Rated 5 stars ***** ARC. Sourcebooks. To be published September 14, 2021. 271 p. (Includes Author’s note “The inspiration for Barefoot dreams of Petra Luna,” and Timeline from 1910-1913).
Petra is a poor, barefooted Mexican girl with dreams of attending school and learning to read. Her grandmother discourages her from dreaming about more than what has always been their lot in life, but Petra is as stubborn as her name. Her mother died giving birth to her little brother so, when her father was forced to join the Federal army during the 1913 Revolution, Petra promised to take care of her grandmother as well as her little brother and sister. She earns a few coins daily chopping and selling wood but, when the Federales burn her village, everyone has to flee for their lives.
Though barefoot, hungry and thirsty, Petra leads her family through the desert in pursuit of her dream of a better life for all of them. While on the edge of despair Petra is rescued by a Rebel army Captain who urges her to join their cause to free Mexico from the tyrannical Federales. Petra is tempted, but knows she has to protect her family. With the Federales killing everyone in their pursuit of power, Petra knows her family can only be safe in America. She risks everything for this single-minded goal.
This eye-opening story about the Mexican Revolution of 1913 is filled with strength and hope in the midst of chaos and despair. Unfortunately the events Petra ran from still ring true today in many countries around the world. Migrants fleeing the instability and danger of war all leave their countries for the same reasons as Petra. All hope for a better life in the United States. I’m going to predict it will win a 2022 Pura Belpré award, so be on the lookout come next January. Remember that you read it here first!
Recommended for ages 12-15.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You Decide: Should I Read it or Not? 