- 2022 Pura Belpré Honor Book
- NYPL Best Book of 2021
- Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection
- NPR Best Book of 2021
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.
"Wrenching debut about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry
on."--Booklist, starred review
"Blazes bright, gripping readers until the novel's last
page."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Vital and perilous and hopeful."--Alan Gratz, New York Times
bestselling author of Refugee
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
