90 Miles to Havana

A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a major upheaval, like moving to a new country or school, and needs a story about finding courage and a sense of belonging. Based on the author's own experience, '90 Miles to Havana' follows young Julián and his brothers, sent from Cuba to a refugee camp in Miami during the 1961 Operation Pedro Pan. The story powerfully explores loneliness, family separation, bullying, and the struggle to create a new identity in an unfamiliar world. It’s an ideal choice for readers grappling with feeling like an outsider, offering a hopeful message about resilience, the strength of sibling bonds, and the courage it takes to stand up for yourself and others.