It's 1913 in Mexico, and the revolution is in full swing. Petra Luna has lost both of her parents to the revolution, which was supposed to be a good thing for the people of Mexico, but for many it meant the destruction of their towns and the disappearances of many people. Petra is trying to lead her siblings and grandmother out of harm's way, and she learns that the only direction to go is north, to cross the border into the United States. But can she get there? Can she get her and her remaining family there safely? Or would it be better to stay and join the forces that are trying to win Mexico back for its people (and not the corrupt government and military, who once promised a better nation, but who clearly will not be making that happen for Petra or others like her).
Author Dobbs creates a tense historical fiction story which seems to parallel today's headlines in many ways. It reminded me a lot of The Only Road by Alexandra Diaz in the sense that young people are in charge of saving themselves, and perhaps others, in escaping bad situations in countries south of the U.S. but with no guarantee that getting to the border will mean being able to cross. Those questions are still relevant today, which makes books like Petra Luna more riveting. It also gives us a better idea of the story behind the lives of people trying ti make their lives better, here or other places in the world. And do we as a country have a responsibility to help other countries? Other people? Weren't we, or our ancestors, once in need of a better life as well?
A good read, with a strong lead character in Petra, and some historical information as the background to her story. Mixed together this is a very good window into the lives of those trying to find a better world, but not without putting in the work to make it better. 5 paws!
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