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sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
This novel in verse discusses the diverse culture of Cuba, where African, Asian and Hispanic culture collide. African slaves, and indentured Chinese come together to rise above to overcome the bonds of their Cuban owners. This novel tells the story of several young people who helped this revolution.
booksofjj's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
4.25
Taught me a lot about a country I know so little about. The style of writing was interesting as it isn't a style I would usually go for but I might read more like this in the future
nyne's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: War and Murder
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
This fascinating novel in verse looks at the intertwined lives of African slaves and Chinese indentured servants in Cuba. starting in 1871, it is told in multiple view points focussing on Antonio Chuffat, who became a strong advocate for civil rights. It also tells the stories of Wing and Fan, a brother and sister who escaped the anti-Chinese riots in Los Angeles. The three band together to try and improve the lives of both the indentured servants and slaves, eventually becoming involved with the armed rebellion. Based on actual historical events and people. Recommended for grades 5 & up.
mezzythedragon's review against another edition
5.0
One thing that amazes me about verse novels is that you don’t need a lot of words to pack a lot of meaning. I enjoy historical fiction in general, but all the more so when it deals with history that is not well-known (at least to me).
jennybeastie's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not a huge fan of novels in verse, but this is a wonderful presentation about a part of history I knew nothing about, so I found it pretty fascinating. I was a little troubled by the multiple viewpoints -- the combination of that and the very short poems made the book feel more like a skimmed precis of a volatile time than a story I could really sink my teeth into. Great for reluctant readers, though.
mxsunny's review against another edition
4.0
Told in verse mostly through the perspective of three young people living in Cuba under Spanish rule. Based on the biography of Anthony Chuffat, a Chinese-African-Cuban boy who becomes a messenger and scribe for the effort to free Chinese laborers from indentured servitude. He and his friends help runaways escape as well as fighting the Spanish with their words (in newspapers and official petitions).
punipoli's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars...poemas sobre emigrantes chinos a Cuba en el 1800..