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Hands holding up string around a butterfly

Before We Were Free

Age Level:
Middle Grade
Published:
2018
Audiobook Available

Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo’s dictatorship. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind. New edition of Julia Alvarez’s 2004 classic. Spanish version available.

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Latinx Characters and Social/Cultural Themes

In this booklist, you’ll find a range of titles — young adult novels by award-winning Hispanic-American authors, bilingual poetry, biography, memoir — celebrating Latino culture and examining the immigrant experience.