Review written by By Alexandra Somellian aka Paperback Pastelitos
Cuba in My Pocket is a heartwarming and bittersweet novel that will leave you in tears. Adrianna Cuevas is a first generation Cuban-American author, and this is her sophomore novel. This historical fiction novel is loosely based on the author’s father. In this middle-grade story, Cumba and his family are caught in the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. With Fidel Castro in power, Cumba is faced with the possibility of becoming a child soldier for the Soviet Union. His family arranges for him to live in Florida to prevent the twelve-year-old boy from joining the military. However, when Cumba arrives in the United States, he must navigate a world entirely different from his own.
This book is an emotional read. Many sweet moments throughout the book will remind adult readers of their youth. Cumba lands in Miami during the 1960s, a time when Cubans were scarce in the area. He quickly learns that the United States isn’t just about cowboys and hamburgers. He struggles to fit in with his peers and master the English language. Eventually, Cumba makes many close friends. He realizes that even in a foreign country, there are people who care about him and root for him every step of the way.
The heart of this book is about starting over through pain and trauma. The last page will leave the reader smiling through tears and wanting to hug Cumba, thinking about the hardships many families have endured to come to this country. Cuba in My Pocket is a compelling five-star read that pulls at the heartstrings from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a diverse middle-grade book that takes you through the immigrant experience and a rollercoaster of emotions, then Cuba in My Pocket is the book for you.
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