Before We Were Free
![Before We Were Free Young girl staring out a window](https://www.colorincolorado.org/sites/default/files/styles/book_thumbnail/public/books/before_we_were_free.jpg?itok=WASe5yZO)
Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government's secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo's dictatorship. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured
Culture/Community: Dominican / Dominican American
Themes for Middle Grade/YA: Strong Girls and Women Big Responsibilities Bicultural Kids Coming of Age Family and Friends Identity School Displacement Grief and Death Activism and Social Justice World History
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Novel
Age Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers