"The home of a family of campesinos who cannot read or write is waiting for you now. Don't let them down!" When Lora saw the poster in her high school, she knew she was being called upon to help. Her country had a bold plan to eliminate illiteracy and she wanted to be a part of it. Her parents weren't so sure though. Sending their beloved, sheltered daughter out to live in a shack in the middle of nowhere among armed rebel groups sounded like utter madness. After Lora succeeds in convincing them and arrives in the countryside, it starts to sound like madness to her too. How can she be expected to teach proud, adult men and what does she know about life on a farm? When another young literacy worker is killed, her resolve is tested. Will she succeed in her mission, or return home a failure?
This is a great historical fiction novel that illustrates an example of young people fighting for a cause and making a difference in their country. I had no knowledge of Cuba's literacy campaign before this, and I'm glad I got the chance to learn about it. It presents the era in a way that's accessible with a gripping, high-stakes plot.
My Brigadista Year by Katherine Paterson
Erica's Picks
5th - 8th
Tags: Fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, people of color
This is a great historical fiction novel that illustrates an example of young people fighting for a cause and making a difference in their country. I had no knowledge of Cuba's literacy campaign before this, and I'm glad I got the chance to learn about it. It presents the era in a way that's accessible with a gripping, high-stakes plot.
My Brigadista Year by Katherine Paterson
Erica's Picks
5th - 8th
Tags: Fast-paced, global perspectives, historical fiction, people of color
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