Rated 5 stars ***** Sourcebooks Young Readers. Petra Luna #2. 351 p. (Includes Author’s note.) 2021.
When I last saw twelve-year-old Petra Luna she, her little sister, brother and grandmother had managed to make it across the desert from Mexico to the United States in 1913. There she and thousands of other Mexicans lived in a refugee camp for a short time. Petra was growing desperate knowing they would be deported back to the war in Mexico if she didn’t find a job so, when an opportunity arose for all of them to travel to San Antonio, she took it.
Once in San Antonio Petra found a job, and her dream of learning to read was reawakened until Abuelita reminded her they were poor, and reading wasn’t important. At first Petra disagreed but, as others continued to see her as beneath them, she lost hope in a better future. With her confidence and faith shattered Petra will have to be braver and stronger than she thinks she can be if she wants to stay in the United States and make something of herself.
I was so engrossed in Petra’s story that I finished this book in one sitting. Her story continues as similar scenarios are played out daily in the 21st century.
Highly recommended for ages 11-14.
You Decide: Should I Read it or Not? 