The Other Side of the River: Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Book 2
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Alda P. Dobbs' The Other Side of the River is a historical novel set during the Mexican Revolution, the sequel to Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna. Twelve-year-old Petra wants to protect her refugee family members from starvation and smallpox after they leave Mexico for the United States. Petra's sister nearly dies in a scary accident.
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What's the Story?
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER picks up where Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna left off, with Petra and her family on the American side of the Mexican border. Petra has sworn to find her missing father, but she must take care of her grandmother and her younger sister and baby brother. Even when they find safety. Petra must fight against bigotry and fight for equal rights.
Is It Any Good?
Immigration can be controversial, but it's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't root for Petra Luna in this moving sequel. She and her family work hard as they try to build a home in San Antonio, Texas. Hunger is always on their minds, and author Alda P. Dobbs details their struggles with compassion and urgency. The Other Side of the River is a satisfying end to an uplifting saga.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Other Side of the River depicts the Mexican Revolution. What were the revolutionaries fighting for?
Why is immigration such a controversial issue? How should immigrants be treated by neighboring countries?
Why is it so important to learn how to read and write? How does literacy affect a person's life?
Book Details
- Author: Alda P. Dobbs
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Sourcebooks for Young Readers
- Publication date: September 6, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 15
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks
- Last updated: September 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Book 1
Uplifting tale of survival during Mexican Revolution.
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Boy, Everywhere
Syrian boy flees home, endures as a refugee.
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The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees
Compassionate graphic novel account of refugees' struggle.
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Refugee
Harrowing page-turner sheds light on child refugees.
For kids who love immigrant stories and Latino characters
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