A review by bibliobrandie
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall

3.0

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.