Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna (Petra Luna #1)

by Alda P Dobbs (Author)

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna (Petra Luna #1)
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Petra Luna

Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican Revolution.

It is 1913, and twelve-year-old Petra Luna's mama has died while the Revolution rages in Mexico. Before her papa is dragged away by soldiers, Petra vows to him that she will care for the family she has left--her abuelita, little sister Amelia, and baby brother Luisito--until they can be reunited. They flee north through the unforgiving desert as their town burns, searching for safe harbor in a world that offers none.

Each night when Petra closes her eyes, she holds her dreams close, especially her long-held desire to learn to read. Abuelita calls these barefoot dreams: They're like us barefoot peasants and indios--they're not meant to go far. But Petra refuses to listen. Through battlefields and deserts, hunger and fear, Petra will stop at nothing to keep her family safe and lead them to a better life across the U.S. border--a life where her barefoot dreams could finally become reality.

"Dobbs' wrenching debut, about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry on, illuminates the harsh realities of war, the heartbreaking disparities between the poor and the rich, and the racism faced by Petra and her family. Readers will love Petra, who is as strong as the black-coal rock she carries with her and as beautiful as the diamond hidden within it."--Booklist, starred review

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Paperback
$7.99

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ALA/Booklist

Starred Review
Dobbs' wrenching debut, about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry on, illuminates the harsh realities of war, the heartbreaking disparities between the poor and the rich, and the racism faced by Petra and her family. Readers will love Petra, who is as strong as the black-coal rock she carries with her and as beautiful as the diamond hidden within it.

Kirkus

A timeless and timely tale of one girl’s journey to save her family and discover herself. 

Review quotes

Alda P. Dobbs' stunning debut novel, set during the Mexican Revolution, recounts one girl's determination to save her family and follow her dreams. Inspired by the author's great-grandmother, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna is as breath-taking as a shooting star. Although the novel takes place over a century ago, this moving story has a profound resonance today. The lovable characters, swift pacing, and simple yet poetic prose make this a captivating read for middle-graders and their entire families. I adored this book and will be recommending it far and wide! - Laura Resau, award-winning author of TREE OF DREAMS and THE LIGHTNING QUEEN

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781728251660
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Sourcebooks Young Readers
Publication date
August 02, 2022
Series
Petra Luna
BISAC categories
JUV016080 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | Military & Wars
JUV039250 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emigration & Immigration
JUV001010 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure | Survival Stories
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
JUV039120 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Prejudice & Racism
JUV030100 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Mexico
JUV004070 - Juvenile Fiction | Biographical | Latin America
Library of Congress categories
-
Texas Bluebonnet Master List
Selection 2022 - 2023
Pura Belpré Youth Award
Honor Book 2022
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Selection 2022

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