Before We Were Free
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
Heritage & History: Caribbean Heritage and History, Hispanic Heritage and History
Book Awards: Américas Award & Honor Books, Pura Belpré Award & Honor Books
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
Audiobook: Yes
Age Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers