Paperback|208 pages

PURE BELPR AWARD WINNER ONE OFTIMEMAGAZINES 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME AN ALA-YALSA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girls struggle to be free while living in the Dominican Republic under the rule of a dictator.

Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her twelfth birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have immigrated to the United States, her To Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the governments secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition to Trujillos iron-fisted rule.

Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.

Astirringwork of art. Publishers Weekly,Starred Review

Arealistic and compellingaccount of a girl growing up too quickly while coming to terms with the cost of freedom. The Horn Book,Starred Review

Diary entries written by the child while in hidingwill remind readers of Anne Franks story. . . . Readers will bite their nails as the story moves to its inexorable conclusion. SLJ