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A review by blogginboutbooks
Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
4.0
I don't think I've ever read a book about Cuba under Fidel Castro, so I was pleased to see the topic addressed in fiction. It's an interesting period in history, one I don't think most people know about. I appreciated the chance to learn about it and to broaden my understanding of Cuban history, appalling as it sometimes is. Although CUBA IN MY POCKET is set in 1961, its subject matter—the plight of refugees, not just in their own countries but also in America where they're supposed to find sanctuary—is both timely and important.
Cumba is a sympathetic narrator, one who's easy to feel for and root for. His experience feels authentic, without being too grim for a middle-grade audience. His story teaches empathy using many real-life experiences that the author's father had when he was a young refugee in Florida. Readers will (hopefully) come away with more open minds and hearts toward the people who continue to flock to America hoping to find refuge and peace. It also address issues of PTSD, racism, found family, and finding hope in hard situations.
CUBA IN MY POCKET lacks a bit in plot since it's mostly about what happens to Cumba instead of what he MAKES happen. That lack of focus makes it sag a bit in places. Still, I found the story eye-opening, moving, and important.
Cumba is a sympathetic narrator, one who's easy to feel for and root for. His experience feels authentic, without being too grim for a middle-grade audience. His story teaches empathy using many real-life experiences that the author's father had when he was a young refugee in Florida. Readers will (hopefully) come away with more open minds and hearts toward the people who continue to flock to America hoping to find refuge and peace. It also address issues of PTSD, racism, found family, and finding hope in hard situations.
CUBA IN MY POCKET lacks a bit in plot since it's mostly about what happens to Cumba instead of what he MAKES happen. That lack of focus makes it sag a bit in places. Still, I found the story eye-opening, moving, and important.