Gonzalez, C. (2010). The red umbrella. New York: Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Summary
When Castro comes to power in 1961 Cuba, 14 year old Lucia is too busy thinking about clothes, boys, and dances to worry about the Revolution. Then, her world crashes down around her when she is forced to flee to American with her youngest brother. She now live in Nebraska and must come to terms with her identity as she tries to assimilate into the American way at the same time of holding on to her Cuban family and way of life through censored letters and shortened phone calls.
Review
Actual newspaper clippings that are at the start of each chapter brings to light that this book is based on the authors personal family drama. Tweens will be able to relate to the first person narrative and understand Lucia's rebellion, selfishness, heart and passion that are prevalent throughout this book. This is a great way to introduce this crucial time in American/Cuban history.
Genre
Historical Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Level
10-13 years/Tween
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Readers Annotation
The most important thing Lucia thought about was boys and who she would go to the upcoming dance with, then the Revolution began, and she must grow up fast in order to survive.
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