly, that's a changing mark and an impossible standard. How will these two come together? That's one of many focal points of this outstanding graphic novel from Julio Anta, of whom I became an instant fan during this first encounter.

Luis's parents own a Cuban restaurant, and there is a lot of responsibility on Luis in this space. His parents work tirelessly, and so does his uncle, an often present ancillary character and generally compassionate ear. Though Luis is just in the middle of high school, his experience does not reflect the fun summer times his friends are having. He's spending nearly all of his waking hours at the struggling (and crumbling) restaurant, constantly noticing opportunities to help the business and circumstances and simultaneously being denied the chance to try them out. Despite major restrictions, Luis continues working on his passion, music writing, and he develops a new one: Yara. I loved watching Luis navigate his parents' expectations, his understanding of adult circumstances and challenges, and his own desires. Though Luis's situation is quite specific in some ways, so much of his challenge will be relatable to young readers who are trying to find their own way and balance family obligations with their own growth.

The art, the characters, and the richness of this story all drew me in (pun intended!) and kept me invested throughout. I did want to punch multiple dads in the face more than once, but you know, that's probably more a testament to their realism and roundness than anything else.

This is a great graphic novel that I am looking forward to recommending to my students, and it's also the start of my growing interest in Anta's work in general.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Liesl Young]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Samuel Teer and Mar Julia's Brownstone, so when I saw that this was a similar title, I jumped on it. I found the art style complex enough to get details yet simple enough that I didn't get overwhelmed, which is something I often struggle with while reading graphic novels. I appreciated the strong cast of characters--Yara was my favorite, but they all had distinct personalities and designs so I didn't get them mixed up.

I struggled with the pacing in this book. Luis and Yara started dating, then, in seemingly a matter of days, he was opening up to her about all of his problems? Granted, I don't know much about cultural norms in the Cuban-American community, but I do know that most American men (even--perhaps especially--teenagers) don't open up to their partners that quickly and that concisely. I also felt as though Yara's character was flattened in some parts of the book and she was reduced only to someone to have conversations with Luis for the purpose of exposition. I'm sure these two complaints are linked.

Also, the ending...without spoiling anything, I've worked closely with restaurant owners for years now, and it just was not realistic.

Problems with realism and pacing aside, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick yet insightful read. I liked reading about Luis' passion for music journalism--something unique that I've never seen before in fiction and something that was really interesting to read about! I kept turning pages and was almost surprised when it ended--I was really rooting for Luis. I found myself wondering where he was "now", as if he was real all along. I hope he got what he was looking for.

A solid, colorful graphic novel for readers who like stories about messy families and how to be both who you are and who others want you to be as a teen.

[Emily]

What a great little look into what it’s like to be a second-generation kid trying to navigate different worlds without foregoing their entire identity - loved this!

This graphic novel follows Luis, a second-generation Cuban (Cuban-American) as he tries to juggle his own life and future, his relationships with loved ones, and the balance between familial duty, culture, and personal identity. His parents own a Cuban restaurant in NYC that is struggling to stay afloat and Luis is expected to help the family and work at the restaurant. His father, who left Cuba to come to the US in search of a better life for him and his family, has a very different perspective on life, work, relationships, and values than Luis, who grew up in the US and is of a very different generation as well as mindset. This story revolves around Luis during one summer as he works for and tries to assist his family as much as he can while continually butting up against generational, cultural, and social/class divides.

As someone who has spent a lot of time with people in this exact situation as well as having researched this exact topic, this graphic novel captured perfectly the painful state of being for many second-generation people that are stuck between two, if not more, worlds that are often completely at odds with each other. Luis was a fantastic character that really brought this plight to life and you couldn’t help but root for him! Great read overall, I highly recommend!

[Michelle]

eARC recieved via NetGalley

This graphic novel is a well told glimpse into the growing complexities of teenage life and the immense pressure of trying to balance filial responsibility while having dreams that feel at odds with them. Luis is a compelling lead and I think Anta and Dryer were very successful in depicting his actions and reactions to both fair and unfair consequences as a teenager with a lot on his plate.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked how his mother was depicted. She may be kinder and more generally supportive, but her own inability to push back regarding her husband means that often, Luis is still left feeling unheard.

There's something there in the story of the type of man Luis' father was and how the years of stress have made him who he is now -- a man who handles his worries by picking apart others' faults. However, the extent to which he rejects genuine efforts to help ended up breaking my immersion towards the back third. His story and his actions feel real and familiar, but in a narrative work that has limited space to express characters, it left me feeling like he wasn't as developed as he could have been. All that being said -- I think refraining from having a resolution to how he and Luis move forward was absolutely the correct decision.

The art and page layouts were consistently strong. The color palette was visually appealing as well. I'm looking forward to future works!

[Shilo Quetchenbach]

This is a beautiful graphic novel that really conveys the struggle of balancing your dreams with what your family expects of you, especially in immigrant families.

Luis' frustration really comes through, and he's easy to root for, even when he doesn't make the best choices. His friends are great, as is Yara. They all just want to be there for him.

His relationship with his family is complicated, especially since his dad is so overbearing and impossible to please. I think a little more time showing his dad's complexity would have been good. So he wasn't quite so one-note.

Because this is a young adult graphic novel, the solutions to complex issues are pretty simple and while it tries to resolve everything neatly it doesn't really feel like everything is resolved. I would definitely read a follow-up graphic novel about Luis and his family learning to communicate.

The art style is attractive and engaging. I really love the warm orange-y color palette and the characters' expressions. A lot of the emotional communication is conveyed through the expressions and not through what the characters are saying.

*Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for providing an early copy for review.

[Nancy]

Set in NYC, the story follows Luis, a Cuban-American high school student expected to work long hours at his parents' restaurant. His immigrant father has high expectations, and Luis can't seem to meet the demands his father places on him, as every free moment he needs to help with deliveries to keep the struggling restaurant afloat. But his father's dream is not his own, and Luis wants to break into the music industry, if only he had the time to do so. In addition, his cultural dissonance is creating barriers with his friends and a burgeoning romance with a young woman who has been raised differently. Can he make a leap of faith into a future that will be different than his parents?

Julio Anta, who is making a name for himself for authentic Latine representation, has created another appealing protagonist. Artist Red Dryer illustrates the diverse cast of characters with aplomb, and his warm yellow-and-orange color palette enhances the city atmosphere. This duo was an excellent pairing.

An eye-opening read that introduces YA ­audiences to cultural experiences and ­dynamics different from their own, this title is a highly recommended ­purchase for library ­collections.

I reviewed this graphic novel for the School Library Journal magazine.

[TheNextGenLibrarian]

A YA coming-of-age graphic novel releasing soon from Julio Anta and Red Dryer.
🇨🇺
Luis Menendez is caught between honoring his Cuban American family's sacrifices and pursuing the life he wants for himself. As he spends the summer helping keep the family restaurant afloat, new friendships, first love, and growing independence force him to decide what kind of future he's willing to fight for.
🧑🏽‍🍳
This graphic novel beautifully captures the push and pull between family expectations and personal dreams. Luis's story feels authentic, especially for anyone who has struggled to balance cultural identity, responsibility, and independence. The artwork complements the emotional journey perfectly, making this a heartfelt coming-of-age story that will resonate with many teens, particularly children of immigrants. Fans of Almost American Girl and How To Say Goodbye in Cuban will love this title releasing September 29!

CW: classism, anxiety, immigration

[Anissa Yanira]

Wow! I enjoyed this book so much! Ugh, I felt every emotion while reading it. The artwork was absolutely beautiful, and the illustrations made every moment feel even more vivid and meaningful.

I especially loved how authentic the story felt from the differences between younger and older generations to the pressure of balancing your family’s sacrifices with the future you want for yourself. Luis was incredibly easy to root for. His love for his parents was so clear, but so was his desire to build a life that felt true to who he was.

This graphic novel explores the complicated choices that come with honoring where you come from while still allowing yourself to dream beyond what others expect of you. I think so many readers will see parts of themselves or their families reflected in this story, and there were several moments that genuinely made me stop and think.

I really hope this becomes a series because I NEED to know what happens next for Luis!

[Marion]

Second Generation Blues by Julio Anta is a thoughtful and engaging graphic novel about identity, family, culture, and growing up between different worlds. I especially appreciated how honestly it portrays the challenges of balancing family expectations with the desire to find your own identity.

The graphic format adds to the story, making the characters’ emotions and experiences feel immediate and personal. Anta does a great job showing that understanding where you come from—and figuring out what that means for who you want to become—is not always simple.

Overall, this was a meaningful and relatable read. It offers an honest look at family, heritage, and belonging while telling a story that is both personal and universal. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

[Sage]

I loved this. I loved the art style, the storyline was engaging and the relationships between characters were beautiful. Luis as a main character is easy to root for and I loved his relationship with his mom and uncle, but I wish the ending weren't so abrupt and that there was more time for more development with his father. I felt like by the end there was a hint that, with work, things might change there, but that's about it. I am interested to read more of Anta's and Dryer's work, and I think that this would be a great book for elementary and middle school aged children to feel represented. I've also appreciated reading other reviews and getting recommendations for similar stories.

[Eri]

4⭐️ | An immersive YA graphic novel about balancing family responsibility with pursuing personal dreams

The story follows Luis Menendez, a teenager living in Queens who has a successful social media platform and dreams of becoming a music journalist. It’s summer vacation and his friends are all out having fun, but Luis’s parents need him to help out at their family Cuban restaurant, which has fallen on hard times. As if this juggling act weren’t enough, an intriguing young woman named Yara has also caught his eye. The story follows Luis as he tries to live up to the responsibilities to his family while also carving out a path for himself.

This is an engaging, immersive read that captures the challenges of being a second generation kid along with themes of family and coming-of-age. I loved the illustrations, which really brought the story to life. Luis is a main character who is easy to relate to and root for, and I’d love to see what happens next in his story.

Thank you so much to the Julio Anta, Red Dryer, Harper Collins Children’s, and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Haruka]

Amazing read!! The storyline is a simple read but gosh i understand so much what luis gone through. Sometimes our parents can be very strict with our lives. It could be good or not. Luis is a very responsible child. He stills helps even when his parents doesnt show their appreciation. I love what this book trying to show cuz im sure there someone out there goes through this stuff with their parents. Love this book!!
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance~

[Nuha]

Thank you Harper Collins & NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Available September 29th.

Julio Anta's SECOND GENERATION is a beautiful, vibrant, and moving portrait of a working class Cuban American household and some of the generational differences in immigrant families. I really like how the family tension is explored in a way that feels honest and realistic. Anta doesn't try to resolve the drama, but really lets his characters develop at their own pace. I would love to see this grow into a series. Only complaint? More food pics, please!

[Ashlee]

I’m very new to the YA Graphic Novel world, and I’m absolutely loving it. This was such a relatable story with truly impressive illustration. I think a lot of young adults will understand and love this story. I’m hopeful there will be more from this author about Luis and his family. Hopefully more growth and conflict to work through, giving so many of us a better understanding of life as a 1st and 2nd generation immigrant.

Great read! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

[Heidi]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for me to review!

A sweetly told little story of generational struggles of immigrants who try, each in their own way, to make places for themselves with what they love. The art does a lot of the emotional heavy lifting when folks aren't doing their best to communicate!

[Jennifer]

Reading a book like this is very challenging as a parent, because you really want to smack some of these parents for being so unreasonable with their children. There is a balance and knowing when to discipline your child vs. letting them do things is the key to not alienating them from you as they grow older. The teen years are really hard, because that is when children are rebelling the most. And so reading this, I understood the struggles of Luis's parents, because they really were fighting to keep their home and their source of income alive. But I also understood how Luis was trying to be part of that, supporting by giving up on his dreams and his future to help at the restaurant and trying to suggest things to improve the restaurant's traffic. So, when his dad got more and more verbally abusive and unreasonable, shutting down ideas that had merit, it was very hard to push through the story to see how things were resolved.

Luis being a child of immigrants struggling to get a foothold is a very real scenario for many, and the story presents his family and his experiences in a harsh but real way. He is figuring out what he wants to do and his future, but he has to do that with a heavy burden on his shoulders and family expectations. The artwork is nice and complements the story well. And there are very few jumps where we have to fill in the gaps, something I think is a general strength in graphic novels that are set up as stand alone and in memoir style.

All in all, a story that resonates especially for Cuban and immigrant teens, with characters who are fleshed out just enough to bring them to life but without eclipsing Luis who is the star.

[Read_With_Christy]

This was a great book. I was able to relate to it so much as a second generation Puerto Rican. The art style was perfect to the story. This truly was relatable. I can't wait to get a print copy because the colors of the art was beautiful. I'm hoping there will be more volumes because the ending did feel abrupt and sort of unfinished. There were some plot points that I felt were left incomplete.

[Bre]

4⭐

Thank you to NetGalley HarperCollins Children's Books for the ARC!

Very beautifully illustrated. Luis faces a struggle many immigrant children face which makes this story very important to be told. I think the imperfect conclusion is also impactful. Life doesn't have perfect endings.

[Danielle Mccoy]

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

This wonderful graphic novel tells about a boys summer in the city while trying to make his dreams come true and help out at his family's restaurant. A truly moving book.

[Carmen]

Being 1st generation, I could really relate to this struggle. I could see the various situations and conversations, and I thought, that sounds like my family. The artwork in this book was beautiful. The only fault I could see was the ending seemed rushed, and it seemed like there were simple solutions to complex issues. The situations are relatable and the text is age appropriate.

[Deborah Zeman]

he's delivering food in the florida heat carrying a future he never asked for. ☀️🚗

luis: cuban-american. family restaurant. summer of sweat and expectations. 😤
his parents need him. the restaurant needs him.
and the life he actually wants feels further away every day. 💔

at least there's yara. 👀
confident. assertive. gets him like nobody else does.
if only he had five minutes to breathe. 😮‍💨

slowly, quietly — luis starts carving his own path. 🌟

but family loyalty vs personal happiness is the question that has no easy answer. 💛

This graphic novel gets it right. The push and pull between family expectations and personal dreams hits differently when you're the one being pulled in every direction — and Luis's story feels real because of it. Whether you're navigating cultural identity, family responsibility, or just trying to figure out who you actually are, this one's for you. The artwork carries the emotional weight perfectly, making every page feel earned. Releasing September 29! 📚💛