Awards and HonorsBooklist Editor’s Choice 2007 | Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth | NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2008, History/Life and Culture in the Americas
When Alonso's mother is assassinated by leftist revolutionaries, his whole life falls apart. His father begins drinking too much and Alonso, confused and full of rage, must care for his young siblings alone. He needs help-and the only people offering to lend a hand are the terrorists of the Shining Path, the very people who killed his mother. Alonso is faced with an impossible choice: he cannot possibly join the Shining Path, but how will his family survive if he doesn't?
Summary Alonso is proud of his mother, Magda, a grass-roots activist who established and runs a health clinic to help the village children, and he dreams of one day becoming a doctor. He can’t stop thinking about Rosa, the beautiful and wealthy daughter of the clinic’s physician, and although they come from very different social and economic backgrounds, the teens are falling in love. However, when the clinic is bombed by Senderista terrorists and Magda is killed, their lives change forever as Alonso is seduced into the rebel group and Rosa attempts to break free of the confines of her privileged world to help Alonso and his family.
Topics Peru. Peruvian history. Sendero Luminoso. Terrorist groups. Political corruption. Human rights. Class systems. Social change. Poverty. Community activism. Health care. Doctors. Helping others. Quality of life. Self-assertion. Fear. Courage. Racism and prejudice. Interpersonal relationships. Love. Families. Violence. Cruelty. Torture. Death. Grief. Alienation. Siblings. Abusive fathers. Good-byes. Feeling abandoned. Helping others. Guilt. Taking action. Being misled. Being used. Atrocities. Choosing sides. Mistakes. Religion. Boundaries. Self-knowledge. Staying true to self. Communication. Making sacrifices. Heartbreak. Strength. Relying on others. Hope. New beginnings.
SRC Level 4.200000
SRC Points 16.000000
Lexile 630L
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
Language English
JLG Release Date Oct 2007
Minimum grade 11
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
Mature Young Adult Plus
Mature Young Adult Plus (Grades 11 & Up)
For Grades 11 & Up
Filled with stimulating nonfiction and can't-put-it-down fiction, this category is perfect for bridging the gap between young adult and adult reading. Take note: these 14 selections often contain mature situations and language that could be considered controversial.