Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Laurel Leaf (Random House)
Pages
178
Description
In the early 1960s in the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Anita learns that her family is involved in the underground movement to end the bloody rule of the dictator, General Trujillo.
Description
I wonder what it would be like to be free? Not to need wings because you don’t have to fly away from your country?
Anita de la Torre is a twelve-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared, Papi has been getting mysterious phone calls about butterflies and someone named Mr. Smith, and the secret police have started terrorizing her family for their suspected opposition to the country’s dictator. While Anita deals with a frightening series of events, she also struggles with her adolescence and her own personal fight to be free.
Anita de la Torre is a twelve-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared, Papi has been getting mysterious phone calls about butterflies and someone named Mr. Smith, and the secret police have started terrorizing her family for their suspected opposition to the country’s dictator. While Anita deals with a frightening series of events, she also struggles with her adolescence and her own personal fight to be free.
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2002-08-13
Physical description
178 p.; 6.8 inches
ISBN
044023784X / 9780440237846
UPC
978044023784
Similar in this library
Lexile
890L
User reviews
LibraryThing member mbergman
This is a young adult novel about a 12-year-old girl who, with most of her family, narrowly escapes the brutal dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s that many of her relatives actively seek to overthrow. It's a sometimes moving but often sentimental account that seems to me to
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talk down to its young readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member mblaze
This historical fiction novel is set in the 1960's, on the small island country of the Dominican Republic. Anita De La Torre's family is among the leaders of a revolution to get rid of the country's dictator. Anita struggles to understand what it would mean to be set free. Julia Alvarez does a
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excellent job of making the 12 year old's perspective and voice be very believable. The suspense in the plot leaves the reader wanting to know more. Excerpts from Anita's diary also allow the reader into her innner most thoughts and fears. This book could be used well in a middle school history class that focused on types of government and the effects that dictatorships have had on people's lives. Show Less
LibraryThing member rampeygirl
Ms. Alvarez does a wonderful job of re-creating the story that she lived through. The tone she gives the character Anita is one of uncertainty but bravery. She portrays a young teenager who is learning how to be an adult during a critical time. Ms. Alvarez conveyed the message, that fighting for
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the right to be free, is the ultimate sacrifice one can make for their country. Show Less
LibraryThing member Wilcoxpat
Anita is a 12-year-old girl who is a first hand witness to the Dominican Revolution of 1961. This first-person narrative told through the perception of a young girl allows the reader to see a revolution through the eyes of an innocent.. When Anita's cousins are hurriedly packed to leave the country
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this marks the end of childhood innocence for Anita. Soon her family finds the secret police parked in their driveway; the American consul moves in next door; and her older sister Lucinda is packed off to join her cousins in New York after she is noticed by El Jefe Trujillo, the country's dictator. Anita's finds out that her family is involved with the political resistance to Trujillo. The present-tense narrative holds the reader in its grip, as Anita moves from the healthy, self-absorbed world of early adolescence to a prematurely developed understanding of the world's brutality. Her step into puberty changes from a celebration to an additional fear: "I don't want to be a se-orita now that I know what El Jefe does to se-oritas." , Anita tries in vain to live a normal life, and experience the first flush of puberty and first love. Eventually, the noose tightens, and the family must go into hiding, from where they are smuggled to New York and an uneasy freedom. This book provides a glimpse into the world of those who live in a dictatorship. Show Less
LibraryThing member rfewell
Great book for children about dictatorship, new immigrants, and understanding politics and culture.
LibraryThing member mcrotti
Before We Were Free is the story of Anita, a twelve year old girl growing up in the Dominican Republic under the Trujillo regime. She struggles to retain some semblance of normal girlhood as her family is torn apart by the underground revolution. When her life is threatened, she goes into hiding,
Libraries would find this book useful, as it gives an eye-opening look at Dominican culture, and especially the dictatorship and subsequent revolution. The book uses many Spanish words and phrases, which are usually translated, and traditions such as quinceaneras (15th birthday parties) are discussed. There are also interesting contrasts between the Dominican main characters, their American friends, and their Haitian housekeeper. In addition, middle school aged children can use this book as a history lesson, and learn about new concepts such as dictatorships and embargoes.
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writing in her diary so a record will be left in case she is found.Libraries would find this book useful, as it gives an eye-opening look at Dominican culture, and especially the dictatorship and subsequent revolution. The book uses many Spanish words and phrases, which are usually translated, and traditions such as quinceaneras (15th birthday parties) are discussed. There are also interesting contrasts between the Dominican main characters, their American friends, and their Haitian housekeeper. In addition, middle school aged children can use this book as a history lesson, and learn about new concepts such as dictatorships and embargoes.
Show Less
LibraryThing member shumphreys
This is a book about a girl named Anita de la Torre, the niece of a rebellion leader trying to overthrow the dictator of the Dominican Republic during 1960. Her family is continuously threatened by the secret police, hunting for her uncle and his fellow rebels. The dictator threatens to steal her
Strengths - cultural richness (Dominican Republic culture and Spanish vocabulary), relatable middle school experiences, exciting plot
weaknesses - mature content and graphic imagery
(nonetheless, the book treats the subjects of rape, menstration, and murder, among others, in a responsible way)
group read
7-9th grade. wide appeal.
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from her home. To escape this danger, her family desperately seeks asylum in the States but tells Anita she must wait to leave until the papers come through. Anita is distraught over the move - how can she leave her only home that she loves? At the same time, how can she stay in such an unpredictable and frightening battleground? Strengths - cultural richness (Dominican Republic culture and Spanish vocabulary), relatable middle school experiences, exciting plot
weaknesses - mature content and graphic imagery
(nonetheless, the book treats the subjects of rape, menstration, and murder, among others, in a responsible way)
group read
7-9th grade. wide appeal.
Show Less
LibraryThing member cassiusclay
Personal response: I didn't particularly care for this book. I actually found it to be a bit boring. I did, however, appreciate the cultural authenticity that it contains. The author speaks from a knowing perspective rather than one of speculation. It is unfortunate that the author has some of
grades 7-10
curricular connections:
Latin american studies
group read
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these terrible events as representative parts of her past. I do appreciate the ability to tell the story without having to tone down the truth for fear of offending people who like to pretend the world is always fresh and innocent.grades 7-10
curricular connections:
Latin american studies
group read
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LibraryThing member kjarthur
A first person narrative through the political upheaval of the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. Anita
Powerful storytelling that puts you in the midst of her struggles, loss, fears, hopes and dreams.
A must read!
Used to teach overcoming struggle and difficult times.
Also helpful to teach writing as
Powerful storytelling that puts you in the midst of her struggles, loss, fears, hopes and dreams.
A must read!
Used to teach overcoming struggle and difficult times.
Also helpful to teach writing as
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a means to process and attempt to understand your struggles. Show Less
LibraryThing member evet
Beautifully told, moving story of a young girl living in the Dominican Republic during the close of Trujillo's reign of terror. Slowly Anita learns what is happening in her country, how her family is involved in the revolution, and whom she can trust. Ending is sad and achingly true to life.
LibraryThing member S.Henry
Before we were Free by Julia Alvarez tells the story of twelve year old Anita de la Torre who lives in the Dominican Republic during the infamous dictatorship of Trujillo. She exposes her family's involvement in trying to overthrow the dictatorship. At the same time Anita is trying to go through
This novel would be a good read in a high school(9-12) classroom. It can give a look into another culture and time period. Anita has some family in the United States of America and the book could start a conversation about relations between the two countries. Alvarez writes with detail, emotion and images that could lend themselves to interesting writing assignments and discussions.
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adolescence. This novel would be a good read in a high school(9-12) classroom. It can give a look into another culture and time period. Anita has some family in the United States of America and the book could start a conversation about relations between the two countries. Alvarez writes with detail, emotion and images that could lend themselves to interesting writing assignments and discussions.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SadieReads
"Before We Were Free" is the story of Anita de la Torre, a twelve-year-old girl living in 1960's Dominican Republic under the military dictatorship of General Trujillo.
LibraryThing member jenniferthomp75
A poignant, thought-provoking novel that will easily lend itself to a good discussion. I'm glad that I picked it for this month's MIP Book Club.
Anita is almost 12 years old and living in the Dominican Republic. Some of her extended family has left for the United States but she and her nuclear
While learning more about local politics, Anita is also moving from adolescence into womanhood. Her struggles, both internal and external, make for a moving book.
Highly recommended to all.
Anita is almost 12 years old and living in the Dominican Republic. Some of her extended family has left for the United States but she and her nuclear
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family are determined to stay, even though the dictator is becoming more and more ruthless.While learning more about local politics, Anita is also moving from adolescence into womanhood. Her struggles, both internal and external, make for a moving book.
Highly recommended to all.
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LibraryThing member Marared9
Set in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s, this novel tells the story of a young girl whose family lives under the repressive rule of General Trujillo. Over the course of the book it becomes increasingly obvious that her family members are involved in resistance against the dictator, who feels
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free to take anything or anyone he desires. The family's fear for their daughter's safety when General Trujillo admires her and the increasing net that is drawn around the family as they attempt to wrest their country from the hands of the dictator are vivid and compelling, and for younger kids the pictures painted here may be too frighteningly realistic to be appealing. For older kids, though, Alvarez paints a thought-provoking and haunting portrait of a family living under a dictator. The book will lead to discussions about freedom, dictatorship, and repression, and will give kids a good sense of what it means to live in a repressive society. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Annod
A history I never knew about - great!
LibraryThing member VikkiLaw
Alvarez readers, see question below spoiler alert:
I thought that Before We Were Free ended with a chapter in Chucha's voice, but I got to the end and it was all Anita's voice. Is there a different Alvarez novel that ends with Chucha's point-of-view or am I simply misremembering?
LibraryThing member rgruberexcel
BBYA 2002; RGG: Important story of a family's experience opposing the Trujillo dictatorship in 1960's Dominican Republic. Told from the point of view of a twelve-year-old girl, who ends up in hiding. Prose seems a bit stilted.
LibraryThing member rgruberexcel
BBYA 2002; RGG: Important story of a family's experience opposing the Trujillo dictatorship in 1960's Dominican Republic. Told from the point of view of a twelve-year-old girl, who ends up in hiding. Prose seems a bit stilted.
LibraryThing member Sluper1
I recommend this book because, it has a unique plotline, and is full of interesting characters and settings. The book kept me turning pages, because it was addicting and the events were fascinating throughout the story. This book is full of suspense, making me turn the pages to see what happened
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next. I relate to the character Anita, because just like her I am sort of caring for my family and my friends. Just like her, I am also at times childish, and am very clueless of my surroundings. The plot was suspenseful, and had new unexpected events constantly, which kept me on my toes too see the outcomes. The theme was well developed, because it is not super cliched, like other stories. I personally responded to this book with a sort of sad feeling. This book is full of sad events, that make you think about how you would feel. Especially because the main character Anita, was around my age. I learned from this book, that you should always be brave, and stand up for your anything that you don’t believe is right. This changed the way that I thought about history, and how cruel dictatorship was. All that power in one person's hands, is too much to account for. Show Less
LibraryThing member klburnside
This is the story of a young girl growing up in the Dominican Republic during the Trujillo regime. Her entire family is heavily involved with the opposition movement, and many of them have fled to the United States. I love the voice of the main character. She is struggling with the normal issues of
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a young teenager, while also living under an oppressive regime where much of her family is in very real danger. A good read for adults, both young and old. Show Less
LibraryThing member Salsabrarian
*SPOILERS* Anita de la Torre lives in the Dominican Republic which is ruled by "El Jefe," the country's despotic ruler. Anita doesn't think much about her limited freedoms until her relatives begin fleeing to the U.S., her Tio Toni disappears, her father is involved with secret calls and meetings,
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and the secret police raid their home. Anita and her mother are forced into hiding for several months at a friend's home before they too flee. In the end, Anita's father and uncle are killed in retaliation by the secret police. Story inspired by experiences of the author and her family. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
This little volume explores how Anita (12 going on womanhood) feels as her family struggles to survive the revolution to overthrow the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic. Her view is simplistic and focused on the realities of her familial experience - colored with the emotion of first love
It's not quite as powerful as [The Diary of a Young Girl] by Anne Frank, but it's a very good book re the Dominican experience under Trujillo. Recommended for young adults.
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and the adoration of a child for her father. I've read Alvarez before, and so far I like this book best.It's not quite as powerful as [The Diary of a Young Girl] by Anne Frank, but it's a very good book re the Dominican experience under Trujillo. Recommended for young adults.
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LibraryThing member mcorbink
Excellent book on the DR dictatorship in the 60's seen from an "almost" 13 year old's eyes. Coming of age, living in fear of the local police, friends that are boys, boyfriends, and family relocating in the USA, are all part of this enticing read.
LibraryThing member roniweb
Wow...This is so amazing. A YA book about living under the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic.
LibraryThing member brangwinn
The more I travel the more I appreciate young adult fiction to help me understand historical backgrounds of countries. I am the same age as Anita de la Torre, but her perspective is so different than mine. Growing up in the Dominican Republic, having both her father and her uncle murdered by the
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Trujillo regime and escaping to America was fascinating reading. I realize that this was fiction, but Julia Alvarez’s afterword about how lucky she was to have escaped the dictatorship shows the connection to the reality of a fictional account. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Sequoyah Book Award (Nominee — Young Adult — 2005)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee)
Virginia Readers' Choice (Nominee — High School — 2005)
Américas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature (Winner — 2002)
South Carolina Book Awards (Nominee — Young Adult Book Award — 2005)
Pura Belpré Award (Winner — 2004)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2003)
Notable Children's Book (2003)
Teacher Favorites Award (2003)
Call number
YA A Alv