The Red Umbrella
Written by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Published by Yearling Books
In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Luca Alvarez 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. Her friends feel like strangers. And her family is being watched. As the revolution’s impact becomes more oppressive, Luca’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, Luca 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?

Primary ISBN: 9780375854897
Available As: Paperback
Chapter Book, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Cuban/Cuban American
Themes: Adoption, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Separation: Living with Other Family or Friends, Genre: Historical, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Refugee: Persecution, Unaccompanied Minors
Setting: Cuba, United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Refugee
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