Scan barcode
reader4evr's review against another edition
4.0
I can't remember when I added this to my TBR (think I heard about it at a conference that I went too) but I'm glad that I ended up reading it. It was a sweet story and I like how the Spanish was added into the story. I think this would be appropriate for a middle school student too.
I liked Lucia and her relationship that she has with her family. I loved reading about what her life was like and what she did for fun. I can't even imagine being set to live in another country where I didn't know the language very well and be separated at a young age too. I'm glad that Lucia had her brother and was concerned that things were going to go bad when they were sent to that one place before going off to live with the Baxters. I'm glad that Baxters ended up being such a great host family. Usually when you read books about foster kids, the story is usually not as happy as it was for Lucia and her brother.
All of the food that is mentioned in the book made me hungry and want to eat Cuban food.
There aren't many books that take place during the 60's in Cuba and a great tie in for a History class as a supplemental book.
I was surprised the way it ended with her parents but I'm glad it ended the way it did.
I liked Lucia and her relationship that she has with her family. I loved reading about what her life was like and what she did for fun. I can't even imagine being set to live in another country where I didn't know the language very well and be separated at a young age too. I'm glad that Lucia had her brother and was concerned that things were going to go bad when they were sent to that one place before going off to live with the Baxters. I'm glad that Baxters ended up being such a great host family. Usually when you read books about foster kids, the story is usually not as happy as it was for Lucia and her brother.
All of the food that is mentioned in the book made me hungry and want to eat Cuban food.
There aren't many books that take place during the 60's in Cuba and a great tie in for a History class as a supplemental book.
I was surprised the way it ended with her parents but I'm glad it ended the way it did.
gatosenojados's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun read! I haven't read much on this topic before, so it was interesting. I liked the incorporation of Spanish words and phrases. I think this book could have been longer to tell more about what happens in Cuba and how the family settles in Nebraska.
captainwinter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
4.5****
Lucia Alvarez is at the beach with her little brother, Frankie, when she notices a loud rumble. She’s surprised to see a parade of large trucks, loaded with soldiers. Their small town of Puerto Mujares, Cuba has never seen such a military movement. But it is 1961 and the Revolution is changing everything in Cuba. Before long she’ll no longer be anticipating her quinceanera party, but wondering how her best friend could have turned on her, and worrying how she and her family will get through this. When her parents make the difficult decision to send Lucia and seven-year-old Frankie to the United States, Lucia must grow up quickly and take on the responsibility of keeping herself and her brother safe.
This children’s novel is a very good work of historical fiction. Lucia narration shows her growth from an innocent young girl, to a responsible young lady. The reader sees how she chafes against what she sees as her parent’s unnecessary restrictions, and lets her own teen-aged desires begin to lead her away from them. The effects of peer pressure are all too evident, as are the dangers of misplaced trust and fascination with adventure. But Gonzalez gives us a heroine who is able to think and decide on her own what path to follow. Lucia is intelligent, sensitive, kind and courageous. While she embraces the new life in America, she continues to recall the life lessons imparted by her mother and father. Chiefly she remembers her mother’s large red umbrella, which becomes a symbol for strength of family.
There’s a fair amount of Spanish used, but context will explain almost all of those words and phrases, and the book includes a glossary with translations. I think some of the situations – parents held at gunpoint, a hanging – are pretty heavy, but would definitely recommend it for middle-school readers.
Lucia Alvarez is at the beach with her little brother, Frankie, when she notices a loud rumble. She’s surprised to see a parade of large trucks, loaded with soldiers. Their small town of Puerto Mujares, Cuba has never seen such a military movement. But it is 1961 and the Revolution is changing everything in Cuba. Before long she’ll no longer be anticipating her quinceanera party, but wondering how her best friend could have turned on her, and worrying how she and her family will get through this. When her parents make the difficult decision to send Lucia and seven-year-old Frankie to the United States, Lucia must grow up quickly and take on the responsibility of keeping herself and her brother safe.
This children’s novel is a very good work of historical fiction. Lucia narration shows her growth from an innocent young girl, to a responsible young lady. The reader sees how she chafes against what she sees as her parent’s unnecessary restrictions, and lets her own teen-aged desires begin to lead her away from them. The effects of peer pressure are all too evident, as are the dangers of misplaced trust and fascination with adventure. But Gonzalez gives us a heroine who is able to think and decide on her own what path to follow. Lucia is intelligent, sensitive, kind and courageous. While she embraces the new life in America, she continues to recall the life lessons imparted by her mother and father. Chiefly she remembers her mother’s large red umbrella, which becomes a symbol for strength of family.
There’s a fair amount of Spanish used, but context will explain almost all of those words and phrases, and the book includes a glossary with translations. I think some of the situations – parents held at gunpoint, a hanging – are pretty heavy, but would definitely recommend it for middle-school readers.
gmamartha's review against another edition
3.0
Nope - never heard this aspect of the history either. I learn so much from middle school fiction!
shhchar's review against another edition
5.0
This is a really heart-warming and sad story at the same time. It taught me a lot of things from the revolution. 5/5 stars.
stephxsu's review against another edition
4.0
I have never read a novel like Christina Gonzalez’s debut, THE RED UMBRELLA. This is a necessary story about an aspect of Cuban American history that has not received enough attention in YA literature—and best of all, it’s extremely well written and engaging!
Gonzalez writes convincingly of all her characters. Lucia is partly your average teenager, desiring friendship, love, acceptance, and pretty things. Her parents are a believable blend of loving, strict, and worried, and Frankie is a cute and appropriately occasionally annoying younger brother. The way the story follows Lucia through this difficult time in her life, however, is a miraculous achievement: my heart ached as I read about the difficulties she faced, and I saw a distinct, yet subtle, growth in her as she realizes the extent to which Castro’s takeover would affect her life.
The pacing and plot were a little uneven, though, and thus not as fulfilling as it could’ve been. The first two-thirds of the book takes place within a few fast and furious months in Cuba, as the revolution starts taking over Cubans’ lives. This part of the book is great, as we see Lucia and her family struggling to remain true to themselves in the face of so much propaganda and pressure. However, when Lucia and Frankie spend time with the elderly white couple in Nebraska while they await news of their parents, time sees to stop and go in choppy bits, covering more than half a year in just a few dozen pages. As a result, I felt that Lucia’s adjustment to American life and subsequent maturation were rushed, and that the characters in this section of the book were underdeveloped.
Pacing aside, this was a fantastic read, great for everyone. The Alvarezes are a family to cheer for throughout the whole story. Never before have I seen this aspect of Cuban American history discussed in such an approachable and sympathetic manner. I am thankful for this book, hope others will strongly consider reading it when it comes out, and definitely look forward to anything Christina has next for us!
Gonzalez writes convincingly of all her characters. Lucia is partly your average teenager, desiring friendship, love, acceptance, and pretty things. Her parents are a believable blend of loving, strict, and worried, and Frankie is a cute and appropriately occasionally annoying younger brother. The way the story follows Lucia through this difficult time in her life, however, is a miraculous achievement: my heart ached as I read about the difficulties she faced, and I saw a distinct, yet subtle, growth in her as she realizes the extent to which Castro’s takeover would affect her life.
The pacing and plot were a little uneven, though, and thus not as fulfilling as it could’ve been. The first two-thirds of the book takes place within a few fast and furious months in Cuba, as the revolution starts taking over Cubans’ lives. This part of the book is great, as we see Lucia and her family struggling to remain true to themselves in the face of so much propaganda and pressure. However, when Lucia and Frankie spend time with the elderly white couple in Nebraska while they await news of their parents, time sees to stop and go in choppy bits, covering more than half a year in just a few dozen pages. As a result, I felt that Lucia’s adjustment to American life and subsequent maturation were rushed, and that the characters in this section of the book were underdeveloped.
Pacing aside, this was a fantastic read, great for everyone. The Alvarezes are a family to cheer for throughout the whole story. Never before have I seen this aspect of Cuban American history discussed in such an approachable and sympathetic manner. I am thankful for this book, hope others will strongly consider reading it when it comes out, and definitely look forward to anything Christina has next for us!
a_kira's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0