Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

• 2022 Pura Belpré Honor Book
• NYPL Best Book of 2021
• Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection
• NPR Best Book of 2021

Based on a true story, the tale of one girl's perilous journey to cross the U.S. border and lead her family to safety during the Mexican Revolution.

"Wrenching debut about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry on."--Booklist, starred review

"Blazes bright, gripping readers until the novel's last page."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Vital and perilous and hopeful."--Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

It is 1913, and twelve-year-old Petra Luna's mama has died while the Revolution rages in Mexico. Before her papa is dragged away by soldiers, Petra vows to him that she will care for the family she has left--her abuelita, little sister Amelia, and baby brother Luisito--until they can be reunited. They flee north through the unforgiving desert as their town burns, searching for safe harbor in a world that offers none.

Each night when Petra closes her eyes, she holds her dreams close, especially her long-held desire to learn to read. Abuelita calls these barefoot dreams: "They're like us barefoot peasants and indios--they're not meant to go far." But Petra refuses to listen. Through battlefields and deserts, hunger and fear, Petra will stop at nothing to keep her family safe and lead them to a better life across the U.S. border--a life where her barefoot dreams could finally become reality.

"Dobbs' wrenching debut, about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry on, illuminates the harsh realities of war, the heartbreaking disparities between the poor and the rich, and the racism faced by Petra and her family. Readers will love Petra, who is as strong as the black-coal rock she carries with her and as beautiful as the diamond hidden within it."--Booklist, starred review

Author: Alda P. Dobbs
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Published: 09/14/2021
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 8.35h x 5.59w x 1.18d
ISBN: 9781728234656
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.8
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 512639 / Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna


Award: Pura Belpre Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/15/2021 pg. 56
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2021
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2021
School Library Journal 09/01/2021 pg. 86
Publishers Weekly 10/18/2021 pg. 1

About the Author
Dobbs, Alda P.: - Alda P. Dobbs is as passionate about connecting children to their past, their communities, and nature as she is about writing. Alda lives with her husband and two children outside Houston, Texas.