Winner of a Pura Belpr├® Award, this middle grade Cuban American coming-of-age novel is inspired by the author's own experience.
When Julian's parents make the heartbreaking decision to send him and his two brothers away from Cuba to Miami via the Pedro Pan operation, the boys are thrust into a new world where bullies run rampant and it's not always clear how best to protect themselves.
November 8, 2010
In this eye-opening historical novel that takes place after the Cuban revolution in the 1960s, three brothers are sent to Florida by their parents (through Operation Pedro Pan) where they must adapt to an uncertain and, at times, unfriendly new home. The main character, Julian, and his two older brothers find themselves in a rundown children's camp, where they are forced to endure the taunts and maltreatment of the belligerent, unchallenged bully, Caballo. Flores-Galbis ably portrays the harsh realities these young Cuban immigrants faced: little hope of reunification with family members, dwindling resources, and insufficient government support, while also conveying their resilience in the face of emotional upheaval. Along with Julian, readers will learn about the complicated social and political climate of his home country, and as he plans a revolt against Caballo's abuses, Flores-Galbis alludes to similarities between the camp's dictator and those in power in Cuba. Julian further asserts his ingenuity and dogged determination by helping a fellow Cuban sail back to their native land to rescue 15 other refugees, proving himself a capable and worthy protagonist. Ages 9–12.