Overview

(Spanish version of the award-winning novel, THE RED UMBRELLA) In 1961, two years after the Cuban Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez continues to live a normal teenage life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But things in her country are changing. Freedoms are being stripped away. Neighbors disappear. Her friends feel like strangers. And her family is being watched. As the revolution's impact becomes more oppressive, Lucía's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States--through a secret, clandestine movement to save the children. Arriving in the United States, Lucía is eventually sent to live with well-meaning strangers in Nebraska, but she struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. And what of her old life? Will she ever see her parents, friends, or country again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl? Based on the real events of Operation Pedro Pan where over 14,000 Cuban children were sent to the U.S. in the two year period between 1960-1962 and the author's own family experience, this novel depicts the pain of losing one's homeland and showcases the generosity of the American spirit.

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9780999214602

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Reviews

Gonzalez enters the literary scene with this exceptional historical novel - Kirkus Reviews Christina Diaz Gonzalez captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times through Lucía's first-person perspective and the newspaper headlines that begin each chapter...a compelling first novel. - Washington Post Debut author Gonzalez excels at highlighting the cultural difficulties... memorable heroine and supporting cast offer a moving portrait of resilience and reinvention - Publisher's Weekly An insightful window into the aspect of recent history known as Pedro Pan - Denver Post Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure - resilient kids taking to a new way of life. - San Francisco Chronicle Well-written novel has a thoroughly believable protagonist and well-chosen period details... it could generate some excellent classroom discussions - School Library Journal Through the eyes of (the) likable young narrator, readers will understand a compelling part of history. Kudos to Christina Diaz Gonzalez for sharing her family's story, and for telling it so well. - Christian Science Monitor *** Reviews based on the original English version

Gonzalez enters the literary scene with this exceptional historical novel - Kirkus ReviewsChristina Diaz Gonzalez captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times through Lucia's first-person perspective and the newspaper headlines that begin each chapter...a compelling first novel. - Washington PostDebut author Gonzalez excels at highlighting the cultural difficulties... memorable heroine and supporting cast offer a moving portrait of resilience and reinvention - Publisher's WeeklyAn insightful window into the aspect of recent history known as Pedro Pan - Denver PostGonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure - resilient kids taking to a new way of life. - San Francisco ChronicleWell-written novel has a thoroughly believable protagonist and well-chosen period details... it could generate some excellent classroom discussions - School Library JournalThrough the eyes of (the) likable young narrator, readers will understand a compelling part of history. Kudos to Christina Diaz Gonzalez for sharing her family's story, and for telling it so well. - Christian Science Monitor*** Reviews based on the original English version

Author Information

Christina Diaz Gonzalez is the award-winning author of several books including THE RED UMBRELLA, A THUNDEROUS WHISPER, MOVING TARGET, RETURN FIRE, and an upcoming book in the SPIRIT ANIMALS: FALL OF THE BEASTS series. Christina's books have received numerous honors and recognitions including the American Library Association's Best Fiction for Young Adults, the International Latino Book Award, the Nebraska Book Award and the Florida Book Award.

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