When Carlos’ dad wins the lottery, everything changes for their Cuban family. They move into the city, where his dad starts a business. But when Fidel Castro overthrows the government and installs a communist regime, the new life Carlos and his family have built begins to fall apart.
As the Cuban Revolution begins to take shape in the 1950s, Carlos lives a carefree life with his family in the Cuban countryside. He loves his grandparents’ farm and trips to the beach with his grandfather. But when his father wins the lottery, everything changes.
They move into the city so his father can start a furniture business like he’s always dreamed. But Carlos struggles to find his place in this new life.
Before Carlos can find his stride and start to fit in, Fidel Castro takes over the country. With a communist regime in power, Carlos’ father loses control of his business. Then his father leaves the country altogether, traveling to the United States in the hope of starting over fresh—and eventually bringing over their family.
For a year, Carlos’ mom struggles to keep everyone safe and fed. As the days go by, Carlos wonders more and more if he will ever see his father again.
They moved to the city in hopes of a better life. Now Carlos can only hope that they can reach that better life in America.
None.
Communism and its all-consuming nature are discussed.
Carlos has a loving family. His father is often distracted and short with him, but they understand each other better as time goes on. His father manages to get their family out of Cuba.
Fidel Castro violently seizes power and begins his totalitarian rule.
Cigars are mentioned, and smoking is pictured in illustrations.
Carlos’ father buys lottery tickets against his wife’s wishes.
There are discussions about violence, fighting and killing in relation to the revolution. Gunshots are described. Carlos’ dad’s shop is seized by armed men. Carlos finds a gun hidden in the sawdust. People discuss executions and firing squads. Others mention the battle at the Bay of Pigs. Illustrations depict dead bodies underwater.
Carlos shoots lizards with his slingshot. He gets into a fight at school.
People call Carlos and his siblings “worms” after their father leaves Cuba. One sister calls another “pip-squeak.”
Carlos’ parents kiss.
What do you like about your family? Why?
Do you have any big dreams? What are they?
What does it mean to be free? Read John 8:31-38. How do we have freedom if we put our faith and trust in Jesus?
Author Daniel Miyares shows readers what life looked like for some in pre-revolution Cuba. How to Say Goodbye in Cuban demonstrates how communism robbed many Cuban citizens of the land and businesses they worked and sacrificed to own and establish. The story invites important discussions about government and freedom. However, the violence might be too mature for some readers.
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Rachel Pfeiffer serves as Editor of Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine, where she acquires and crafts stories to entertain and disciple children. She graduated from Taylor University with a degree in professional writing and Moody Theological Seminary with an MA in Biblical Studies. When she’s not curled up with a good book, she can often be found hiking the beautiful Colorado Rockies.
