Silenced Voices

Silenced Voices is an Eisner-nominated graphic novel memoir by Guatemalan-born creator Pablo León, telling the story of brothers Jose and Charlie in 2013 Langley Park, Maryland, whose growing curiosity about their mother Clara's past in Guatemala leads her to finally open up about the civil war that tore apart her village and separated her from her sister decades ago. Weaving together 1982 Guatemala and 2013 Maryland in parallel storylines, León draws on historical research and his own immigrant experience to create a powerful, humanizing account of genocide, family separation, and survival.

This is an important choice for older students because it brings an overlooked chapter of Latin American history to vivid life through gorgeous graphic novel art while centering the immigrant experience with honesty and grace.

Publishing Details

Author : Pablo León

Illustrator : Pablo León

Author Nationality : Guatemala

Physical Details

Type of Book: Graphic Novel

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 235

Size: 9.4 x 6.3 inches

Year Published: 2025

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 9th-12th

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Autobiography

Theme: Immigration, War, Family, Hispanic Heritage Month, About POC