The Other Side of the River

by Alda P. Dobbs

Overview

From the award-winning author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, Alda P. Dobbs, comes a compelling new novel about building a new life in America. Strong and determined, Petra Luna returns in a story about the immigrant experience that continues to be relevant today.

Petra Luna is in America, having escaped the Mexican Revolution and the terror of the Federales. Now that they are safe, Petra and her family can begin again, in this country that promises so much. Still, twelve-year-old Petra knows that her abuelita, little sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. She leads her family from a smallpox-stricken refugee camp on the Texas border to the buzzing city of San Antonio, where they work hard to build a new life. And for the first time ever, Petra has a chance to learn to read and write.

Yet Petra also sees in America attitudes she thought she'd left behind on the other side of the Río Grande—people who look down on her mestizo skin and bare feet, who think someone like her doesn't deserve more from life. Petra wants more. Isn't that what the revolution is about? Her strength and courage will be tested like never before as she fights for herself, her family, and her dreams.

Petra's first story, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, was a New York Public Library Book of the Year and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798885782739
Publisher:	Gale, A Cengage Company
Publication date:	12/14/2022
Edition description:	Large Print
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

"Petra Luna is one of my favorite protagonists in middle grade fiction; she is fiery and single-minded when it comes to protecting her family and pursuing her dreams. This is an inspirational novel. Must purchase" — Youth Services Book Review, STARRED Review

"The novel highlights the barriers and abuses faced by many new immigrants both historically and today through short chapters that keep the pace moving toward a happy ending" — Kirkus Reviews

"A suspenseful ending brings heartfelt closure... Petra continues to be a strong, brave protagonist" — Booklist

"I enjoyed this book. I especially enjoyed how the author condensed important subjects into this book without glossing over them. A present theme of immigration in this book, I liked how she represented it in her writing, she made it understandable for younger readers without glossing over some of its complexities" — Kids' Book Buzz

"A vivid glimpse into the 1913 Mexican Revolution and its aftermath, much of which is still relevant to today’s immigration and refugee crisis…unforgettable" — School Library Journal

"Author Dobbs dramatically and eloquently describes the rollercoaster of events, leaping between highs and lows, that immigrants face today and in the past. Highly recommended for middle school libraries." — Children's Literature Comprehensive Database

"A delightful middle-grade historical novel about the struggles of starting anew while never forgetting where you came from." — Historical Novels Review

From the Publisher

10/01/2022

Gr 5–8—The indomitable Petra continues to fight for her family's survival in this continuation of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, though familiarity with the previous volume isn't necessary to enjoy this companion. They've outrun the federales, the military arm of Mexico's dictator, and have made it across the border. But their struggles have only just begun. The group is met with a smallpox-ridden refugee camp, poverty, and racism as 12-year-old Petra tries to find work and learn to read and write. Along the way to San Antonio, their dreams are hindered by obstacles. This is a vivid glimpse into the 1913 Mexican Revolution and its aftermath, much of which is still relevant to today's immigration and refugee crisis. While Petra is living in a very specific moment in history with a particular conflict, she also must navigate the usual coming-of-age issues that will resonate with current tweens, such as friendships, siblings, and living up to people's expectations. Her touching relationships with her grandmother and siblings will resonate in readers. Dobbs's engaging writing and the even pace of the narrative move the story forward. Petra and her family are Indigenous to Mexico. An author's note gives more context and shares how this story was inspired by Dobbs's grandmother. Though Petra's family's triumph is never in doubt, kids will be pulled in enough to follow the characters' journey. VERDICT A moving glimpse at an important historical event through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist. Purchase for historical fiction shelves.—Shelley M. Diaz

School Library Journal

2022-07-27
Safely across the Río Bravo, Petra’s journey continues in this follow-up to Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna (2021).

It’s 1913, and while the revolution rages on in Mexico, Petra and her family find temporary safety in a refugee camp on the U.S. side of the river. But as rebel soldiers recapture some areas, the camp cannot handle the influx of people escaping the violence. The displaced are given the option of returning to Mexico or staying in the country and finding work. Holding fast to her “baby diamond,” the lump of coal she keeps in her pocket that reminds her of her goals, Petra decides to get a job in the States to keep her family fed until they can find her father. They head north to los corrales, a poor, predominantly Mexican neighborhood in San Antonio. Though she believes at first that being a hard, loyal worker will yield rewards, Petra quickly discovers that the American dream may not be all it is cracked up to be. She must reorient herself to her own values in order to get ahead while maintaining her integrity. The stakes feel lower in this sequel; there are fewer threats of violence, and struggles are resolved relatively easily. The novel highlights the barriers and abuses faced by many new immigrants both historically and today through short chapters that keep the pace moving toward a happy ending.

Readable historical fiction with themes that resonate. (author’s note) (Historical fiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews