Module 5: 90 Miles to Havana

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Book Summary: When Julian finds himself, along with his brothers, being sent away from his family in Cuba to a camp in Miami, he finds that life in America is not what he thought it would be. Living in a camp with many other kids, with little adult supervision and ruled by the bully Caballo, Julian and his brothers find themselves fighting to ensure that they are not pushed around. However, when his brothers are sent away to a foster home, Julian must learn to stand up for himself and his friends, lest life at the camp become unbearable, all the while eagerly awaiting his parents escape from Cuba.

APA Reference of the book: Flores-Galbis, Enrique. (2010). 90 miles to Havana. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

Impressions: This book is one in which the reader is constantly rooting for the protagonist. Even before Julian and his brothers are sent away, I was looking at their life in Cuba and hoping that it would be better. When it becomes apparent that life is not going to change for the better and Julian and his brothers are sent away, I knew that things would likely not be that much better in America. I found it interesting that in the camp, there was little adult supervision, which made it very easy for a bully like Caballo to become a leader among the kids, if only because the other kids feared him too much to do anything about him. Each time Julian and his brothers and friends managed to pull a prank on him, I would mentally cheer, even knowing that Caballo's retribution would likely be swift and harsh. Despite the fact that this book has a relatively dark tone throughout most of it, it is still a good read and one that will provide insight into an interesting time in the past.

Professional Review: "Gr 4-7 --Based on Flores-Galbis's experiences, this novel is deeply affecting. In 1961, Julian and his two brothers leave Cuba with 14,000 other children, in what is known as "Operation Pedro Pan." History comes alive through the author's dazzling use of visual imagery and humor, which ranges from light to dark. This book is sophisticated, but can be read on many levels. Most children will be able to relate to the terror and excitement that Julian feels when he is separated from his brothers and all alone in an orphanage in Miami. The writing is poetic, yet clear as glass, and the gorgeous sentences do not slow down the briskly paced plot. Julian emerges as a more endearing, likable character with every page, and readers will be fully absorbed in his journey. The only minor disappointment is toward the end, when the narrator's heroism in helping strangers distracts readers from the more meaningful, long-awaited reunion with his family. Reluctant readers might need some help in early chapters, but once Julian's adventure begins in earnest, it's hard to imagine any child putting this book down."

Hinds, J. C. (2010). [Review of 90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis]. School Library Journal, 56(8), p. 99. Retrieved from: http://www.slj.com/

Library uses: This book could be included in a display of books by Latino authors, possibly even one dedicated specifically to Pura Belpré Award winners, if several of them are included in a particular collection. It could also be part of a display centered around the island of Cuba, which could include both informational and other fiction books.