Crack the Biblical code in this story of suspense, adventure, discovery, and faith!
About this Book:
Fact and fiction converge in this thrilling tale of 14-year old Luisito Ramirez-a courageous boy who daringly escapes from 1970s communist Cuba-as he becomes immersed in American culture, and sets out on fulfilling a secret religious mission under the eyes of spies.
Readers of realistic historical fiction, individuals interested in learning about Cuban culture and exile movements, teachers desiring multicultural resources, and individuals seeking stories that reflect faith values will find this book to be highly appealing.
Integrating Spanish vocabulary and Cuban culture, this novel offers young people ages 10-14 an exciting story of the Catholic faith lived out during turmoil. Based on real events, the historical, political, economical, and cultural realities of the time period are fused in the fictional story of Luisito. Author Lizette M. Lantigua achieves this fusion through combining her historical knowledge and experiences as a newspaper reporter interviewing Cuban exiles with her craft for storytelling.
The story opens with Luisito and his family aboard a raft as they escape under the cover of darkness to the United States. Leaving behind his grandmother until she can be safely transported to freedom, this escape to a better life is bittersweet. Luisito cannot help but think about her, especially because she entrusts him to carry out a secret mission when he arrives in the United States. She leaves him with a place to visit, a Biblical passage, and a person to deliver an obscure message to. Luisito must use his wit and courage to decode his grandmother's secret-all the while being followed and watched by Cuban spies!
Will Luisito fulfill his grandmother's mission, and will they be united in the land of freedom? Accompany Luisito on his Mission Libertad to find out!
Features & Benefits:
- Written by a Cuban American author who has extensive reporting experience for young people ages 10-14
- Provides an entertaining and educational story
- Promotes multicultural and historical awareness
- Reflects Cuban faith, culture, and experience
- Integrates Spanish vocabulary
- Distinguishes between historical and fictional elements
- Appeals to realistic fiction readers
- Acknowledges the various exile movements of Cubans throughout history
- Elaborates on the policies of Cuba and the United States
About the Author:
Lizette M. Lantigua was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Miami, Florida. Her parents were born in Cuba and exiled to the United States in 1961. As a newspaper reporter, writer, and Emmy-nominated television producer in southern Florida, Lizette has extensively covered the experiences of the Hispanic community. She also designs, illustrates, and licenses artwork through her company, Lantigua Designs. Lizette lives with her husband and three daughters in a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is her first novel for young people.
What Are People Saying about this Title?
"Mission Libertad serves up the frijoles y plátanos, turkey and stuffing, and everything in between that represents Cuban American culture. Abuela's thoughts, two Cuban spies, and an FBI agent enrich and contextualize Luisito's adventure and the Mariel Boatlift, and bring this book to life. ¡Viva¡"
-Nancy Osa, author of Cuba 15, an ALA Pura Belpré Author Honor Book
"Lizette Lantigua captures the family-centered whirlwind following Luisito's harrowing escape by sea from Cuba's communist regime. His mission to keep a promise to his beloved Abuela reveals love's powerful reach and puts him in directly under the care of Cuba's patroness, Our Lady of Charity. This tale of intrigue and growth in faith appeals to the adventurous spirit."
-Maria Johnson, producer, Catholic Weekend, Star Quest Production Network
SQPN.com
Product Details:
Binding: paperback
Trim size: 5 ¼" X 7 ¾"
Pages: 224
Keywords: junior high -Virgen de Caridad - JClub - Pauline Kids - Pauline Teen - Fcc12 - Faba12