bibliobrandie 's review for:

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall

3.0

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Pilar is trying to investigate the disappearance of her cousin Natasha, who vanished in 1957 during the Trujillo regime. When Pilar learns that a professor has been researching the many disappearances during Trujillo’s dictatorship, she goes to meet him. After arriving at his empty office, she is looking around the room and finds a folder with a single page that transports her to the world of Zafa. This is an exciting and fun adventure filled with historical elements, Spanish language, mythology, family, and friendship. I really appreciated the introduction to the Trujillo era in the Dominican Republic (and even the mention of the Mariposa sisters!). Pilar’s voice often annoyed me but I imagine middle graders will love it.