MY HAVANA

In 1954, Secundino Fernando (Dino) is six years, and he lives in Havana, Cuba.
Dino feels a deep attraction for the beautiful architecture of his city. He is always seen drawing buildings, monuments, cathedral domes and courtyards in his sketchbook. The Fernandez family decides to leave Havana and moves to Spain for 3 years. Dino’s father should help his brother’s family while he recovers from an accident. The length of stay in Spain is painful and Dino is constantly thinking when to return to Havana.
In 1956 the family moves back to Havana. Dino’s parents go back to work at the restaurant they own. In 1959 when Castro and the Communist Party take over the Cuban government, it’s time to say good-bye to Havana definitely. They move to New York city. Dino carries his sketchbook with him but mostly of the time the pages stay empty. He longs every day to come back to his home country, so he tries to find a solution to his homesickness building a model of the Cuban capital on his bedroom floor.
The bestselling children’s author, Rosemary Wells, was moved to tell the story of “Dino” after hearing and interview with the architect Secundino Fernandez in 2001. Grades 3-4 – Ages 8-9. Written by Rosemary Wells with Secundino Fernandez, illustrated by Peter Ferguson.