The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist
Opposing slavery in Cuba in the nineteenth century was dangerous. The most daring abolitionists were poets who veiled their work in metaphor. Of these, the boldest was Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, nicknamed Tula. In passionate, accessible free verse, Engle evokes the voice of this book-loving feminist and abolitionist who bravely resisted an arranged marriage at the age of fourteen and was ultimately courageous enough to fight against injustice. Historical notes, excerpts, and source notes round out this exceptional tribute.
Language: Spanish vocabulary featured
Culture/Community: Cuban / Cuban 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, Coming of Age, Family and Friends, Identity, Immigration, Journeys, Race, Racism, and Prejudice, Activism and Social Justice, Civil Rights, Elections and Government, U.S. History, World History
Genre: Historical Fiction, Non-Fiction
Format: Novel, Novel in Verse
Audiobook: Yes
Age Level: Middle Grade
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers