For children curious about historical struggles for freedom, this powerful story illustrates one girl's courage and a family's resilience against oppression.
A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful middle grader is ready to explore the human cost of political oppression. It tells the story of 12-year-old Anita, whose comfortable life in the Dominican Republic is shattered by the brutal dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Told through her diary, the novel chronicles her family's dangerous involvement in the resistance, leading to fear, loss, and an eventual escape to America. It thoughtfully handles themes of bravery, family loyalty, and the true meaning of freedom, making it an excellent choice for kids grappling with complex historical events and the reasons people become refugees.
Political assassination is a central plot point. Violence is discussed and happens off-page.
Character DeathModerate
The deaths of family members and historical figures are key to the story.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with political oppression, state-sponsored terror, imprisonment, and assassination. The approach is grounded in the realistic, personal perspective of a child trying to understand terrifying events. Deaths of family members and historical figures are central to the plot, but the violence itself is not graphically depicted. The resolution is hopeful in that Anita reaches safety, but it's deeply realistic about the trauma and loss she carries. The family is culturally Catholic, but the story's focus is secular and historical.
Ideal Reader
A mature reader aged 11 to 14 who is interested in history, social justice, and diary-style novels. It is perfect for a child who has started asking questions about fairness, government power, and why people are forced to leave their home countries. It suits a reader who appreciates character-driven stories that connect personal struggles to larger world events.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Providing this background before reading will greatly enhance comprehension. Specific scenes to be aware of include the secret police (SIM) ransacking the family's home and the discussions surrounding the assassination plot and its violent consequences. A parent has heard their child ask questions like, "Why are there dictators?" or "Why do people have to become refugees?" The child may have seen a news report about political protest or oppression and is trying to understand the human element behind the headlines.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely connect most with Anita's personal journey: her fear, her family relationships, and the loss of her home. An older reader (12-14) will be better able to grasp the political complexities, the moral questions surrounding the assassination, and the overarching themes of freedom, sacrifice, and cultural identity.
What Makes It Special
While many historical novels for this age group focus on World War II, this book offers a powerful, personal entry point into a significant but less-covered period of Latin American history. The diary format provides an intimate and immediate perspective on living under tyranny, making abstract concepts like oppression and resistance feel concrete and deeply human.
Read plot summary
Set in the Dominican Republic in 1960, the story follows 12-year-old Anita de la Torre through her diary entries. As the authoritarian rule of dictator Rafael Trujillo intensifies, Anita's world of crushes and school concerns is replaced by fear. Her extended family begins to flee to the United States, her uncle disappears, and she slowly realizes her father and remaining family are part of a dangerous underground plot to overthrow the government. The narrative covers the family's life in hiding, the assassination of the dictator, and the violent aftermath that forces Anita and her mother to escape to New York City.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Anita writes in her diary to make sense of her world, even when it's dangerous to write things down. Why was this act of writing so important for her survival and her freedom?
2
Anita's mother says, 'Courage is being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.' Find a moment in the book where Anita, or another character, shows this type of courage.
3
Near the end, Anita realizes that in America, 'you can say anything you want.' How is this different from her life in the Dominican Republic? What does freedom of speech mean to her?
4
The story ends with Anita beginning a new life, but she has lost her father and her home. What does the book suggest is the true cost of freedom?
5
Mr. Washburn, the American consul, plays a small but important role. What does his character show about the role of other countries in situations of political oppression?
