My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood

Dino is seven in 1954, when he must leave his beloved Havana, Cuba, and the colorful buildings that inspire his drawings. He and his parents move to Madrid, Spain, to help his injured uncle's family. Life under the dictator, Franco, is miserable, so when they return home in 1956, Dino is overjoyed: "I will never leave you again," he whispers to his city. However, by 1959, a dangerous political upheaval forces the family to flee to New York City. Based on architect Secundino Fernandez's childhood experiences. Author's note. Full-color oil-and-pencil illustrations.