Here is the dramatic coming-of-age graphic novel memoir of 12-year-old Carlos (who would grow up to become the authorΓÇÖs father),his life during the Cuban Revolutionand his familyΓÇÖs harrowing escape to America. Carloswho lives in a small town in the Cuban countrysideloves to play baseball with his best friendAlvaroand to shoot home-made slingshots with his abuelo. One daya miracle happens: Carlos’ fatherhis papiwins the lottery! He uses the money to launch his own furniture business and to move the family to a big house in the city. Carlos hates having to move — hates leaving Abuelo and Alvaro behind — and hates being called country kid at his new school. But the pains of moving and middle school turn out to be the least of his problems. When rebel leader Fidel Castro overthrows the existing Cuban presidentthe entire country is thrust into revolution. ThensuddenlyPapi disappears. Carlos’ mother tells him that Papi has gone to Americaand that they will soon join him. But Carlos really doesn’t want to leave Cubathe only home he’s ever known. Besideshow will they get to America when Castro’s soldiers are policing their every move? Will Carlos ever see his father again? This powerful book about a boy coming of age amid massive political upheaval tells a timeless story of one family’s quest for freedom and for a new place to call home.