Scan barcode
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
4.0
Lucia is 14 years old and caught in the middle of the Cuban revolution. She'd prefer her carefree life of fashion, friendships, and the typical life of a teenager to remain the same, but everyone she knows is caught up in the change. Lucy soon finds out that those who don't support the revolution are punished in drastic ways. When her "gusano" father falls prey to the revolutionists, Lucy sees that Castro's promises of a better life for all Cubans is a facade. To protect Lucy and her younger brother, their parents send them to the U.S. Lucy finds that while her county has changed for the worse, she can carry the memories and culture with her wherever she goes. Alvarez includes an afterward explaining the history behind the novel. There is also a glossary of Spanish terms used in the book.
Wonderful. Recommended 8th grade and up.
Wonderful. Recommended 8th grade and up.
mnhockeymomreads's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book! I loved watching Lucia grow. Must read!
kristid's review against another edition
3.0
The Red Umbrella is a fantastically written debut that had me on the verge of tears on several occasions.
I have to admit I was a little apprehensive to read this novel at first... I do enjoy reading historical fiction, but I knew this story would waken emotions that I'd have to deal with long after the book was over. To know that people struggled in the manner that Lucia and her family did, and I'm sure there were families who struggled much more, is utterly heartbreaking.
The first part of the novel takes place in Cuba. It's soon after Castro has taken over and you see the subtle changes that the country begins to undergo. Watching it change through the eyes of Lucia was even more powerful. She's so wrapped up in her life that she fails to see those changes happening around her, until she has a rather rude awakening. Not to mention losing her closets friends and even family because of the revolution. I can't imagine what the real families living during the revolution went through during these times. It made me extremely thankful and humble to live in the country that I do.
The second part of the novel takes part in Nebraska. This part of the novel fell a little bit flat for me. It just seemed that Lucia's adaption into the American lifestyle from her Cuban one was a bit understated. It happened so fast and so smoothly. I guess I was expecting more of a struggle. Not that I wanted to see Lucia and Frankie struggle anymore after every thing they had been through, but it just didn't seem very realistic.
Overall the novel was very engaging, I sat down to read a few chapters and ended up finishing the novel in a matter of hours. Although the subject matter of The Red Umbrella isn't the happiest.... I'd say this is a novel about hope, love and courage. I'm looking forward to more novels from Christina!
I have to admit I was a little apprehensive to read this novel at first... I do enjoy reading historical fiction, but I knew this story would waken emotions that I'd have to deal with long after the book was over. To know that people struggled in the manner that Lucia and her family did, and I'm sure there were families who struggled much more, is utterly heartbreaking.
The first part of the novel takes place in Cuba. It's soon after Castro has taken over and you see the subtle changes that the country begins to undergo. Watching it change through the eyes of Lucia was even more powerful. She's so wrapped up in her life that she fails to see those changes happening around her, until she has a rather rude awakening. Not to mention losing her closets friends and even family because of the revolution. I can't imagine what the real families living during the revolution went through during these times. It made me extremely thankful and humble to live in the country that I do.
The second part of the novel takes part in Nebraska. This part of the novel fell a little bit flat for me. It just seemed that Lucia's adaption into the American lifestyle from her Cuban one was a bit understated. It happened so fast and so smoothly. I guess I was expecting more of a struggle. Not that I wanted to see Lucia and Frankie struggle anymore after every thing they had been through, but it just didn't seem very realistic.
Overall the novel was very engaging, I sat down to read a few chapters and ended up finishing the novel in a matter of hours. Although the subject matter of The Red Umbrella isn't the happiest.... I'd say this is a novel about hope, love and courage. I'm looking forward to more novels from Christina!
bibliobethica's review against another edition
3.0
The book started well, slowed in the middle, and ended strong. I loved the premise of the book - Cuba during the 1960s. It was a great twist on historical fiction and a great choice for the 2013 Golden Sower Award. I do think the middle of the book could have been more interesting, but I'll still be recommending it to students.
kadomi's review against another edition
3.0
Total fluff that was an enjoyable read, but lacked any sort of depth. Our protagonist ist Lucia, a 14 year old girl during the Cuban Revolution. Her parents send her and her younger brother to the US.
That's about it. I would have loved to learn more about actual historical events but the book focused on the fluff of every day life. Which was alright but also a bit baffling. A wasted opportunity.
2.5 stars for me.
That's about it. I would have loved to learn more about actual historical events but the book focused on the fluff of every day life. Which was alright but also a bit baffling. A wasted opportunity.
2.5 stars for me.
ruthelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
"The Red Umbrella" follows the story of Lucia and her brother Frankie as they see Cuba shift into Fidel's communist regime and their integration into American life once they flee. This story tugs at the heartstrings and shows an accurate picture of Cuba during the rise of the Cuban Revolution. The story shows neighbors turned spies and the dangers of speaking out about the revolution.
The America segment is great and shows the kids trying to cope with their new home as they struggle to keep contact with their parents still in Cuba. I really appreciated the subtle, but not overthetop racism/stereotypes depicted as people tried to help the children acclimate to their school.
I would recommend this title for any teen interested in historical fiction, interested in their Cuban heritage, or as a general gateway into books as this title was quite easy to read. There are Spanish words throughout the book, but they are usually repeated in English for effect, such as "Soy aqui! I am here!" when the children finally talk to their parents over the phone. There is also a glossary in the back of the book in case any of the words still don't have meaning, but Gonzalez gives a lot of context that it should be quick to pick up the use of the words.
The America segment is great and shows the kids trying to cope with their new home as they struggle to keep contact with their parents still in Cuba. I really appreciated the subtle, but not overthetop racism/stereotypes depicted as people tried to help the children acclimate to their school.
I would recommend this title for any teen interested in historical fiction, interested in their Cuban heritage, or as a general gateway into books as this title was quite easy to read. There are Spanish words throughout the book, but they are usually repeated in English for effect, such as "Soy aqui! I am here!" when the children finally talk to their parents over the phone. There is also a glossary in the back of the book in case any of the words still don't have meaning, but Gonzalez gives a lot of context that it should be quick to pick up the use of the words.
shicklin's review against another edition
5.0
Well... One sign that a book is effecting me and how I think about the world, is that I continue to talk about it after finishing it. All day yesterday I snuck it into conversations with people who were not asking or overly interested in what I was reading. I managed to find something to say about it no matter what we were discussing.
This story about Cuba in the middle of the revolution was not fast paced, but rather lulled the reader, right along with Lucia into a changing world that quickly became unrecognizable. I wish the 6th graders could have read this in language arts--they studied Cuba for international month. I will recommend it, but I do not have a hard copy to take into their classroom. I borrowed it from the library for my kindle.
I loved that there was a mother and father--still married, still loving and supporting each other. HOORAY! Unfortunately this has been the minority, practically non-existent in my mg reading of late.
The Red Umbrella opened my world to a new place and era in history. The story of the Pedro Pan orphans was heavy. I am sure there are so many more true stories out there, never written down with a myriad of outcomes. I would love to know more about this.
As Lucia and Frankie changed through their experience in America, it was interesting to see her friend change in Cuba; she became more indoctrinated by the revolution. I loved the ending and the subtle use of the red umbrella throughout the story. It was not overdone.
This story about Cuba in the middle of the revolution was not fast paced, but rather lulled the reader, right along with Lucia into a changing world that quickly became unrecognizable. I wish the 6th graders could have read this in language arts--they studied Cuba for international month. I will recommend it, but I do not have a hard copy to take into their classroom. I borrowed it from the library for my kindle.
I loved that there was a mother and father--still married, still loving and supporting each other. HOORAY! Unfortunately this has been the minority, practically non-existent in my mg reading of late.
The Red Umbrella opened my world to a new place and era in history. The story of the Pedro Pan orphans was heavy. I am sure there are so many more true stories out there, never written down with a myriad of outcomes. I would love to know more about this.
As Lucia and Frankie changed through their experience in America, it was interesting to see her friend change in Cuba; she became more indoctrinated by the revolution. I loved the ending and the subtle use of the red umbrella throughout the story. It was not overdone.
carnisht's review against another edition
5.0
This is going to be a super short review because for some reason, I decided not to jot down my thoughts after finishing. What I do remember from when I read this (a year ago!) was how immersed I was in the story. The Cuban crisis came to life for me. Everything felt incredibly real. I could feel Lucia’s terror for her friends and family, and the confusion and panic she felt upon arriving in America.
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2020/12/23/the-red-umbrella-by-christina-diaz-gonzalez/
To read more of my thoughts on this book, check out
https://yalitreader.wordpress.com/2020/12/23/the-red-umbrella-by-christina-diaz-gonzalez/
pokereadermon's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5