The Red Umbrella

By Christina Diaz Gonzalez

A girl flees Cuba, facing a new life in America alone.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 5,110 ratings

304 pages· 54,908 words· Est. 5 hour read

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1961, Lucía's carefree Cuban life shatters as revolution looms. Her parents send her and her brother to America alone. In Nebraska, she grapples with a new world, longing for home. Will she ever reunite with her family, or will she be forever changed? Discover a poignant tale of identity, culture, and the meaning of home.

From the publisher

The Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl’s journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan–an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro’s revolution.In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. And soon, Lucía’s parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States–on their own.Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucía struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?The Red Umbrella is a touching story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home. “Captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times. . . . Compelling.” -The Washington Post “Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure.” -San Francisco Chronicle

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