This stunning wordless graphic novel follows a young girl in the 1960s who immigrates from Cuba to the United States and must redefine what home means to her.

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Marisol loves her colorful island home. Cuba is vibrant with flowers and food and people…but things are changing. The home Marisol loves is no longer safe—and then it’s no longer her home at all. Her parents are sending her to the United States. Alone.

Nothing about Marisol’s new life in cold, gray Brooklyn feels like home—not the language, school, or even her foster parents. But Marisol starts to realize that home isn’t always a place. And finding her way can be as simple as staying true to herself.

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Praise For

“Beautiful and emotional, this powerful book is truly unique.”
—Margarita Engle, Newbery Honor winning author of The Surrender Tree
“Alexis Castellanos's debut is a vibrant journey of emotions that will leave your heart soaring.”
—Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Labyrinth Lost
“In this moving testament to the power of stories to provide a refuge, Castellanos beautifully captures her family’s history: the pain, love, and hope. A gorgeously rendered story that I will hold in my heart.”
—Adrianna Cuevas, Pura Belpré honor book winning author of The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez
“Beautifully illustrated, wonderfully lush color and settings.”
—Adriana Hernandez Bergstrom, author of Abuelita and I Make Flan
"With a sharp eye for colors, expressions, and intricate historical details, Alexis crafts a stunning snapshot of 1960s Cuba and the United States. The result is a heartwarming immigrant story of finding yourself and your home wherever you are in the world."
—Mai Nguyen, author of Pilu of the Woods
“The ways in which Castellanos uses color and silence to explore a young girl’s longing for home, family, and culture left me breathless and spellbound. I disappeared into Marisol’s story with my heart in my throat and tears in my eyes as hope began to grow in vibrant ways. I read Isla to Island in one sitting and then held it to my chest like a gift.”
—Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos
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Alexis Castellanos was born and raised in Florida, where she enjoyed sunny days,  dramatic thunderstorms, and delicious Cuban food. After graduating from college, she moved to New York City and worked as a scenic artist, bringing theatrical sets to life with a little bit of paint and a whole lot of ingenuity. She currently works as a graphic designer by day and spends her nights dreaming up stories. She lives with her partner and  her extremely photogenic cat, Belle, on the West Coast. Isla to Island is her first graphic novel.

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@alexisc_art

Process video for my cover! It took me a while to figure out exactly what Marisol should be doing on the cover lol ##artprocess ##booktok ##procreate

♬ cottagecore gf – Fohrenbach

Cover Reveal Video

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@alexisc_art

Here is my cover for my debit middle grade graphic novel ISLA TO ISLAND!!! My designer Karyn Lee did the beautiful lettering because I could never.

♬ original sound – Alexis Castellanos

© Alexis Castellanos | Design by Spellcaster Designs