Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Middle School Book of the Year
Author: Alda P. Dobbs
Publisher: SourceBooks
“A sacrifice? I asked myself. A sacrifice meant surrendering something valued, simething cherished for the sake of a greater good. But who decided how much we sacrificed? Who decided when to stop? Who decided it’d be enough?”
Alda P. Dobbs’s Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna is an endearing story that shows the dark reality of life on the run. From the beginning of the book, we get a glimpse into a world where all signs point to something terrible on the horizon. The world we are introduced to is one of both order and superstition. Girls must not wear pants. Do not create unneeded bonds. These rules that seemingly provide stability and security to the people are all they have ever known. But in reality, this order is an illusion that will not hold much longer.
Twelve-year-old Petra has undergone great trauma with the passing of her mama during childbirth and the capture of her papa by Federales who burn down their house. These events seem unjust, but as we experience throughout this story, life is not fair to Petra and her family. The Mexican revolution has turned their once happy village into a sad, frightening place that no longer holds hope. Despite this, Petra keeps her promise to protect her family while still holding onto aspirations that suddenly seem small in a world filled with so many terrible things. She understands that the journey to achieve both her promise and her dream will be difficult, but she gathers her strength and leaves her home.
Throughout this gripping story, Petra – a girl who has gone through unimaginable pain – clings to simple dreams such as learning how to read. Her abuela calls these barefoot dreams, as they are like them – “barefoot peasants and indios – they’re not meant to go far.”
Even though the world has thrown trials and tribulations her way, her determination remains true. Petra has her heart set on crossing into the United States. Will she and her remaining family members survive the trip?
This middle great novel, suitable for ages eight to twelve, reminds the reader to never give up on a dream because it seems too far away. Achieving our ambitions is not always an easy task, but it is well worth the journey.
Based on the real experiences of the author’s great-grandmother, the story is timely considering current immigration issues in our country today. Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna shines with the gifts of hope and courage and is an example of how we can use our pain and experience as fuel to motivate us in attaining impossible dreams that just might come true.