The Last Cuentista

Donna Barba Higuera's Newbery Medal-winning novel follows Petra Peña, a young girl chosen to journey to a new planet after Earth's impending destruction. When she awakens centuries later, she discovers a sinister Collective has purged the memories of all aboard, leaving Petra as the only one who remembers Earth and its stories. This gripping science fiction adventure explores profound themes of memory, identity, the power of storytelling, and the fight against oppressive forces. It's an immersive read for middle graders, prompting discussions about history, culture, and what it means to be human.