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Con Cuba en el bolsillo / Cuba in my Pocket
«No recuerdo. Cuéntamelo todo, Pepito. Cuéntame de Cuba».
Cuando la fallida invasión de Bahía de Cochinos en 1961 solidifica el poder de Castro en Cuba, la familia de Cumba, de doce años, toma la difícil decisión de enviarlo solo a la Florida. Ante la idea de vivir en otro país por sí mismo, Cumba intenta recordar el sonido del clarinete de su padre, el olor del perfume de lavanda de su madre.
La vida en Estados Unidos presenta toda una nueva serie de desafíos. Perdido en un mar de angloparlantes, Cumba tiene que navegar una nueva ciudad, una nueva escuela y una nueva libertad por su propia cuenta. Con cada día que pasa, Cumba se siente más confiado en su nuevo entorno, pero continúa preguntándose si su familia volverá a estar completa otra vez. ¿O acaso sus familiares se mantendrán fuera de su alcance, a 90 millas, al otro lado del mar?
Cuando la fallida invasión de Bahía de Cochinos en 1961 solidifica el poder de Castro en Cuba, la familia de Cumba, de doce años, toma la difícil decisión de enviarlo solo a la Florida. Ante la idea de vivir en otro país por sí mismo, Cumba intenta recordar el sonido del clarinete de su padre, el olor del perfume de lavanda de su madre.
La vida en Estados Unidos presenta toda una nueva serie de desafíos. Perdido en un mar de angloparlantes, Cumba tiene que navegar una nueva ciudad, una nueva escuela y una nueva libertad por su propia cuenta. Con cada día que pasa, Cumba se siente más confiado en su nuevo entorno, pero continúa preguntándose si su familia volverá a estar completa otra vez. ¿O acaso sus familiares se mantendrán fuera de su alcance, a 90 millas, al otro lado del mar?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2021
29 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Adrianna Cuevas
10 books137 followersAdrianna Cuevas is a first-generation Cuban-American originally from Miami, Florida. A Spanish, ESOL and TOEFL teacher, Adrianna currently resides in Austin, Texas with her husband and son. When not working with TOEFL students, wrangling multiple pets including an axolotl, and practicing fencing with her son, she is writing her next middle grade novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 8, 2024
Great historical fiction! Set in Cuba during the ‘60’s, Fidel Castro is in power, and the Bay of Pigs incident does not end in his being overthrown. Rather than see their young sons be conscripted to join Castro’s army, many parents make the difficult decision to send their children to America for safety. Twelve-year-old Cumba is in this situation; he’s had to leave behind everyone and everything he’s ever known. And America isn’t exactly as he’d pictured; a land of people always wearing cowboy hats and eating hamburgers and Cokes. His deepest desire is to have his whole family together again, but the evil dictator Castro will make it very difficult for that to happen…
As I read this, I picked up on many similarities between Adolph Hitler and Fidel Castro. How they both managed to eliminate so many disabled people, homosexuals, anyone who disagreed with their governments; very chilling to think that WW2 had only ended sixteen years before the Bay of Pigs disaster.
I think this would be a great addition to any middle-grade classroom.
As I read this, I picked up on many similarities between Adolph Hitler and Fidel Castro. How they both managed to eliminate so many disabled people, homosexuals, anyone who disagreed with their governments; very chilling to think that WW2 had only ended sixteen years before the Bay of Pigs disaster.
I think this would be a great addition to any middle-grade classroom.
May 5, 2021
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but Cuba in My Pocket gave me ALL the feels. Although I'm not Cuban, I can relate to Cumba's journey of moving to a new unfamiliar place and struggling to fit in. It's all the more special because the story is based on the author's father. It was great to have the book start off in Cuba to give the reader historical context and to show how life could change so fast for someone like Cumba. As a foodie, I loved all the Cuban food references (now I'm craving!) and I also found it highly amusing to see Cumba react to food in America, (oatmeal!) Cuba in My Pocket is sheer perfection and I am pretty sure it's going to win awards. Highly recommend!
April 25, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
CUBA IN MY POCKET is a historical fiction story about a young boy’s journey from Cuba to the United States to escape conscription into service for Fidel Castro. He travels alone to Miami to live with a distant relative and other youth who also left Cuba, hoping for better circumstances. He worries about the family he left behind while also struggling to learn English, navigate the school system, and help his friends connect with lost family members.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and became invested in the story. The idea of a young person leaving their family to travel to a new country where they didn’t speak the language and assimilate without any assistance was mindboggling, especially when I knew the author’s family inspired the story. I really liked we started the story in Cuba and got a good glimpse into Cumba’s life and the family’s decision to send him to the US. I was glad he ended up in favourable living arrangements, but my heart still went out to him and all the things he needed to learn on his own. I loved the connections he made with other youth facing similar circumstances and how they supported each other. I felt like I learned so much and developed a better understanding of history presented to me in a very one-sided way.
This story reminded me of Barefoot of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs, another story coming later this year, which also addresses escaping to the United States from a country filled with violence. I think these are timely stories as there is conflicting information about immigration in the news. Young readers need to understand the type of circumstances from which individuals are escaping to develop empathy, and I would recommend this book as a class read aloud to discuss for Gr. 5-7.
CUBA IN MY POCKET is a historical fiction story about a young boy’s journey from Cuba to the United States to escape conscription into service for Fidel Castro. He travels alone to Miami to live with a distant relative and other youth who also left Cuba, hoping for better circumstances. He worries about the family he left behind while also struggling to learn English, navigate the school system, and help his friends connect with lost family members.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and became invested in the story. The idea of a young person leaving their family to travel to a new country where they didn’t speak the language and assimilate without any assistance was mindboggling, especially when I knew the author’s family inspired the story. I really liked we started the story in Cuba and got a good glimpse into Cumba’s life and the family’s decision to send him to the US. I was glad he ended up in favourable living arrangements, but my heart still went out to him and all the things he needed to learn on his own. I loved the connections he made with other youth facing similar circumstances and how they supported each other. I felt like I learned so much and developed a better understanding of history presented to me in a very one-sided way.
This story reminded me of Barefoot of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs, another story coming later this year, which also addresses escaping to the United States from a country filled with violence. I think these are timely stories as there is conflicting information about immigration in the news. Young readers need to understand the type of circumstances from which individuals are escaping to develop empathy, and I would recommend this book as a class read aloud to discuss for Gr. 5-7.
Want to read
March 30, 2021This book is very close to being like when my father came from Cuba. There's some differences, but it is definitely for me.
April 30, 2024
Got this at an event where the author spoke. She shared that this was basically her father’s story when he had to immigrate to Cuba after the rise of Fidel. She did a wonderful job connecting you to the main character and it felt very genuine. His experience as a non-English speaker in an American school, particularly tugged my heartstrings and I hope it inspires empathy not only in children who read this but also adults
November 5, 2023
A great story to introduce young teens to the effects of extreme government and immigration. It brought up difficult topics in an approachable way for middle school age students.
January 28, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-arc of this book. I found this middle grade historical fiction to be sheer perfection. Cumba, 12 years old, lives in Cuba with his parent and little brother Pepito. His abuelo and abuela are dear to him as are a host of other family members. Fidel Castro, however, has taken over the country, as have his soldiers, and Cumba faces the threat of military service. To avoid that, his parents send him to Miami. I knew little of this time in history and loved learning about it through the eyes of Cumba. His time in the United States is beautifully portrayed, and you will cheer for Cumba as he tries to get acclimated to new families, new friends, and a new life. I 100% recommend this book.
December 19, 2022
I am half Cuban and this one resonated with me.
November 17, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a solid Middle Grade historical fiction novel centered on a voice/identity that doesn't get much play in this space.
This is a solid Middle Grade historical fiction novel centered on a voice/identity that doesn't get much play in this space.
July 19, 2024
Such a cute, but eye-opening read!
Cumba is a young boy, 12 years old, who is living in Cuba when Fidel Castro takes over the government. His family then decides to send him to the United States of America, alone at 12 years old, to escape Fidel Castro and being "recruited." In the US, Cumba faces difficulties with making friends, learning English, and also the internal struggles of leaving his family behind in Cuba.
I felt so attached to Cumba and even cried at the end of the book.
I love that at the end of the book, Adrianna Cuevas shared that this story was inspired by her father and his journey to the United States from Cuba.
Cumba is a young boy, 12 years old, who is living in Cuba when Fidel Castro takes over the government. His family then decides to send him to the United States of America, alone at 12 years old, to escape Fidel Castro and being "recruited." In the US, Cumba faces difficulties with making friends, learning English, and also the internal struggles of leaving his family behind in Cuba.
I felt so attached to Cumba and even cried at the end of the book.
I love that at the end of the book, Adrianna Cuevas shared that this story was inspired by her father and his journey to the United States from Cuba.
March 22, 2021
When Cumba and his family no longer feel safe in Cuba, his parents send him to Florida with the hope of joining him there soon. Cumba is homesick, worried about his family, struggling to learn English, and not connecting with his surly roommate in his temporary placement. And he doesn’t understand how anyone can eat oatmeal!
As might be expected, Cumba has some negative experiences in his new country. He rankles at the idea that he is expected to be the “Cuban ambassador”; why is he expected to speak for everyone Cuban? Cumba also becomes aware of anti-immigrant sentiments. For the most part, though, Cumba is safe and well-cared for and makes good progress.
Young readers will identify with Cumba missing his family, trying new foods, and meeting new people. His everyday familiar struggles provide a springboard for conversations about the larger social issues presented in the book. There is also a glossary of the Spanish words and expressions used throughout the book.
As might be expected, Cumba has some negative experiences in his new country. He rankles at the idea that he is expected to be the “Cuban ambassador”; why is he expected to speak for everyone Cuban? Cumba also becomes aware of anti-immigrant sentiments. For the most part, though, Cumba is safe and well-cared for and makes good progress.
Young readers will identify with Cumba missing his family, trying new foods, and meeting new people. His everyday familiar struggles provide a springboard for conversations about the larger social issues presented in the book. There is also a glossary of the Spanish words and expressions used throughout the book.
March 9, 2024
Los efectos del gobierno extremo en la sociedad que gobierna dan como resultado la inmigración. ¡Pero para los preadolescentes!
Esta novela describe claramente la preocupación y el miedo que se sienten durante el ascenso de Castro en Cuba desde el punto de vista de un joven cuya familia decide enviarlo solo a los Estados Unidos por temor a que lo obliguen a realizar el servicio militar. Vemos su miedo y preocupación por su familia, la nostalgia que siente por su hogar, y su lucha por adaptarse a un mundo y una cultura nueva.
Es una lectura que toca el corazón y muestra una de las muchas razones por las que alguien puede abandonar su país de origen. A pesar de las creencias ignorantes de mucha gente: la gente emigra por miedo y por necesidad, no sólo porque les da la gana.
Esta novela describe claramente la preocupación y el miedo que se sienten durante el ascenso de Castro en Cuba desde el punto de vista de un joven cuya familia decide enviarlo solo a los Estados Unidos por temor a que lo obliguen a realizar el servicio militar. Vemos su miedo y preocupación por su familia, la nostalgia que siente por su hogar, y su lucha por adaptarse a un mundo y una cultura nueva.
Es una lectura que toca el corazón y muestra una de las muchas razones por las que alguien puede abandonar su país de origen. A pesar de las creencias ignorantes de mucha gente: la gente emigra por miedo y por necesidad, no sólo porque les da la gana.
June 26, 2024
An insightful view into the life of a refugee child.
August 21, 2022
What a phenomenal story about love, family, bravery, and sacrifice! I read this book for a prompt: a book I know nothing about. I was unfamiliar with much of the cuban missile crisis and Castro's reign in Cuba. I definitely felt as though I learned a bit more from this book but I really love that this book focuses on the journey of one boy to America and what he has to face being alone (separated from his family) in a strange new country. Cumba, his little brother, his parents, grandparents and extended family live in Cuba where Fidel Castro is now in charge. They try to live their lives as normal as possible but seeing soldiers with guns on the streets make it hard to feel that everything is normal and safe. When they start requiring boys of a certain age to join the Castro's army, Cumba's family find a way to get him to the United States to live with an Aunt they know there.
This begins his journey into a world he knows nothing about and will have to do it mostly alone. What I loved about this book is that Cuevas didn't stray away from telling the whole story, fears and all. It is terrifying going to a new country where you aren't familiar with the language. It is scary being separated from your family and knowing that your family is stuck in a place that is in turmoil. Cumba meets other children who are placed in various places so just as he feels like he has a friend, they can be sent to live with others in different states within days. And to do this all alone at the age of 12 or 13 is even scarier. But I love that this book talks about strength and believing that you can do it if you try. This books shows how schools react very differently to new students from other countries, and as a teacher, that hit home for sure. This book talks about the importance of family even if you are separated. And most importantly, this book really shows the importance of never giving up! Many days may be difficult and you may feel alone but those days won't be forever. Absolutely loved this book, pretty quick read and highly recommend!
This begins his journey into a world he knows nothing about and will have to do it mostly alone. What I loved about this book is that Cuevas didn't stray away from telling the whole story, fears and all. It is terrifying going to a new country where you aren't familiar with the language. It is scary being separated from your family and knowing that your family is stuck in a place that is in turmoil. Cumba meets other children who are placed in various places so just as he feels like he has a friend, they can be sent to live with others in different states within days. And to do this all alone at the age of 12 or 13 is even scarier. But I love that this book talks about strength and believing that you can do it if you try. This books shows how schools react very differently to new students from other countries, and as a teacher, that hit home for sure. This book talks about the importance of family even if you are separated. And most importantly, this book really shows the importance of never giving up! Many days may be difficult and you may feel alone but those days won't be forever. Absolutely loved this book, pretty quick read and highly recommend!
February 14, 2023
Cuba in My Pocket is the story of a 12-year-old boy, Cumba living in Cuba in 1961, during the Cold War. Fidel Castro has just come to power, and life has completely changed overnight. The US's attempt to oust him through the Bay of Pigs invasion was a failure. People are divided by political ideology, and those who do not agree with the dictator are targeted.
Cumba and his best friend Serapio play a game where they talk about how life has changed since Fidel. Soldiers threaten people, even children. Schools are shut down until the education system can be revamped with a Socialist worldview. His parents are under scrutiny because of their political views. Cumba's family lives in fear of him being sent off to a Soviet work camp to be trained as a Young Rebel, as soon as he has his next birthday. Life on the island paradise does not feel carefree or joyful anymore.
To avoid being taken away, Cumba is sent on a plane to Florida, to live with a great-aunt. Arriving in his new junior high, Cumba is not given any sort of language support or services. The "sink-or-swim" philosophy proves to be difficult as he navigates classes in English. As a teacher of multilingual learners, I found this glimpse into his experience to be heartbreaking and also beautiful.
When Cumba is sent to live with a new family in Key Largo, his life changes once again. Throughout the book, he lives in the hope that he will one day be reunited with his family.
This book was heartfelt, wholesome, and a beautiful first-person historical fiction piece based on a time I didn't know a lot about. Spanish is woven into the book in context in a thoughtful way, which is always a plus in my mind. I found it very educational and also an enjoyable read.
One final thought: I listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Anthony Rey Perez was excellent as always. I love his range of characters, ranging from Cubans who are just beginning to learn English to United States accents. It definitely enhanced the experience.
Cumba and his best friend Serapio play a game where they talk about how life has changed since Fidel. Soldiers threaten people, even children. Schools are shut down until the education system can be revamped with a Socialist worldview. His parents are under scrutiny because of their political views. Cumba's family lives in fear of him being sent off to a Soviet work camp to be trained as a Young Rebel, as soon as he has his next birthday. Life on the island paradise does not feel carefree or joyful anymore.
To avoid being taken away, Cumba is sent on a plane to Florida, to live with a great-aunt. Arriving in his new junior high, Cumba is not given any sort of language support or services. The "sink-or-swim" philosophy proves to be difficult as he navigates classes in English. As a teacher of multilingual learners, I found this glimpse into his experience to be heartbreaking and also beautiful.
When Cumba is sent to live with a new family in Key Largo, his life changes once again. Throughout the book, he lives in the hope that he will one day be reunited with his family.
This book was heartfelt, wholesome, and a beautiful first-person historical fiction piece based on a time I didn't know a lot about. Spanish is woven into the book in context in a thoughtful way, which is always a plus in my mind. I found it very educational and also an enjoyable read.
One final thought: I listened to the audiobook, and the narration by Anthony Rey Perez was excellent as always. I love his range of characters, ranging from Cubans who are just beginning to learn English to United States accents. It definitely enhanced the experience.
September 21, 2022
After the Bay of Pigs disaster, Castro implemented a ruthless grip on Cuban society to assure he could never be ousted from power. Twelve-year-old Cumba Fernandez watches as other boys his age are conscripted into Castro’s revolutionary youth corps. Cumba’s parents realize they must act quickly and save their son from a fate of totalitarian brainwashing, so they devise a covert plan to send Cumba to Miami to live with a family cousin. Adjusting to American culture and school brings daily challenges that could break Cumba’s spirit, especially since he doesn’t know if he’ll ever see his family again.
Cuevas’s novel for middle school readers makes its strongest impact with exposing the cruel and unjust methods of Castro’s dictatorial regime, where he utilizes fear to make neighbors suspicious of each other. When the narrative shifts to Miami, events become somewhat contrived as if part of a waiting game about whether Cumba and his family will reunite. Cuevas does a nice job of charting Cumba’s struggles and his loneliness, and Cumba is a wonderful representation of a young man’s courage in enduring the circumstances that force his family to make tough decisions. Cuevas’s bow-tie ending may be too predictable, but the real strength of Cuba in My Pocket is its message about the vitality of immigrants and asylum seekers and how America has always been a diverse country where the contributions of many are what make us great.
Cuevas’s novel for middle school readers makes its strongest impact with exposing the cruel and unjust methods of Castro’s dictatorial regime, where he utilizes fear to make neighbors suspicious of each other. When the narrative shifts to Miami, events become somewhat contrived as if part of a waiting game about whether Cumba and his family will reunite. Cuevas does a nice job of charting Cumba’s struggles and his loneliness, and Cumba is a wonderful representation of a young man’s courage in enduring the circumstances that force his family to make tough decisions. Cuevas’s bow-tie ending may be too predictable, but the real strength of Cuba in My Pocket is its message about the vitality of immigrants and asylum seekers and how America has always been a diverse country where the contributions of many are what make us great.
July 14, 2021
“Your heart will always be in Cuba.” 🇨🇺
Set during 1961 and Castro has control, Cumba’s family is in a dire situation for his safety and decide to send him to the United States.
Once arriving in America, life is not so simple like he had assumed. Struggles come in many forms and fashions as he learns to navigate this new “home”.
🇨🇺
This story is so relative to so many in today’s time, even though it takes place 60 years ago. Themes of courage, strength, oppression, fear, and full of hope will guide students and relate to their own life navigation in middle grades. As a teacher, you can use this in so many ways paired with many nonfiction articles in regards to Castro and Bay of Pigs.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for sharing this wonderful story.
Set during 1961 and Castro has control, Cumba’s family is in a dire situation for his safety and decide to send him to the United States.
Once arriving in America, life is not so simple like he had assumed. Struggles come in many forms and fashions as he learns to navigate this new “home”.
🇨🇺
This story is so relative to so many in today’s time, even though it takes place 60 years ago. Themes of courage, strength, oppression, fear, and full of hope will guide students and relate to their own life navigation in middle grades. As a teacher, you can use this in so many ways paired with many nonfiction articles in regards to Castro and Bay of Pigs.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for sharing this wonderful story.
November 21, 2021
I love reading middle grade historical fiction about an era middle grade readers likely no little, if anything, about. Fidel Castro and the Bay of Pigs conflict with the United States in 1961 is a time period that I haven't encountered before now. Cumba Fernandez flees Cuba alone to avoid conscription in Fidel's army as a 13 year old. His adjustment to life in the United States is confusing and hard. People speak so fast. Some people don't want him to stay. Kids laugh at his clothes. And the food is so different. He dreams of the day when his Mami, Papi and Pepito, his little brother, will join him to live in freedom. Is that just too much to dream about? Maybe. Outstanding historical fiction. Loved this book.
December 20, 2020
I had the opportunity of reading an early ARC. The story is full of heart and did a great job of educating me about a part of US history I knew very little about.
“A harrowing and important read. Cuevas explores an often-hidden moment in Cuban American history with heart, compassion, and authenticity.”
“A harrowing and important read. Cuevas explores an often-hidden moment in Cuban American history with heart, compassion, and authenticity.”
January 10, 2022
Lovely book! I loved how it is based on the author's father's experience. There is so much to love about Cumba's journey to the US. I loved how Cumba felt comfortable in math class, how he makes friends, how he misses his family so much, and how he finds a new home away from home. My mom read this book too and LOVED it as well. It's a smooth and engaging read and eye opening as well. I can't wait to read more from this talented author.
January 25, 2023
Four points of view from four different teens in Cuba when Fidel Castro took over. I learned some interesting things about what happened, and how people coped. The chapters are very short so it makes the reading feel quicker. Some mild violence and language. My favorite was crap-eater. 5th grade and up.
February 1, 2022
Cuevas writes a story of a boy whose parents send him to America to evade military induction on the island of Cuba under Fidel Castro's leadership. The limited options for this family include having their son taken and sent off to Russia to "learn" communism, or sent to America to .... wait and see if the family can be reunited in America. The protagonist has to learn to navigate life and customs in America.
January 3, 2022
Cumba is just twelve in 1961 when he leaves his family in Cuba to immigrate to the U.S. by himself.
Based on the author's family history.
Based on the author's family history.
April 21, 2022
This was gut-wrenching and so educational. Cumba really brought this moment in history to life. I will HIGHLY recommend this book to readers!
Also, the audiobook is performed by my absolute favorite narrator, Anthony Ray Perez. What a treat to listen to the story in his voice.
Also, the audiobook is performed by my absolute favorite narrator, Anthony Ray Perez. What a treat to listen to the story in his voice.
May 4, 2022
I enjoy historical fiction, and this stirred up my interest in Cuba’s past, but didn’t answer too many questions. What I did enjoy was the pacing of the story and the perspective of a young immigrant. Though a children’s book, it didn’t sugarcoat this boy’s experience with soldiers in Cuba, and putting down roots in the US.
July 15, 2022
This was a super cute book. It’s one I will definitely recommend to my eighth graders. It’s good for reluctant reads and kids who can relate to struggling with learning English.
October 1, 2021
I think that this is the book that will finally get me wholeheartedly on the audiobook train. I’ve been in a huge slump because of grad school and I feel this book just opened up a whole new world of reading.
The narration was captivating and simply beautiful. The story was compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful. True to my brand, this book destroyed me.
The narration was captivating and simply beautiful. The story was compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful. True to my brand, this book destroyed me.
June 13, 2022
A boy is sent to the United States after The Bay of Pigs invasion to stay with an American family. He misses his family in Cuba and dreams of a they will be able to immigrate here as well.
January 29, 2025
Una curita para el corazón
September 15, 2024
After the Bay of Pigs attempted invasion, Cumba only knows Castor's Cuba. But when he turns 12, Cumba is danger of being forced to join Castor's young military. Because of the danger, Cumba's parents decide to send him to Florida on his own in order to keep him safe. Cumba wants to be free and safe, but he's scared of moving to another country on his own.
When Cumba first lands in Florida, he is taken in by a Cuban woman, fostering Cuban youth who came to the U.S. on their own. Cumba struggles to fit in, but he finds his friends and support system. Cumba keeps learning and keeps moving on. He writes letters home to his family and hears back from his younger brother often.
This book is all about the realities of life under Fidel Castro and what it takes to start a new life in a different country.
When Cumba first lands in Florida, he is taken in by a Cuban woman, fostering Cuban youth who came to the U.S. on their own. Cumba struggles to fit in, but he finds his friends and support system. Cumba keeps learning and keeps moving on. He writes letters home to his family and hears back from his younger brother often.
This book is all about the realities of life under Fidel Castro and what it takes to start a new life in a different country.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews