The Other Side of the River - (Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna) by Alda P Dobbs

About the Book

"Petra Luna is in America, having escaped the Mexican Revolution and the terror of the Federales. Now that they are safe, Petra and her family can begin again, in this country that promises so much. Still, twelve-year-old Petra knows that her abuelita, little sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. She leads her family from a smallpox-stricken refugee camp on the Texas border to the buzzing city of San Antonio, where they work hard to build a new life. And for the first time ever, Petra has a chance to learn to read and write. Yet Petra also sees in America attitudes she thought she'd left behind on the other side of the Rio Grande--people who look down on her mestizo skin and bare feet, who think someone like her doesn't deserve more from life. Petra wants more. Isn't that what the revolution is about? Her strength and courage will be tested like never before as she fights for herself, her family, and her dreams."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

From the award-winning author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Alda P. Dobbs, comes a compelling new novel about building a new life in America. Strong and determined, Petra Luna returns in a story about the immigrant experience that continues to be relevant today.

Petra Luna is in America, having escaped the Mexican Revolution and the terror of the Federales. Now that they are safe, Petra and her family can begin again, in this country that promises so much. Still, twelve-year-old Petra knows that her abuelita, little sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. She leads her family from a smallpox-stricken refugee camp on the Texas border to the buzzing city of San Antonio, where they work hard to build a new life. And for the first time ever, Petra has a chance to learn to read and write.

Yet Petra also sees in America attitudes she thought she'd left behind on the other side of the Río Grande--people who look down on her mestizo skin and bare feet, who think someone like her doesn't deserve more from life. Petra wants more. Isn't that what the revolution is about? Her strength and courage will be tested like never before as she fights for herself, her family, and her dreams.

Petra's first story, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, was a New York Public Library Book of the Year and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection.

Review Quotes

"A delightful middle-grade historical novel about the struggles of starting anew while never forgetting where you came from." -- Historical Novels Review

"A suspenseful ending brings heartfelt closure... Petra continues to be a strong, brave protagonist" -- Booklist

"A vivid glimpse into the 1913 Mexican Revolution and its aftermath, much of which is still relevant to today's immigration and refugee crisis...unforgettable" -- School Library Journal

"Author Dobbs dramatically and eloquently describes the rollercoaster of events, leaping between highs and lows, that immigrants face today and in the past. Highly recommended for middle school libraries." -- Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"I enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed how the author condensed important subjects into this book without glossing over them. A present theme of immigration in this book, I liked how she represented it in her writing, she made it understandable for younger readers without glossing over some of its complexities" -- Kids' Book Buzz

"Petra Luna is one of my favorite protagonists in middle grade fiction; she is fiery and single-minded when it comes to protecting her family and pursuing her dreams. This is an inspirational novel. Must purchase" -- Youth Services Book Review, STARRED Review

"The novel highlights the barriers and abuses faced by many new immigrants both historically and today through short chapters that keep the pace moving toward a happy ending" -- Kirkus Reviews