The Red Umbrella

The Red Umbrella is the moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan--an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution in 1961. n nThe Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan--an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution.n nIn 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Luc a lvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. And soon, Luc a's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States--on their own.n nSuddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Luc a struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl?n nThe Red Umbrella is a touching story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home. n nCaptures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times. . . . Compelling. -The Washington Post n n Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure. -San Francisco Chroniclen