The Bluest Sky (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780593372791)

A boy and his family must decide whether to remain in Cuba under a repressive government or risk everything for the chance of a new beginning in this gripping story from the award-winning author of The Red Umbrella.

There are two versions of H馗tor: the public and the private. It's the only way to survive in communist Cuba--especially when your father was exiled to the U.S. and labeled an enemy of the people. H馗tor must always be seen as a fierce supporter of the regime, even if that means loudly rejecting the father he still loves.

But in the summer of 1980, those two versions are hard to keep separate. No longer able to suppress a public uprising, the Cuban government says it will open the port of Mariel to all who wish to leave the country--if they can find a boat. But choosing to leave comes with a price. Those who want to flee are denounced as traitors by family and friends. There are violent acts of repudiation, and no one knows if they will truly be allowed to leave the country or not.

So when H馗tor's mother announces that she wants the family to risk everything to go to the United States, he is torn. He misses his father, but Cuba is the only home he has ever known. All his dreams and plans require him to stay. Can he leave everything behind for an unknown future?

In a summer of heat and upheaval, danger and deadly consequences, H馗tor's two worlds are on a collision course. Will the impact destroy him and everything he loves?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez's great-grandmother, great-uncle, and extended family came to the U.S. through the Mariel boatlift. She vividly remembers meeting them all for the first time in the summer of 1980 and is proud to share this part of her family's history.

Author: Christina Diaz Gonzalez
ISBN-10: 0593372794
ISBN-13: 9780593372791
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Language: English
Published: 09/06/2022
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 1.10d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.4
Point Value: 10
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 521723 / Bluest Sky


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 08/08/2022
Booklist 08/01/2022 pg. 52
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2022
School Library Journal 09/09/2022 pg. 1