Week 3: Before We Were Free

Book cover image:

Book Summary:

This historical fiction book tells of many events during the reign of dictator Trujillo of the Dominican Republic. Some embellishments to the story did occur but many of them, especially the ones detailing her family’s fight for independence, did occur. It’s suspenseful, engaging, and sad at times. It reflects what many families in the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries went through to achieve independence from dictators. There are many geopolitical issues presented in this book that many people can relate to. Alvarez won the Pura Belpre award for outstanding literature by a Latina/Latino writer for this book. While all ages from grades 6 and up can enjoy this book, it is best used with middle/high school students grades 6-12.

APA Reference:

Alvarez, J. (2002). Before we were free. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.

My impressions:

This book tells of a time during the 60’s when many Latin American countries had to battle dictators. Specifically, this book looks at the Dominican Republic and their fight for independence from the Trujillo regime. I like the way the author focuses on one extended family and close friends and how far they will go to achieve freedom. The main character, Anita, is 12 years old which automatically appeals to the targeted age group of middle and high schoolers. The trials that her and her family go through will really grab the reader’s attention and keep it throughout the book. For example, after her father and brother were captured for assisting in the kidnapping and murder of the dictator Trujillo, she and her mother had to hide out in her aunt’s closet indefinitely until they could escape their country. She writes in a diary and plays games and talks with her mother to keep herself going. She shows much courage and I think students will really take to this book. It is a good way to introduce them to historical fiction of a more serious nature.

 

Professional Review:

“Gr 5-8-- Twelve-year-old Anita de la Torres's physical maturation is matched by an increasing social awareness, not only of the boys around her but also of the mounting danger to her family, active opponents of the Dominican dictator, Trujillo. His assassination in 1960 leads to a final splintering and dispersal of Anita's once-flourishing extended family. A rich coming-of-age story reminiscent of Anne Frank's and similarly compelling, told in a convincing first-person voice by a believable and sympathetic character.”

Reference:

Isaacs, K. T. (2005, March 1). [Review of the book Before we were free, by J. Alvarez].

School Library Journal, 51(3), 68. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

Library Uses:

Focus ages: grades 6-12

This book could be a part of a multicultural display. The students will be exposed to books about other cultures which will allow them to learn about history in a more interesting way.

This book could be a part of a community read where Latin American guests that have experienced similar situations could read an excerpt from the book. They could answer questions the students have. The students could then write a summary of the experience in their English class.