Holes - Louis Sachar

Summary: As further evidence of his family's bad fortune which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a hellish correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself.

Publishers Weekly Reviews

PW's starred review of the 1999 Newbery Medal winner described it as a "dazzling blend of social commentary, tall tale and magic realism." Ages 10-up. (May) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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Antes de ser libres - Julia Alvarez

Summary: Anita de la Torre es una niña de 12 años que vive en la República Dominicana en los años sesenta. La policía secreta ha comenzado a atemorizar a su familia porque se sospecha que están en contra del dictador, General Trujillo.
In the early 1960s in the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Anita learns that her family is involved in the underground movement to end the bloody rule of the dictator, General Trujillo.

Criticas Online Reviews

Gr 6-YA- Twelve-year-old Anita de la Torre had never felt constrained in her native Dominican Republic. Living in a busy family compound, attending an American school, and striving to please El Jefe, the country's ruler, all seemed part of normal existence. But by November 1960, repression became palpable. Her grandparents and other family members immigrate to the Unites States, her young uncle disappears, and there is talk of an international embargo against her country. As her family becomes more involved in a plan to overthrow El Jefe, Anita must mature at undue speed. In an excellently crafted work of historical fiction, 2004 Pura Belpré Award winner Alvarez reworks her family's experiences during the time of Trujillo's assassination into a tale that is as true in its voice as it is compellingly realistic in its portrayal of brutal repression, loss, and courage. Valenzuela's translation is true to the English original, maintaining or enhancing some of its most important elements. Fluid and descriptive, Alvarez's novel speaks eloquently to the resilience of the human spirit and the true cost of freedom. Highly recommended for all libraries and bookstores alike.-Ann Welton, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, WA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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