bargainsleuth's review
5.0
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One of my reading challenges has the reader cover a wide variety of genres and specific types of books. One was an Own Voices book. When NetGalley offered Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna to me, I knew I’d found the perfect type of Own Voices book: historical fiction of events for which I had no knowledge, reading about another culture, a middle grade/YA book about a child coming of age. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. This book was just incredible. I could not put it down, I could not believe it was a children’s book. I could seriously see this book winning the Newbery medal next year. That’s how good it is.
Petra is a very strong young lady that has had to grow up fast. There’s been a revolution going on for a while (in 1913 Mexico), her mother died during childbirth the year before, and her father was taken away by the Federales to fight for them or face death. Petra is left living with her grandmother, her 6-year old sister and 1-year old brother. It’s up to her to keep food on the table. She does this by chopping firewood and selling it.
Then the Federales come to town and take everything of value from the homes before they burn down the village. Petra and her family are forced to take to the road to find the next town with a train station. Along their trip through the desert, the come upon a church which provides respite for a few days. Then, the priest kicks them out because the Federales are on their way. They need to find the train station, which requires a few days walking in the desert with very little water or food.
The family runs into some members of Pancho Villa’s revolutionary forces and Petra is asked to become a soldier. Instead, she says the family will make it’s way to the Rio Bravo and cross it to America to escape the revolution. Once they get to the border, the price to cross is so large, there’s no way they can afford it. To top it off, the few rebel soldiers in town at the border are leaving, and the Federales are on the way.
The tension throughout the book is palpable. The danger Petra’s family faces at every turn seems insurmountable. This is a gripping tale, where if you don’t know the history of Mexico’s revolution, and even if you do, you might not know this particular tale. The author says this book was inspired by family events that had been passed down orally. Then Dobbs researched the information and found a newspaper article describing the events she’s been hearing about for years confirming the family story.
I highly recommend this book, not just for children, but for adults, too It’s a harrowing tale that needs to be old.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna will be released in September 2021.
One of my reading challenges has the reader cover a wide variety of genres and specific types of books. One was an Own Voices book. When NetGalley offered Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna to me, I knew I’d found the perfect type of Own Voices book: historical fiction of events for which I had no knowledge, reading about another culture, a middle grade/YA book about a child coming of age. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. This book was just incredible. I could not put it down, I could not believe it was a children’s book. I could seriously see this book winning the Newbery medal next year. That’s how good it is.
Petra is a very strong young lady that has had to grow up fast. There’s been a revolution going on for a while (in 1913 Mexico), her mother died during childbirth the year before, and her father was taken away by the Federales to fight for them or face death. Petra is left living with her grandmother, her 6-year old sister and 1-year old brother. It’s up to her to keep food on the table. She does this by chopping firewood and selling it.
Then the Federales come to town and take everything of value from the homes before they burn down the village. Petra and her family are forced to take to the road to find the next town with a train station. Along their trip through the desert, the come upon a church which provides respite for a few days. Then, the priest kicks them out because the Federales are on their way. They need to find the train station, which requires a few days walking in the desert with very little water or food.
The family runs into some members of Pancho Villa’s revolutionary forces and Petra is asked to become a soldier. Instead, she says the family will make it’s way to the Rio Bravo and cross it to America to escape the revolution. Once they get to the border, the price to cross is so large, there’s no way they can afford it. To top it off, the few rebel soldiers in town at the border are leaving, and the Federales are on the way.
The tension throughout the book is palpable. The danger Petra’s family faces at every turn seems insurmountable. This is a gripping tale, where if you don’t know the history of Mexico’s revolution, and even if you do, you might not know this particular tale. The author says this book was inspired by family events that had been passed down orally. Then Dobbs researched the information and found a newspaper article describing the events she’s been hearing about for years confirming the family story.
I highly recommend this book, not just for children, but for adults, too It’s a harrowing tale that needs to be old.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna will be released in September 2021.
madisoncarrasco's review
5.0
I learned about the Mexican Revolution in college but I feel like I understand so much more after reading this book geared towards Middle graders. Petra and her family’s journey is heartbreaking, and even more so after reading the author’s note on how it is based on the true story passed down by her ancestors. The main character is an inspiring example of hope and strength, as she tries to escape the Federales and get her grandmother and siblings to the American border, and hopefully to safety. Mexican history is seamlessly woven into the story that takes place in the early 1900s. This book would be an excellent companion resource to history lessons from that time period.
kristinakg's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
lexyg's review
4.0
I don’t even know where to start. This book was fantastic and knowing that it’s based on a true story, makes it even more interesting. Our MC, Petra has a hard life but she’s so smart, sweet and strong! I felt for her and for her siblings, because the hardship they endure it’s not an easy one. I love her so much!
mama7301's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a beautiful story. 🥰
locolibrarian's review
5.0
Bluebonnet Nominee for 2022-2023, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs, was a gripping tale of bravery, freedom, and thankfulness. I cannot imagine going through such hardships at such a young age. Losing your parents, your own life threatened, your whole village burned, and wandering barefoot in the middle of desert to escape the brutality of war for freedom. This heart-wrenching tale shows that following your dreams no matter your circumstances is possible! Show kindness to all, take care of your family, and show loyalty to your cause.
A beautiful book that is based on the author’s ancestors real life stories. It was such a pleasure to read, cry and feel the pain of these people, and revel in Petra’s new found courage and freedom. Prepare yourself for an epic journey that will leave your heart soaring!
A beautiful book that is based on the author’s ancestors real life stories. It was such a pleasure to read, cry and feel the pain of these people, and revel in Petra’s new found courage and freedom. Prepare yourself for an epic journey that will leave your heart soaring!
dominicangirl's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Gun violence
scienceworks's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
shiny_raccoon's review
4.0
Yellow. 273 pages
This is not an era of history that I know anything about. The extremely strong 12 year old main character was a delight. Though her life certainly wasn’t. I wonder if kids would enjoy the book as much as I did? Historical fiction is often a pretty tough sell.
This is not an era of history that I know anything about. The extremely strong 12 year old main character was a delight. Though her life certainly wasn’t. I wonder if kids would enjoy the book as much as I did? Historical fiction is often a pretty tough sell.