The Red Umbrella (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780375854897)

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, Luc a lvarez 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, Luc a'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, Luc a 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

Author: Christina Diaz Gonzalez
ISBN-10: 0375854894
ISBN-13: 9780375854897
Publisher: Yearling Books
Language: English
Published: 12/13/2011
Pages: 304
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.46lbs
Size: 7.60h x 5.20w x 0.70d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.8
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 137862 / Red Umbrella

Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee