90 Miles to Havana (292 Pages)

Enrique Flores-Galbis has written a wonderful book of historical fiction. The story takes place during 1961 just as Fidel Castro over threw the Cuban government. At this time Cuban parents wanted to protect their children by giving them safe haven in the United States. As a result Operation Pedro Pan began evacuating the children to what was supposed to be a safe land. But it wasn't. Julian and his older brothers Alquilno and Gordo leave Cuba, they end up in a "camp" in Florida that is run by a young priest who depends on bullies to keep order in the camp. The boys experience an incredibly scarey time resulting in the older brothers being sent to Colorado. The story is told by Julian. This book offers students a chance to know a little more about Cuba, and the people who immigrated to this country from there. It's a good read.