Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
“No hay mal que dure cien años, ni cuerpo que lo aguante.”
- Dicho Mexicano
“There’s no curse that’ll last a hundred years, nor a body that can withstand it.”
- Mexican Proverb
In 1913, during the Mexican Revolution, twelve-year-old Petra Luna and her family flee their burning village. They cross desert plains and battlefields, desperate to escape the wrath of the Federales. Every night, when Petra closes her eyes, she hangs tight to her dreams. In one of them, she can read, and she reads everything – books, newspapers, EVERYTHING. But all of her dreams will have to wait as long as she stays true to her promise to Papa.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna was inspired by the experiences the author’s great-grandmother endured during the Mexican Revolution.
Book Trailer
Audiobook
Hear Alda read the
Author’s Note
What Others are Saying!
Booklist (STARRED Review)
“Readers will love Petra, who is as strong as the black-coal rock she carries with her and as beautiful as the diamond hidden within it.
Kirkus
"Historical fiction that is as relevant as ever...A timeless and timely tale of one girl's journey to save her family and discover herself."
NPR
“A fast-paced, thrilling tale of courage, danger and loss…. not just a powerful story that tackles serious issues – it’s a gripping piece of historical fiction that you may read in one sitting.”
Publisher’s Weekly (STARRED Review)
"With vivid and poetic imagery and artfully balanced narrative tension, Dobbs' assured writing blazes bright, gripping readers until the novel's last page"
School Library Journal
"This beautifully written and exciting story of a family fleeing during the Mexican revolution offers a new perspective in historical fiction. An excellent addition to all collections."
Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of REFUGEE
“Petra Luna's incredible odyssey in pursuit of her ‘barefoot dreams’ is as vital and perilous and hopeful as that of today's dreamers.”
Educational Resources
Take a look at the resources below to help young readers learn more about the context and backstory of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Book Club Discussion Guide
Educator’s Guide
Guía del Educador
Fact or Fiction
Timeline
Historical Note
Inspiration
SPANISH Glossary
Download PDF of Educational Resources
Cultural Resources
Listen to songs from the Mexican Revolution on my Spotify playlist to learn more about the music and culture of Petra Luna!