Caminar

Caminar is a poignant novel in verse inspired by actual events during Guatemala's civil war, suitable for readers aged 8-11, and a powerful read-aloud for younger children. It tells the story of Carlos, a young boy who is separated from his mother and must navigate a dangerous landscape, joining a group of guerillas to reach his grandmother. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, identity, and the devastating impact of conflict on children and families. Its verse format makes a difficult topic accessible, allowing for emotional depth and reflection.

Carlos knows that when the soldiers arrive with warnings about the Communist rebels, it is time to be a man and defend the village, keep everyone safe. But Mama tells him not yet — he’s still her quiet moonfaced boy. The soldiers laugh at the villagers, and before they move on, a neighbor is found dangling from a tree, a sign on his neck: Communist. Mama tells Carlos to run and hide, then try to find her. . . . Numb and alone, he must join a band of guerillas as they trek to the top of the mountain where Carlos’s abuela lives. Will he be in time, and brave enough, to warn them about the soldiers? What will he do then? A novel in verse inspired by actual events during Guatemala’s civil war, Caminar is the moving story of a boy who loses nearly everything before discovering who he really is.