The Red Umbrella
by Christina Gonzalez (Author)
The Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan--an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution.
In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. And soon, Lucía's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States--on their own.
Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucía struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?
The Red Umbrella is a touching story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home.
"Captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times. . . . Compelling." -The Washington Post
"Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure." -San Francisco Chronicle
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Publisher's Weekly
In this compelling, atmospheric first novel that begins in postrevolutionary Cuba, Gonzalez sketches the immigration experience of thousands of children sent to the United States through likable 14-year-old narrator Lucía. Initially, politics feel removed from Lucías life (I was growing tired of constantly hearing about the revolution, but I privately thanked Castro for postponing my algebra test). However, Gonzales believably escalates harrowing political events and their personal cost to Lucías family, as she finds the family doctor hung from an oak tree, and her father is detained after someone betrays the familys hidden stash of money and jewelry. The situation forces Lucías parents to send Lucía and her seven-year-old brother, Frankie, to America while they await visas. Debut author Gonzalez excels at highlighting the cultural difficulties of their transition, as Lucía and Frankie eventually end up living with a foster family in ruraland quite foreignNebraska. Contemporary newspaper headlines such as the 1961 "Nevada State Journal"s Castro Adopts Brainwashing lead each chapter and offer wider commentary. The memorable heroine and supporting cast offer a moving portrait of resilience and reinvention. Ages 10up. "(May)"
Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.
School Library Journal
Gr 6-9 Fourteen-year-old Luca lives an easy middle-class life in 1961 Cuba, thinking only about clothes, boys, and dances. When Communist revolutionaries occupy her town, an escalating witch hunt against capitalists compels her parents to send her and her brother to the U.S. under the care of the Catholic Welfare Bureau (as part of "Operation Pedro Pan," whichthe endnotes explainwas the largest-ever exodus of unaccompanied children in the West). Luca eventually settles with a foster family in Nebraska, where she comes to terms with her duel identity as a Cuban exile and an American teen. She must also piece together a picture of what's happening to her parents and friends at home from interrupted phone calls, censored letters, and newspaper articles. This well-written novel has a thoroughly believable protagonist and well-chosen period details. It should be noted, however, that Gonzalez portrays the single sympathetic Communist character as increasingly brainwashed. Few readers will recognize the polemics driving this convincing story, but as an introduction to the history and politics of the Cuban-exile community, it could generate some excellent classroom discussions."Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library"
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
ALA/Booklist
Review quotes
"Through the eyes of (the) likeable young narrator, readers will understand a compelling part of history. Kudos to Christina Diaz Gonzalez for sharing her family's story, and for telling it so well." -The Christian Science Monitor
Christina Diaz Gonzalez based this powerful novel on the experiences of her parents, and of the more than 14,000 other unaccompanied minors who came to the United States through Operation Pedro Pan. This mass exodus of children is a little-known and fascinating piece of history, and Gonzalez has created a story that brings that history vibrantly to life.
Gonzalez practiced law for several years before returning to her childhood passion for stories and writing. The Red Umbrella is her first novel.
Christina Diaz Gonzalez lives in Miami, Florida, with her husband and two sons. You can visit her on the Web at www.christinagonzalez.com.
JUV016150 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 20th Century
JUV011030 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Hispanic & Latino
Families
Family life
Cuba
1959-1990
