Caminar

Reviewed by: Karen Sandlin Silverman - Scarborough High School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 10, 2014

Review

This lyrical verse novel set in 1981 tells the haunting story of a boy caught up in the violence in Guatemala (1960-1996). Carlos lives with his "Mama" in a small village and yearns to be a man, even skipping school one day to work in the fields. While out picking mushrooms, his village is attacked. He must quickly learn to fend for himself and heads up the mountain to his grandmother's village. During this walk (caminar=to walk), he meets up with a gang of rebels as they rush to warn his Grandmother. The books is sprinkled with Spanish terms and includes a glossary and Q&A section. This is a book to savor; the story is powerful and the layout add to the enjoyment. Cream contender.

Overall Book Score: excellent