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Saving Chupie: A Graphic Novel
Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina meets Encanto in Saving Chupie, a heartwarming middle grade graphic novel adventure about Violeta Rubio and her friends’ mission to protect their local chupacabra from international smugglers, set in a recovering town in Puerto Rico.
Violeta Rubio only has one goal in mind for her first-ever trip to Puerto Rico: help Abuelita reopen her beloved restaurant, La Casita. After the destruction wrought by Huracán Maria, La Casita needs all the help it can get. The only problem is that Violeta’s whole family thinks they can do it without her.
Now Violeta doesn’t have anyone to hang out with or anything to do. But when best friend duo Diego and Lorena need help capturing the rumored chupacabra, Violeta sees her chance to change all that. What she isn’t expecting is to run straight into the beast! Only…he isn’t as monstrous as everyone assumes. Sure, he’s got some scales and spikes, big red eyes, and pointy fangs—but he’s a totally puppy and loyal to a fault.
Violeta must find a way keep Chupie hidden and convince her newfound friends that he isn’t anything to be scared of. And if that isn’t hard enough, a new threat lurks around the corner that is dead set on capturing Chupie for their own nefarious means. Will Violeta be able to save Chupie from the danger that surrounds them without sacrificing everything else in the process?
Saving Chupie captures the resilience of a young girl, a family, and an island in face of nearly impossible odds and proves that love and friendship conquers all in this timely new adventure inspired by Puerto Rican culture and lore.
Violeta Rubio only has one goal in mind for her first-ever trip to Puerto Rico: help Abuelita reopen her beloved restaurant, La Casita. After the destruction wrought by Huracán Maria, La Casita needs all the help it can get. The only problem is that Violeta’s whole family thinks they can do it without her.
Now Violeta doesn’t have anyone to hang out with or anything to do. But when best friend duo Diego and Lorena need help capturing the rumored chupacabra, Violeta sees her chance to change all that. What she isn’t expecting is to run straight into the beast! Only…he isn’t as monstrous as everyone assumes. Sure, he’s got some scales and spikes, big red eyes, and pointy fangs—but he’s a totally puppy and loyal to a fault.
Violeta must find a way keep Chupie hidden and convince her newfound friends that he isn’t anything to be scared of. And if that isn’t hard enough, a new threat lurks around the corner that is dead set on capturing Chupie for their own nefarious means. Will Violeta be able to save Chupie from the danger that surrounds them without sacrificing everything else in the process?
Saving Chupie captures the resilience of a young girl, a family, and an island in face of nearly impossible odds and proves that love and friendship conquers all in this timely new adventure inspired by Puerto Rican culture and lore.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
24 people are currently reading
2618 people want to read
About the author
Amparo Ortiz
19 books255 followersAmparo Ortiz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and currently lives on the island’s northeastern coast. Her short story comic, “What Remains in The Dark,” appears in the Eisner Award-winning anthology Puerto Rico Strong (Lion Forge, 2018), and SAVING CHUPIE, her middle grade graphic novel, comes out with HarperCollins in Winter 2022. She holds an M.A. in English and a B.A. in Psychology from the UPR’s Río Piedras campus. When she’s not teaching ESL to her college students, she’s teaching herself Korean, devouring as much young adult fiction as she can, and writing about Latinx characters in worlds both contemporary and fantastical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 10, 2023
Saving Chupie was so cute! I love cryptids, and I especially love chupacabras, so I've been eagerly awaiting this release and it didn't let me down. The art is stunning, Chupie is the cutest little guy, and I loved the storyline's themes of family, making friends, loyalty, forgiveness, and learning how to accept help even when we want to do everything on our own (for both adults and kids). I'd highly recommend this to any kid (or kid at heart) who enjoys fun adventure stories with monsters and beasties.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: all characters are Puerto Rican
✨ Content warnings for:
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Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Representation: all characters are Puerto Rican
✨ Content warnings for:
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
July 3, 2023
I've never wanted anything like a lizard as a pet before, nor have I ever envisioned them being cuddly creatures... but you better believe I need a Chupacabra baby after reading this sweet story!
The illustrations really brought this story to life. I enjoyed both the friendship and family dynamics explored in this cultural, adventure story. I have no doubt that everyone will fall in love with Chupie. This is one you don't want to miss!
Thank you to Netgalley & HarperCollins for the e-arc!
The illustrations really brought this story to life. I enjoyed both the friendship and family dynamics explored in this cultural, adventure story. I have no doubt that everyone will fall in love with Chupie. This is one you don't want to miss!
Thank you to Netgalley & HarperCollins for the e-arc!
June 18, 2024
Very cute kids story, adorable art, and I felt pleased that I was able to understand all the bits of Spanish sprinkled throughout
July 29, 2023
Violeta has heard a lot about Puerto Rico from her Abuelita, but she still feels out of her element during a summer visit to the island. She feels useless in the project to repair Abuelita’s reastauraunt, after the devestation from Huracán Maria. And making friends makes her a bit nervous.
Though, perhaps she’d be a bit less nervous if her new friend was a cute, baby animal. One just right to snuggle in her arms, lick her face, and suck goats.
…wait, what?
Violeta has found a baby chupacabra. And there’s been a lot of attacks on local livestock. Violeta must hide Chupie, find a way to get it home, stop the attacks on livestock, and convince her few new friends that this little cuddle bug isn’t a threat to the community.
This book has such an emphasis on the cute, with Chupie, who really embodies a lot of dog loyalty, plus cat mischief. And, by the end of the book, we get to see plenty more creatures of folklore, which are all quite fascinating.
Definitely a good pick for any animal-loving kid, and probably also a good choice for those who feel a bit hesitant about social life.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
Though, perhaps she’d be a bit less nervous if her new friend was a cute, baby animal. One just right to snuggle in her arms, lick her face, and suck goats.
…wait, what?
Violeta has found a baby chupacabra. And there’s been a lot of attacks on local livestock. Violeta must hide Chupie, find a way to get it home, stop the attacks on livestock, and convince her few new friends that this little cuddle bug isn’t a threat to the community.
This book has such an emphasis on the cute, with Chupie, who really embodies a lot of dog loyalty, plus cat mischief. And, by the end of the book, we get to see plenty more creatures of folklore, which are all quite fascinating.
Definitely a good pick for any animal-loving kid, and probably also a good choice for those who feel a bit hesitant about social life.
Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.
December 7, 2023
Now this is how it is done folx! The art is GORGEOUS and the characters are lovable and relatable. All Violeta wants is to feel useful. To actually help her family and kill her boredom. Enter in some possible new friends and the cutest darn cryptid you've ever seen and you'll see how lies can spiral. Especially when all we want to do is protect the ones we love, including from our own needs and desires.
Read
July 4, 2024this was so adorable and the art was super vibrant! really appreciate how amparo's stories are always a love letter to pr. this did exactly what it set out to do and is definitely a great read for middle graders :)
also appreciated the conversation about animal trafficking, since it actually still impacts puerto rico
also appreciated the conversation about animal trafficking, since it actually still impacts puerto rico
April 11, 2023
Can this please be a movie?
Who can resist an adorable fictional animal? Certainly not me, and this was the most heartwarming story. Both the story and art work are absolutely fantastic, and work together so well. Highly recommend for readers of any age!
Who can resist an adorable fictional animal? Certainly not me, and this was the most heartwarming story. Both the story and art work are absolutely fantastic, and work together so well. Highly recommend for readers of any age!
September 17, 2023
As a Puerto Rican who lived through Hurricane Maria, I thank Amparo for this beautiful graphic novel about healing, friendship, family, and second chances!
Violeta Rubio is a young girl who traveled to Puerto Rico with her parents to help her grandmother who was displaced after Hurricane Maria restart her restaurant. Violeta begins her journey of discovering herself in the country her mother and grandmother have talked so much about, all while trying to make new friends and oh yeah, SAVE EL CHUPACABRA FROM HUNTERS!
This graphic novel is absolutely gorgeous with its colors, character design, and style; it reached my heart with its quirkiness, great plot, and charm. Saving Chupie utilizes a well-known myth in Puerto Rico of el chupacabra, to talk about fighting for what you believe in and loyalty towards those you love. Chupie was an absolutely adorable character, many scenes warmed my heart and it brought me a lot of joy to see something from my country become such a work of art.
Abuela reminded me of my great-grandmother, she was a complex character and a symbol of how much Puerto Ricans suffered after the hurricane. A character that is hardworking, smart, and loving just like Violeta. Violeta was an adorable character with a lot of heart and stubbornness, a great representation of Puerto Ricans who are trying to get to know a place they have never been to but know with all their heart.
I really enjoyed the plot, the connection to the Puerto Rican myths I grew up with, and the topic of friendship. A well-rounded graphic novel that I highly recommend!
Read
June 16, 2023SAVING CHUPIE was everything I didn't know I needed in a chupacabra book. It's also the *first* graphic novel I've ever read set entirely in Puerto Rico! I cannot express to you all what it meant to me to see my island in graphic form. Amparo & Ronnie got me in my feels 😭😭.
Anyways, this adorable middle grade adventure comes out Aug 1, and you definitely want it on your radar. Perfect for fans of My Aunt Is a Monster, Manu, and Snapdragon.
CW: This is a post Hurricane María book by an author who lived through the hurricane. Read with care if you're a survivor.
Anyways, this adorable middle grade adventure comes out Aug 1, and you definitely want it on your radar. Perfect for fans of My Aunt Is a Monster, Manu, and Snapdragon.
CW: This is a post Hurricane María book by an author who lived through the hurricane. Read with care if you're a survivor.
September 28, 2023
When I first saw the cover of Saving Chupie, I knew it would be special, but I didn't know precisely to what extent. I pre-ordered the book from Barnes & Noble, and my order was canceled. I tried to find the book in Puerto Rico in my local independent bookstores, but it was unavailable. I ordered it from Amazon, and my order was canceled again. This led to me reading the book later than I anticipated and very close to the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Maria. I am so glad that I kept trying until I got the book because it is a gem, and, probably, my favorite read of the year. <3
Saving Chupie, written by Amparo Ortiz and illustrated by Ronnie Garcia, is a middle-grade graphic novel set in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It follows Violeta, who is part of the Puerto Rican diaspora in Florida, during her first trip to Puerto Rico. She and her parents are accompanying her grandmother to help her settle back on the island and rebuild her restaurant La Casita, which was destroyed by the hurricane. Violeta has never had any friends and thinks of this visit as her opportunity to make friends and learn more about her culture. In Puerto Rico, she meets Diego and Lorena, who tell her about another threat to Puerto Rico's rebuilding efforts: a chupacabra.
I loved the main characters of the book so much. They felt like real kids that I might have known growing up. They were smart, funny, and kind. I loved the representation both in the writing and the artwork. I loved Lorena's character and how she represents girls in STEM. I loved how the characters all looked so different and so familiar, demonstrating that we Puerto Ricans all look different since we are a mix of races. Ronnie Garcia's artwork is beautiful and vivid. The coloring showcases Puerto Rico's natural beauty; it truly depicts los colores de mi tierra. I hadn't heard of them before, but I will definitely seek other works illustrated by them. The structures and houses depicted look like what I see around me. As an avid reader of comics and graphic novels, I haven't felt this connected to illustrations before.
And the story is lovely and cute. It interweaves themes related to the Puerto Rican diaspora, recovery, resilience, endangered species, friendship, loyalty, pride, and commitment. It highlights how resilient Puerto Ricans are in the face of extreme adversity. It also discussed the importance of accepting and asking for help, demonstrating the value of community. As a Puerto Rican professor who lived on the island and experienced Hurricane Maria, I identified so much with the context and setting of Saving Chupie. This book touched my heart, and I am keeping it to give it to any future kids I might have.
Given that we are in the middle of International Translation Week, I would like to add that this book should also be available in Spanish, but not just any Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish. It would be a crime not to translate this book. As a professional translator, it would be my honor to translate this into Spanish. I could hear it in our Spanish in my head while reading.
Nada, I don't know how any other book will top this one this year. I don't usually gush about a book to this extent. Please read it.
Saving Chupie, written by Amparo Ortiz and illustrated by Ronnie Garcia, is a middle-grade graphic novel set in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It follows Violeta, who is part of the Puerto Rican diaspora in Florida, during her first trip to Puerto Rico. She and her parents are accompanying her grandmother to help her settle back on the island and rebuild her restaurant La Casita, which was destroyed by the hurricane. Violeta has never had any friends and thinks of this visit as her opportunity to make friends and learn more about her culture. In Puerto Rico, she meets Diego and Lorena, who tell her about another threat to Puerto Rico's rebuilding efforts: a chupacabra.
I loved the main characters of the book so much. They felt like real kids that I might have known growing up. They were smart, funny, and kind. I loved the representation both in the writing and the artwork. I loved Lorena's character and how she represents girls in STEM. I loved how the characters all looked so different and so familiar, demonstrating that we Puerto Ricans all look different since we are a mix of races. Ronnie Garcia's artwork is beautiful and vivid. The coloring showcases Puerto Rico's natural beauty; it truly depicts los colores de mi tierra. I hadn't heard of them before, but I will definitely seek other works illustrated by them. The structures and houses depicted look like what I see around me. As an avid reader of comics and graphic novels, I haven't felt this connected to illustrations before.
And the story is lovely and cute. It interweaves themes related to the Puerto Rican diaspora, recovery, resilience, endangered species, friendship, loyalty, pride, and commitment. It highlights how resilient Puerto Ricans are in the face of extreme adversity. It also discussed the importance of accepting and asking for help, demonstrating the value of community. As a Puerto Rican professor who lived on the island and experienced Hurricane Maria, I identified so much with the context and setting of Saving Chupie. This book touched my heart, and I am keeping it to give it to any future kids I might have.
Given that we are in the middle of International Translation Week, I would like to add that this book should also be available in Spanish, but not just any Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish. It would be a crime not to translate this book. As a professional translator, it would be my honor to translate this into Spanish. I could hear it in our Spanish in my head while reading.
Nada, I don't know how any other book will top this one this year. I don't usually gush about a book to this extent. Please read it.
April 14, 2023
A MG graphic novel that I want everyone to read immediately!
🇵🇷
Violeta Rubio and her family are returning to her Abuelita’s home in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria sent her to the states to live with Vi’s family in Florida. Abuelita was so unhappy there, but is ready to reopen her restaurant. The only problem is the locals are saying a chupacabra is eating the animals Abuelita needs for her restaurant. When Vi and her two new friends go looking for it, she finds Chupie, her new pet chupacabra who saved her life and is the cuddliest animal you ever did see. But when locals take and sell Chupie, it’s up to Vi and her friends to get him back.
🇵🇷
Can this be a movie, please?! OMG it was just too adorable for words! @amparo_ortiz & Ronnie Garcia created the cutest graphic novel ever and I want a Chupie for myself. In addition to this being just too adorable, it also had a strong inclusion of the Spanish language, as well as themes of friendship, being helpful and finding your forever home. Grab this book August 3!
CW: parental separation (animal), violence
🇵🇷
Violeta Rubio and her family are returning to her Abuelita’s home in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria sent her to the states to live with Vi’s family in Florida. Abuelita was so unhappy there, but is ready to reopen her restaurant. The only problem is the locals are saying a chupacabra is eating the animals Abuelita needs for her restaurant. When Vi and her two new friends go looking for it, she finds Chupie, her new pet chupacabra who saved her life and is the cuddliest animal you ever did see. But when locals take and sell Chupie, it’s up to Vi and her friends to get him back.
🇵🇷
Can this be a movie, please?! OMG it was just too adorable for words! @amparo_ortiz & Ronnie Garcia created the cutest graphic novel ever and I want a Chupie for myself. In addition to this being just too adorable, it also had a strong inclusion of the Spanish language, as well as themes of friendship, being helpful and finding your forever home. Grab this book August 3!
CW: parental separation (animal), violence
July 10, 2024
This book had two strikes against it for me. First, my usual graphic novel incompetence reared its head and I had trouble recognizing characters from frame to frame. This is all me and not an indictment of the artist at all. I am sure normal people would not have had any problems. But it meant I struggled. Also I had no clue what was going on in any action scene (which is very typical for me in all comics).
Secondly, I really dislike it when one kid is on the side of science and then they are completely wrong. So I was grumpy about the existence of cryptids, especially with magical powers.
But people who don’t have my handicaps and prejudices should enjoy this story, with its great friend group and depiction of a kid making friends and learning to negotiate mistakes and a tight friend group opening up to a new member, plus the really cute Chupie and the complex situation it creates, plus the strive towards competence that adults sometimes accidentally hinder. Lots to love, is what I’m saying!
Secondly, I really dislike it when one kid is on the side of science and then they are completely wrong. So I was grumpy about the existence of cryptids, especially with magical powers.
But people who don’t have my handicaps and prejudices should enjoy this story, with its great friend group and depiction of a kid making friends and learning to negotiate mistakes and a tight friend group opening up to a new member, plus the really cute Chupie and the complex situation it creates, plus the strive towards competence that adults sometimes accidentally hinder. Lots to love, is what I’m saying!
January 26, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this!
This was an absolutely adorable story of a young Puerto Rican girl and her friends, following them as they try to save a baby Chupacabra. The main character is helping her grandmother reopen her home and her restaurant following a hurricane, but the adults in her life don't want her to have to do these "adult" things and ask her to just stay out of the way. So instead she decides to help where she feels that she can, with the Chupacabra that is said to be eating crops, even if she doesn't believe in it.
This was an absolutely adorable story of a young Puerto Rican girl and her friends, following them as they try to save a baby Chupacabra. The main character is helping her grandmother reopen her home and her restaurant following a hurricane, but the adults in her life don't want her to have to do these "adult" things and ask her to just stay out of the way. So instead she decides to help where she feels that she can, with the Chupacabra that is said to be eating crops, even if she doesn't believe in it.
August 2, 2023
4.25/5
February 19, 2024
Saving Chupie
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 6
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
September 18, 2023
So cute!!!!
July 2, 2025
I want a Chupacabara now! The young Chupie was so cute! I love how our protagonist really grew and learned what friendships are like with ups and downs. We also saw some familial relationships grow too! The art is beautiful and makes me want to visit Puerto Rico again!
November 22, 2024
Heartwarming and sweet. Excellent for elementary age kids
Read
December 24, 2024would lay down my life for chupie too, tbh
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love the underlying environmental crisis theme displayed through the hurricane and the wildlife trade. and cryptids? yes, please!
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love the underlying environmental crisis theme displayed through the hurricane and the wildlife trade. and cryptids? yes, please!
June 24, 2023
Words cannot begin to express how this great graphic novel made me feel. Seeing my island on these pages the use of our language, our food? Was just sublime. I texted the author numerous times through instagram to let her know how much i was ugly crying out of happiness.
May 1, 2023
*I received a copy through NetGalley, all opinions are strictly my own*
I'm pretty sure that Saving Chupie became one of my favorite graphic novels of all time, and I preordered my own copy even before finishing the eARC. Let me start by saying that Ronnie Garcia, the illustrator of this adorable gem, is EXCELLENT. They have such a way with colors, I was in awe of every single panel. I truly believe that no other artist would've been able to capture the spirit of this graphic novel as well as they did.
Now, about the story: Violeta Rubio is going to visit Puerto Rico for the very first time in order to help her Abuela reopen her restaurant after everything that happened with Hurricane Maria. The last thing she expected was to encounter a so-called dangerous creature that turns out to be the cutest little thing. The Chupacabra was basically a puppy and I loved it. There's such a beautiful story about the history of Puerto Rico, the importance of community and the appreciation of our island as Puerto Ricans who went through such a massive life changing event. Between the artwork and the message of the story, I might have cried a little tbh.
I'm pretty sure that Saving Chupie became one of my favorite graphic novels of all time, and I preordered my own copy even before finishing the eARC. Let me start by saying that Ronnie Garcia, the illustrator of this adorable gem, is EXCELLENT. They have such a way with colors, I was in awe of every single panel. I truly believe that no other artist would've been able to capture the spirit of this graphic novel as well as they did.
Now, about the story: Violeta Rubio is going to visit Puerto Rico for the very first time in order to help her Abuela reopen her restaurant after everything that happened with Hurricane Maria. The last thing she expected was to encounter a so-called dangerous creature that turns out to be the cutest little thing. The Chupacabra was basically a puppy and I loved it. There's such a beautiful story about the history of Puerto Rico, the importance of community and the appreciation of our island as Puerto Ricans who went through such a massive life changing event. Between the artwork and the message of the story, I might have cried a little tbh.
March 23, 2023
This was a cute story about Violeta Rubio saving a local chupacabra from international smugglers and monster hunters. The story explores friendship, family, and doing the right thing. Chupie was a very cute chupacabra and I would totally try to keep him as a pet too.
The artwork for this comic is beautiful and vibrant. It really helps sell the story and bring this cute little Chupie to life.
Content warnings: discussion of disaster recovery after Hurricane Maria.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The artwork for this comic is beautiful and vibrant. It really helps sell the story and bring this cute little Chupie to life.
Content warnings: discussion of disaster recovery after Hurricane Maria.
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
November 5, 2023
I love this so much!! The art is adorable and I love the little field guide in the end about Puerto Rican wildlife. It's such a lovely story that shows the community and resilience of Puerto Rican people as they come together to rebuild after tragedy. It's a great story about family, friendship, and learning how to not only help others but also how to accept help. Pretty sure it's a standalone, but I would love more adventures of Violeta and her friends!
February 10, 2024
you thought we were done with paranormal cryptid graphic novels? absolutely not. this was super cute with a lovely, bubbly art style that felt exactly in tune with the vibe of the story. honestly there wasn't a huge amount happening here and i got a bit bored partway through because it was pretty predictable, but i think it would be a great choice for a young family member with an interest in monsters! i know i would've loved it as a kid
December 30, 2025
Sweet story of friendship, doing the right thing, community and rebuilding after natural disaster set in Puerto Rico.
May 4, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)
After Hurricane Maria touches down in Puerto Rico, Violeta's Abuelita comes to stay with her family in Florida. Although Abuelita's home and business - a restaurant called La Casita - are thankfully left standing, they aren't without damage and are nevertheless uninhabitable without water or electricity. Several months later, as the island is rebuilding, Violeta and her parents accompany Abuelita back to Puerto Rico, to help her get settled - and get La Casita back up and running again.
As excited as Violeta may be, she quickly learns that the adults don't have much use for a pint-sized helper. Luckily, she becomes fast friends with Diego and Lorena, the most delightfully geeky pair of besties you've ever seen: Diego is a mechanical engineer, while Lorena is a computer wiz. Their current project? Building their own bike, called the Direna Cycle. That, and helping the adults hunt down a chupacabra, whether they know it or not.
Complicating the island's recovery is a series of strange livestock attacks - the animals' necks are severed, and their bodies drained of blood - that's hitting Abuelita's meat supplier especially hard. Lorena's uncle, Señor Soto, is the resident monster-hunter on the island - but, naturally, he won't accept any help from his niece, a kid. Tired of watching the adults struggle, the trio vows to find the chupacabra on their own. Never mind that Violeta doesn't believe in chupacabras - that is, until one saves her life!
Chupie is nothing like the savage, blood-thirsty monster of legend. Really, he's more of a puppy than anything else - if a scaly one, at that. Rather than turn him over, Violeta decides to hide him in Abuelita's shed. But, wracked with guilt over lying to her newfound friends, Violeta quickly comes clean - and her secret threatens to tear the trio apart. When Chupie goes missing - a possible victim of mythological creature trafficking - can Violeta, Lorena, and Diego come together to rescue him?
SAVING CHUPIE is an absolute delight - easily one of my favorite reads of 2023. The artwork is adorable AF, and the story line is a real tear jerker. In the advance praise on the inside cover, Yehudi Mercado likens SAVING CHUPIE to "E.T. in Puerto Rico" - but I think HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS might be a more apt comparison, with a touch of Rachel Vincent's MENAGERIE sprinkled on top. (I'm a huge fan of all three, so.)
There are so many threads that pulled at my heart. First and foremost, Chupie: dear, sweet Chupie, loyal to a fault, a boopable lil' guy who just wants to get back to his family, demonized for nothing other than his otherness. (Spoiler alert: Chupie is not the monster in this book.)
One of my favorite parts of HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS is the scene where Harry buries George's hunting "trophies" - along with Grandma's mink stole and the evening's roast - in a shallow grave in the back yard, recognizing that these animals are not that much different from him - and the Hendersons. While there isn't such an explicitly animal-friendly thread in SAVING CHUPIE - for example, the status of the "livestock" is never called into question - hopefully some readers will connect the dots.
(The very end, when ALL the mythical creatures escape into the wild? For me, this underscores the fact that Chupie is not the only nonhuman animal who deserves to live his life free from exploitation. Perhaps some readers will widen that circle of compassion even further.)
Violeta is a compelling protagonist; a bit of an outsider, she arrives in Puerto Rico desperate to make friends - and she finds fellow "weirdos" in Lorena and Diego. While Chupie - or rather, economic anxiety - creates a rift in this friend group, all is right by story's end. Each kid is adorable to a fault, and I love how they lift each other up. Violeta's relationship with her parents and Abuelita is beautiful as well - especially how the whole family (and community, really) rallies around Abuelita.
SAVING CHUPIE is a wholesome story - comfort food, really - about loneliness; family, both found and blood; the power in accepting help when you need it; loyalty and bravery; and compassion, of course.
After Hurricane Maria touches down in Puerto Rico, Violeta's Abuelita comes to stay with her family in Florida. Although Abuelita's home and business - a restaurant called La Casita - are thankfully left standing, they aren't without damage and are nevertheless uninhabitable without water or electricity. Several months later, as the island is rebuilding, Violeta and her parents accompany Abuelita back to Puerto Rico, to help her get settled - and get La Casita back up and running again.
As excited as Violeta may be, she quickly learns that the adults don't have much use for a pint-sized helper. Luckily, she becomes fast friends with Diego and Lorena, the most delightfully geeky pair of besties you've ever seen: Diego is a mechanical engineer, while Lorena is a computer wiz. Their current project? Building their own bike, called the Direna Cycle. That, and helping the adults hunt down a chupacabra, whether they know it or not.
Complicating the island's recovery is a series of strange livestock attacks - the animals' necks are severed, and their bodies drained of blood - that's hitting Abuelita's meat supplier especially hard. Lorena's uncle, Señor Soto, is the resident monster-hunter on the island - but, naturally, he won't accept any help from his niece, a kid. Tired of watching the adults struggle, the trio vows to find the chupacabra on their own. Never mind that Violeta doesn't believe in chupacabras - that is, until one saves her life!
Chupie is nothing like the savage, blood-thirsty monster of legend. Really, he's more of a puppy than anything else - if a scaly one, at that. Rather than turn him over, Violeta decides to hide him in Abuelita's shed. But, wracked with guilt over lying to her newfound friends, Violeta quickly comes clean - and her secret threatens to tear the trio apart. When Chupie goes missing - a possible victim of mythological creature trafficking - can Violeta, Lorena, and Diego come together to rescue him?
SAVING CHUPIE is an absolute delight - easily one of my favorite reads of 2023. The artwork is adorable AF, and the story line is a real tear jerker. In the advance praise on the inside cover, Yehudi Mercado likens SAVING CHUPIE to "E.T. in Puerto Rico" - but I think HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS might be a more apt comparison, with a touch of Rachel Vincent's MENAGERIE sprinkled on top. (I'm a huge fan of all three, so.)
There are so many threads that pulled at my heart. First and foremost, Chupie: dear, sweet Chupie, loyal to a fault, a boopable lil' guy who just wants to get back to his family, demonized for nothing other than his otherness. (Spoiler alert: Chupie is not the monster in this book.)
One of my favorite parts of HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS is the scene where Harry buries George's hunting "trophies" - along with Grandma's mink stole and the evening's roast - in a shallow grave in the back yard, recognizing that these animals are not that much different from him - and the Hendersons. While there isn't such an explicitly animal-friendly thread in SAVING CHUPIE - for example, the status of the "livestock" is never called into question - hopefully some readers will connect the dots.
(The very end, when ALL the mythical creatures escape into the wild? For me, this underscores the fact that Chupie is not the only nonhuman animal who deserves to live his life free from exploitation. Perhaps some readers will widen that circle of compassion even further.)
Violeta is a compelling protagonist; a bit of an outsider, she arrives in Puerto Rico desperate to make friends - and she finds fellow "weirdos" in Lorena and Diego. While Chupie - or rather, economic anxiety - creates a rift in this friend group, all is right by story's end. Each kid is adorable to a fault, and I love how they lift each other up. Violeta's relationship with her parents and Abuelita is beautiful as well - especially how the whole family (and community, really) rallies around Abuelita.
SAVING CHUPIE is a wholesome story - comfort food, really - about loneliness; family, both found and blood; the power in accepting help when you need it; loyalty and bravery; and compassion, of course.
October 14, 2023
Violeta travels with her abuelita, her mamá, and her dad from Florida to Puerto Rico, to resettle her abuelita after Hurricane Maria, and help her re-open her restaurant in her recovering community.
Setting the book in post-hurricane Puerto Rica makes this unique and important to share. Having the main character be an outsider - this is Violeta’s first visit to the island - means readers see the place through her eyes, which makes the book a good “window” for non-Puerto-Ricans, and therefore an excellent choice for a public library in the U.S.
From the opening page to the end of the book, Violeta is shown experiencing strong, dramatic extremes of emotion, which may resonate with 5- to 9-year-olds, who will share Violeta's frustration with how the older generation dismisses her offers to help.
I am curious what readers will make of it when Violeta first opens up to Diego and Lorena, telling them (with a downcast face) that she has no friends at home only kids she talks to at school - and immediately tries to brighten up. We can see the grimace/grin on her face as she explains *that’s* why she’s so happy they came over. Nobody responds to her emotion; Lorena says, “It’s not a problem,” and they change the topic to monsters. Will readers let such heavy thoughts drop so quickly, too?
I believe readers will cheer later in the book when Lorena speaks up for herself and tells Violeta why her insidious efforts to alienate her from Diego were unwelcome, but it takes Violeta a long time to let her own anger towards him drop.
I also wonder how readers will process the cognitive dissonance when Lorena says that her uncle doesn’t believe in selling monsters, he is only doing it because “they promised him the money he needs.” This ethical quandary isn't addressed - but young children have such a strong ethical sense, I wonder what they will conclude.
There are other details that didn't quite make sense to me, but again, I'm not sure young readers will trip on them; Abuelita misses an opportunity to go vegetarian when the meat is gone - but instead she continues making pastelillos de carne - meat pies, as if there were plenty of it.
There is a field guide at the end introducing 8 actual creatures of the Yunque Forest in Puerto Rico that apparently Violeta and her friends went to explore after the story ended. At the same time, no information is given about the legend of the chupacabra, which seems to have "originated in 1995 in Puerto Rico, where they were blamed for attacks on goats, sheep, and other domestic animals, supposedly leaving uneaten carcasses that were drained of blood.” Chupacabra translates as “goat sucker.” (Encyclopedia Britannica & Wikipedia both.)
Vivid colors and a clearly legible font make this suitable for elementary-school-age readers who will resonate most with Violeta’s role in her family, her growing need to be of some use to others, and her fetishization of wild creatures and new friends.
The exaggerated expressions amplify the emotions (often complaints) of every young character voices and the steadfastness of the adults’ background presence; the kids grimace, fret, & frown, while the adults raise an eyebrow, roll their eyes, or gaze lovingly.
The reading audience for this may be a narrow age-range, but if they liked the 2023 movie “Chupa” lots more will give it a try - the storyline is similar, although the movie is set in Mexico. Kids who enjoyed other movies like Okja, Krakken, Abominable, Ponyo, Chupa, and ET will all recognize the storyline.
It's worth having on hand for representation and appeal to 2nd-5th graders.
Setting the book in post-hurricane Puerto Rica makes this unique and important to share. Having the main character be an outsider - this is Violeta’s first visit to the island - means readers see the place through her eyes, which makes the book a good “window” for non-Puerto-Ricans, and therefore an excellent choice for a public library in the U.S.
From the opening page to the end of the book, Violeta is shown experiencing strong, dramatic extremes of emotion, which may resonate with 5- to 9-year-olds, who will share Violeta's frustration with how the older generation dismisses her offers to help.
I am curious what readers will make of it when Violeta first opens up to Diego and Lorena, telling them (with a downcast face) that she has no friends at home only kids she talks to at school - and immediately tries to brighten up. We can see the grimace/grin on her face as she explains *that’s* why she’s so happy they came over. Nobody responds to her emotion; Lorena says, “It’s not a problem,” and they change the topic to monsters. Will readers let such heavy thoughts drop so quickly, too?
I believe readers will cheer later in the book when Lorena speaks up for herself and tells Violeta why her insidious efforts to alienate her from Diego were unwelcome, but it takes Violeta a long time to let her own anger towards him drop.
I also wonder how readers will process the cognitive dissonance when Lorena says that her uncle doesn’t believe in selling monsters, he is only doing it because “they promised him the money he needs.” This ethical quandary isn't addressed - but young children have such a strong ethical sense, I wonder what they will conclude.
There are other details that didn't quite make sense to me, but again, I'm not sure young readers will trip on them; Abuelita misses an opportunity to go vegetarian when the meat is gone - but instead she continues making pastelillos de carne - meat pies, as if there were plenty of it.
There is a field guide at the end introducing 8 actual creatures of the Yunque Forest in Puerto Rico that apparently Violeta and her friends went to explore after the story ended. At the same time, no information is given about the legend of the chupacabra, which seems to have "originated in 1995 in Puerto Rico, where they were blamed for attacks on goats, sheep, and other domestic animals, supposedly leaving uneaten carcasses that were drained of blood.” Chupacabra translates as “goat sucker.” (Encyclopedia Britannica & Wikipedia both.)
Vivid colors and a clearly legible font make this suitable for elementary-school-age readers who will resonate most with Violeta’s role in her family, her growing need to be of some use to others, and her fetishization of wild creatures and new friends.
The exaggerated expressions amplify the emotions (often complaints) of every young character voices and the steadfastness of the adults’ background presence; the kids grimace, fret, & frown, while the adults raise an eyebrow, roll their eyes, or gaze lovingly.
The reading audience for this may be a narrow age-range, but if they liked the 2023 movie “Chupa” lots more will give it a try - the storyline is similar, although the movie is set in Mexico. Kids who enjoyed other movies like Okja, Krakken, Abominable, Ponyo, Chupa, and ET will all recognize the storyline.
It's worth having on hand for representation and appeal to 2nd-5th graders.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2023
My Rating: 4.5
A charming Puerto Rican adventure full of new friendships, creatures from Latine folklore, and those wanting to help those in need.
Thank you HarperAlley for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.
Synopsis:
Violeta Rubio is visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, and she has one goal: To help her abuela move back home and reopen her beloved restaurant. After hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island, her abuela was always sad, missing her home country and wishing she could return. Violeta hates seeing her abuela like this and is determined to make her smile. There is one setback: Her parents and abuela herself refuse to let her help. Not with moving, painting, getting supplies, nothing. Bored out of her mind, Violeta runs into two best friends: Diego and Lorena, who have their own mission. The meat supply farm that provides for the restaurant keeps getting attacked by a legendary Chupacabra, and they need to find it before it does more damage. Skeptical of the make-believe monster but excited to do anything, Violeta agrees to help, and, as if by fate, she finds the baby Chupacabra alone in the forest. Unable to bring it to harm's way, Violeta hides the newly named “Chupie” in her abuela’s shed, hoping to keep the creature out of sight. But how long can she keep this secret from her new friends? And who are these more nefarious people who want Chupie for themselves?
What I Liked: Saving Chupie is a charming graphic novel full of Puerto Rican culture, legendary animals of Latine folklore, and budding friendships. Violeta is a strong main character, making both smart decisions and mistakes on her path to finding her voice, defending her reasoning, and sticking up for herself and others. She tries to help her family, friends, Chupie, and island as much as she can, making her an empathic and likable protagonist. Diego and Lorena are great supporting characters, each with a mind of their own who are not afraid to speak up and do the right thing, even if it takes them a while to figure out what that means. The parents and especially the abuela are nuanced and have their own past stories that help shape who they are and how they interact with Violeta. The story is set in Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria, and the story portrays much of the devastation to the island, but also the people’s hope to rebuild and bring their island back on its feet. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and lighthearted, giving the characters, landscape, and creatures a warmth that you can feel through the page. All characters, except for Violeta’s white dad, are Puerto Rican, coming in many shades of skin colors and families.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids who like graphic novels and want to read about folklore creatures and/or Puerto Rico.
Review Date: 5/30/2023
A charming Puerto Rican adventure full of new friendships, creatures from Latine folklore, and those wanting to help those in need.
Thank you HarperAlley for providing an e-book copy through NetGalley.
Synopsis:
Violeta Rubio is visiting Puerto Rico for the first time, and she has one goal: To help her abuela move back home and reopen her beloved restaurant. After hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island, her abuela was always sad, missing her home country and wishing she could return. Violeta hates seeing her abuela like this and is determined to make her smile. There is one setback: Her parents and abuela herself refuse to let her help. Not with moving, painting, getting supplies, nothing. Bored out of her mind, Violeta runs into two best friends: Diego and Lorena, who have their own mission. The meat supply farm that provides for the restaurant keeps getting attacked by a legendary Chupacabra, and they need to find it before it does more damage. Skeptical of the make-believe monster but excited to do anything, Violeta agrees to help, and, as if by fate, she finds the baby Chupacabra alone in the forest. Unable to bring it to harm's way, Violeta hides the newly named “Chupie” in her abuela’s shed, hoping to keep the creature out of sight. But how long can she keep this secret from her new friends? And who are these more nefarious people who want Chupie for themselves?
What I Liked: Saving Chupie is a charming graphic novel full of Puerto Rican culture, legendary animals of Latine folklore, and budding friendships. Violeta is a strong main character, making both smart decisions and mistakes on her path to finding her voice, defending her reasoning, and sticking up for herself and others. She tries to help her family, friends, Chupie, and island as much as she can, making her an empathic and likable protagonist. Diego and Lorena are great supporting characters, each with a mind of their own who are not afraid to speak up and do the right thing, even if it takes them a while to figure out what that means. The parents and especially the abuela are nuanced and have their own past stories that help shape who they are and how they interact with Violeta. The story is set in Puerto Rico after hurricane Maria, and the story portrays much of the devastation to the island, but also the people’s hope to rebuild and bring their island back on its feet. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and lighthearted, giving the characters, landscape, and creatures a warmth that you can feel through the page. All characters, except for Violeta’s white dad, are Puerto Rican, coming in many shades of skin colors and families.
What I Didn’t Like: Nothing!
Who Would I Recommend This To: Kids who like graphic novels and want to read about folklore creatures and/or Puerto Rico.
Review Date: 5/30/2023
August 16, 2023
“Saving Chupie" by Amparo Ortiz: A Heartwarming and Enlightening Read
5/5 stars
I recently had the pleasure of delving into the pages of "Saving Chupie" by Amparo Ortiz, beautifully illustrated by Ronnie Garcia. From the very beginning, this book captured my attention with its colorful illustration that represents Puerto Rico’s beauty. Its heartfelt themes and captivating storytelling kept me on the page.
One of the aspects that truly stood out to me was the emphasis on loyalty and family. Through the protagonist's journey, readers are reminded of the deep bonds and unwavering support that exist within families. The importance of standing by each other, even in the face of adversity, is beautifully portrayed, reminding readers of the significance of these relationships in our lives.
Another commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of the cultural richness of Puerto Rico. The vivid and stunning illustrations of the rainforest and indigenous animals transport readers to the enchanting landscapes of the island. This inclusion of diverse cultural elements is crucial in literature, and "Saving Chupie" excels in showcasing the beauty and heritage of Puerto Rican culture.
Furthermore, the book addresses the impact of Hurricane Maria, shedding light on the challenges faced by Puerto Rico and its people during this natural disaster. This educational aspect of the story helps foster empathy and understanding among readers, allowing them to connect with the experiences of individuals and communities affected by such events.
One of the most endearing themes explored in "Saving Chupie" is the power of friendship. The book beautifully captures the journey of finding companionship, even when feeling awkward or out of place. This emphasis on building connections and fostering friendships serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of human connection and personal growth.
Ultimately, "Saving Chupie" by Amparo Ortiz, illustrated by Ronnie Garcia, is a heartwarming and enlightening book that leaves a lasting impact on its readers. With its themes of loyalty, family, cultural representation, and the importance of friendship, the story offers valuable life lessons for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read that celebrates the power of love, resilience, and unity.
5/5 stars
I recently had the pleasure of delving into the pages of "Saving Chupie" by Amparo Ortiz, beautifully illustrated by Ronnie Garcia. From the very beginning, this book captured my attention with its colorful illustration that represents Puerto Rico’s beauty. Its heartfelt themes and captivating storytelling kept me on the page.
One of the aspects that truly stood out to me was the emphasis on loyalty and family. Through the protagonist's journey, readers are reminded of the deep bonds and unwavering support that exist within families. The importance of standing by each other, even in the face of adversity, is beautifully portrayed, reminding readers of the significance of these relationships in our lives.
Another commendable aspect of the book is its portrayal of the cultural richness of Puerto Rico. The vivid and stunning illustrations of the rainforest and indigenous animals transport readers to the enchanting landscapes of the island. This inclusion of diverse cultural elements is crucial in literature, and "Saving Chupie" excels in showcasing the beauty and heritage of Puerto Rican culture.
Furthermore, the book addresses the impact of Hurricane Maria, shedding light on the challenges faced by Puerto Rico and its people during this natural disaster. This educational aspect of the story helps foster empathy and understanding among readers, allowing them to connect with the experiences of individuals and communities affected by such events.
One of the most endearing themes explored in "Saving Chupie" is the power of friendship. The book beautifully captures the journey of finding companionship, even when feeling awkward or out of place. This emphasis on building connections and fostering friendships serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of human connection and personal growth.
Ultimately, "Saving Chupie" by Amparo Ortiz, illustrated by Ronnie Garcia, is a heartwarming and enlightening book that leaves a lasting impact on its readers. With its themes of loyalty, family, cultural representation, and the importance of friendship, the story offers valuable life lessons for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking read that celebrates the power of love, resilience, and unity.
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