1 of 1 copy available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
August 2, 2022 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781338801286
- File size: 182281 KB
- Duration: 06:19:45
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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A quartet of narrators and the author beautifully perform this view of Cuba during the early years of Fidel Castro's government. The interwoven stories of four children show how the Cuban Revolution impacted each of their lives. Listeners are taken to Havana, rural Cuba, New York City, and Miami as narrators Vivia Font, Gary Tiedemann, Rebecca Soler, and Giordan Diaz bring their characters' stories to life. All of the performers showcase their talents as they navigate the rise of communism through the eyes of the four children, capturing their progression from na�vet� to maturity as their worlds are turned upside down. The author's performance of her introduction and her postscript on why she wrote this book enhances the listening experience. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine -
Starred review from October 3, 2022
With insight and empathy, former Sesame Street actor Manzano (A World Together) explores the impact of Fidel Castro’s rise and revolution through the eyes of four young people building new lives amid a climate of political turmoil. In separate but overlapping sections, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan offer various perspectives on the turbulent political uprising, highlighting intersectional nuances around class and race. Ana’s segment concentrates on the revolution’s tail end in 1959 Havana, where her father has returned from fighting for Castro. Miguel details challenges for immigrants and refugees in 1961 Miami after he is sent into care while waiting for his parents. Zulema’s section, based in the Cuban countryside in 1961, delves into Castro’s literacy campaign, while Juan’s section considers youth radicalization in 1961 Havana through the lens of two friends. In stories that brim with love for Cuba while highlighting a difficult historical moment, Manzano employs graceful, straightforward prose, highlighting the experiences, and will, of Cuba’s people as they navigate the events’ fallout with alternating anguish and elation. Back matter includes a timeline of the book’s events and resources. Ages 9–12.
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