My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Cuba in My Pocket is the journey of Cumba, a 12yo boy who has to leave his family and his home in Cuba when Fidel Castro takes power. This is one of those books I simply couldn’t put down. From the descriptions of a changing Cuba to the fears young Cumba has to face with the neighborhood soldiers, I was completely enthralled.

There are some tough experiences Cumba has to face before leaving Cuba. Adrianna Cuevas does a remarkable job balancing the raw aspects of these moments so middle grade readers can understand what life held for those old and young during the political upheaval. It seems like a tough line to walk, but she did it well.

I would reread this book for it’s beautiful writing and descriptions of Cuba and for Cumba’s voice which contains his fears and frustrations and humor. While we see a loss of innocence in his journey, Cumba also gains strength and a wider perspective of what family and home can be.



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