Julio Anta

Julio Anta (he/him) (julioanta.com) is the writer of many graphic novels including the Eisner Award-nominated Frontera, the Bluebonnet Award-nominated Speak Up Santiago, This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story, Home and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States.

Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida and currently resides in New York City.

Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic and First Second.

TESTIMONIALS

“Our 4th graders really enjoyed Julio’s presentation about Speak Up, Santiago! In addition to his writing process, Julio spoke at length about his background and how it influenced the story. This was particularly meaningful for many of the kids who also come from bilingual families where they don’t speak the native language as well. We can’t wait to have him back!” – Chris Sinderson, Parent Coordinator, PS 261

“Julio Anta is a wonderful storyteller and inspiring teacher. Four students in my 3rd period content support class are continuing work on the graphic novels they began in his workshop!” – Washington Middle School

“Julio’s insight to his childhood allowed our diverse student population to connect with him. His honesty (not doing well in school) allowed our students to see the human side of the author. And the crash course on publishing’s pay model was eye-opening as well as a good lead-in to our upcoming career day fair.” – Esther Keller, Librarian, Grady High School

“Julio is a revolutionary educator, writer and human being that made deep connections within an hour of a video call with my 5th graders. Even through video chat, the class were able to remain engaged and excited through Julio’s storytelling and Q&A session grounded in Ethnic Studies and career opportunities. He is an inspiration to the next generation of comics and writers, especially for children of color across the nation wanting to do similar work. One student was deeply emotional saying, “he inspired me to be the ONE” (next upcoming Latino comic/writer). Thank you Julio por todo!” – Jonathan Otero, 5th Grade Teacher, Lindbergh Elementary School

“Julio did a fantastic virtual Q&A with my 9th and 10th graders in DC public schools. For many, this was their first-ever author visit, and they loved learning about his creative process, the inspirations for his comic series Home, and how a professional writer plans (or pantses!) their next story. At the end of class, they were buzzing about Julio’s ideas and insights. This was such a wonderful enrichment opportunity—I’d recommend it to any educator!” — Abby White, ELA tutor at Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. High School in Washington, DC

Books by Julio Anta