The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Gonzalez, Christina Diaz. 2010. The Red Umbrella. Alfred A. Knopf. New York: New York.
ISBN: 970375861901
Historical, realistic fiction
Grades 6 -12

Lucia and her little brother are sent out of Cuba to escape the rising Castro regime and the Cuban camps for reeducation. Once in Miami, they are briefly separated but come back together when sent to live with an elderly couple in Nebraska. During this time they learn English, the ways of a farm, and what the United States is really like. Lucia finds that there isn’t much difference between boys and girls in Cuba and their counterparts in the United States. Slowly she begins to make decisions for herself, changes her outlooks and opinions, and even begins wearing make up; things that would not be allowed by her more conservative parents. Feeling guilty, it isn’t until her parents escape Cuba and come to Nebraska that Lucia realizes it isn’t the outer trappings that are important, rather it is family and being together.

The emotional content in this novel is sure to capture the reader. The reader will read first hand what it is like to be forcibly separated from parents, let alone being sent to a strange country that you know nothing about! Quite heartbreaking at some points the novel does ends well and the smooth writing, excellent flow of events and superb editing carries the reader to the end of Lucia's wait. While verbal enrichment is minimal, the story works. Insights will come about more through the voyeuristic role of the reader in witnessing the events surrounding Lucia’s life: leaving all that she knows, the way politics can influence everyone’s life, struggling to fit within a new culture, language, as well as education. A must for any middle or high school collection, this novel provides a fantastic personal look at the Cuba uprising and its impact upon the population.