Written by Alda P. Dobbs
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Esperanza Rising. Maybe it was because I feel like I need to learn so much more about Mexico. This book is set in 1913 (about 20 years earlier than Esperanza Rising) and follows the path of a young 12 year old girl, Petra, as she deals with the revolution. She has been charged with taking care of her two younger siblings and helping her abuela. When they are forced to leave their home, a journey to America begins, and is what Petra’s abuela calls her barefoot dreams. Petra’s character grows so much throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to know her. And to know her character is derived from the author’s family’s experience is humbling. This was a beautiful story of inner strength and integrity. I hope to be able to encourage students to pick this up and see through the window that it creates.
Reviewed by Merri Rygg, Media Clerk, Harry S Truman Elementary School Library
Review shared in March 2022
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
Book Webpage (educational resources, playlist, and more): https://www.aldapdobbs.com/barefoot-dreams-of-petra-luna
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Written by Alda P. Dobbs
Sourcebooks Young Readers
273 pages
Release Date: September 14, 2021
ISBN: 9781728234656
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
