Forced to leave his beloved city when Fidel Castro and the Communist Party take over, a homesick Dino tries to capture the beauty of Havana in his sketchpad. Years later, living in the United States, his memories never fade. Author’s Note.

Grades 3-6

This fictionalized account of the childhood of architect Secundino (Dino) Fernandez may be short (only 65 pages), but Wells packs a lot of substance and history into Dino's story. Born in Havana in 1948, his "world is sweet" until he is 6 years old. The weather is always warm, the buildings are beautiful colors, and he is surrounded by family and friends. However, they must travel to Spain in 1954 to help an injured relative, and when they return to Havana in 1956, the atmosphere has changed: the president of Cuba, General Batista, rules with corruption and inspires fear. When Fidel Castro chases Batista out on New Year's Eve 1958, he makes lots of promises, but many soon realize he is another dictator. As Castro becomes more tyranical, the Fernanez family makes the decision to leave Cuba for New York. At first Dino finds New York cold and unwelcoming, and to comfort himself he begins to make a model of Havana in his bedroom. The cardboard buildings and bright paint colors help him to feel closer to his roots and as he gets to know his classmates and to appreciate what New York has to offer, his new world slowly comes to feel like home. Rich illustrations in oil add to the charm of this nostalgic look at a childhood shaped by leaders that many children know little about: Franco, Castro, Che Guevera, and others. Wells was inspired to write his story after hearing him speak during a local radio interview, and her afterword tells of how they met and worked together to produce the book.
( )

Wells, Rosemary with Secundino Fernandez. (2010). My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood. Illustrated by Peter Ferguson. Boston: Candlewick. 65 pp. ISBN 978-0-7636-4305-8 (Hard Cover); $17.99.

Anyone who has moved from a loved neighborhood or home will appreciate the wistful, lyrical novel based on the memories of architect, Secundino Fernandez with whom Wells collaborated to craft this beautiful story. Dino’s grandfather, Marcelino, has built the homes of presidents. Dino loves these buildings, loves touching them, and loves sketching them. He sketches throughout Havana, the Paris of his heart. Dino’s uncle in Madrid falls off a roof and the family is compelled to travel to Spain to help. For two years Dino salutes Franco, though he is never quite sure why this is required. Madrid treats him like a thief and Dino feels like he will be stuck in Madrid forever. When their restaurant manager informs the family that he can no longer manage their business, Dino moves back to Havana, delighted but almost overwhelmed by the color. However this Havana is now in the process of switching from one dictator to another. Fulgencio Batista is about to be deposed by Fidel Castro, with help from Che Guevara, Dino and family pack their bags for New York. Havana is gone forever. Or is it? Wells understands the value of art and the pull of the heart for places and times gone forever. Ferguson’s artwork is heartwarming and adds a richness to this story. A story that is not simply a memoir of Dino’s love for the Havana of his childhood, but also a story of the ways art can both preserve memories and heal souls. This is an excellent book for elementary and middle school libraries.

Dino Fernandez is a young boy growing up in a free Cuba just before the Fidel Castro regime begins. He loves Havana and all the beautiful colors and culture there. Dino must leave for awhile so his father and mother can help family in Spain. When they return, Dino is so happy to be back in Havana again. It's not long though before they must flee before Fidel Castro harms them. Dino is very sad to be in New York City, but learns to speak English and draws his old Havana in his room and colors it all the beautiful colors he remembers.

Students can learn of another country and how Cuba used to be free and a beautiful country. ( )