The Red Umbrella

A parent would reach for this book when their child is grappling with the complexities of identity after a major life transition, or when they are ready to explore how global events impact individual families. It is an ideal bridge for discussing themes of separation, the sacrifice of parents, and the resilience required to thrive in a culture that feels entirely foreign. The story follows 14-year-old Lucia and her brother as they are sent from revolutionary Cuba to a foster home in Nebraska. While the historical backdrop of Operation Pedro Pan provides a rich educational layer, the heart of the book is the emotional journey of a young girl losing her sense of security and finding it again in unexpected places. At a middle-school level, it masterfully handles the tension between preserving one's heritage and the desire to fit in. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes the refugee experience through a relatable, coming-of-age lens, making it a profound tool for building empathy and historical perspective.