My Brigadista Year

Set in 1961, My Brigadista Year follows the fortunes of a 13-year-old girl, Lora, from Havana, who responds to the call for literacy teachers - brigadista - to go into the countryside. Here, she and her fellow teachers face the threat of violence from anti-Castro banditos, homesickness and a completely unfamiliar lifestyle in their attempt to raise Cuba's literacy levels from 60% to 97%. Master story-teller, Katherine Paterson, has combined history and fiction to create a compelling read, introducing the reader to a time in the recent past of which I (for one) was sadly ignorant. The book is obviously based on careful, thorough research, yet it reads like a work of fiction. Lora is young, shy and book-loving, who had to strive to attend her school, and who is also brave and determined, ready to face the dangers and fears of being away from her home and family when called to a cause she feels passionate about. Although her brothers are shown to be the much-desired and valued sons of the family, Lora has a special relationship with her Abuela - her grandmother - who supports her desire to make a difference. The history is woven seamlessly into the story. Lora's family suffered under the Batista and her uncle was killed so they are supportive of the revolution and its goals. In the epilogue, Lora acknowledges that her country is not perfect and that all the goals of the revolution were not fulfilled, but also questions the reader about the perfection of their own country. The story is designed to be thought-provoking and to encourage understanding and it certainly achieves its goals. 160 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 11+