My Brigadista Year

In an engrossing historical novel, the Newbery Medal-winning author of Bridge to Terebithia follows a young Cuban teenager’s mission to teach others how to read.

When thirteen-year-old Lora tells her parents that she wants to join Premier Castro’s army of young literacy teachers, her mother screeches to high heaven, and her father roars like a lion. But didn’t her parents teach her to share what she has with someone in need? Shining light on a little-known moment in history, Katherine Paterson traces a young teen’s coming-of-age journey from a sheltered life to a singular mission: teaching fellow Cubans of all ages to read and write.

Review

Through Lora’s naive but openhearted perspective, Paterson weaves in details about Cuban history and the events that led to the overthrow of the Batista regime and the rise of Communism…Paterson’s story is without political agenda, focusing instead on an improbable (and successful) literacy campaign and how it dramatically expands the world of one sheltered but determined girl.
–Publishers Weekly

Paterson offers a glimpse of the daily life of a brigadista, redressing the cursory associations many have about Castro’s Cuba. Hers is a positive study of an amazing moment in history that nonetheless acknowledges the darker political machinations at play…the themes of literacy, freedom, and community stay strong. Educational and inspiring.
–Kirkus Reviews

Readers will find that the strength of the book lies not in Lora’s adventures but in the critical question she asks: Which country is truly perfect? A fascinating…portrayal of a turbulent time in history.
–Booklist

…the issues and themes explored will raise questions, hopefully spark further research into Cuban history, and fuel discussion. Paterson offers a moving look at an episode in Cuban history.
–School Library Journal

Motivational and clearly written with purpose and historical interest, Paterson’s tale about the need for societal change and the positive impacts volunteering has for young people is important and intriguing.
–Creators (blog)

Lora will engage tween and teen readers who may seek out Lora’s inspiration, the work of Jose Marti, Versos Sencillos/Simple Verses (Arte Publico Press, 1997).
–Voya

About the Author

Katherine Paterson, a two-time winner of the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award, has written over thirty books and received numerous accolades, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. With her late husband, John Paterson, she co-authored The Flint Heart, a wryly retold fantasy illustrated by John Rocco. A former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Katherine Paterson is well known for her work in promoting literacy in the United States and internationally, and in 2000 the Library of Congress named her a Living Legend. She lives in Vermont, USA.