
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions of fairness, family secrets, or the desire to find their voice in a world that feels restrictive. Set in 1920s Cuba, the story follows Rima, a girl born out of wedlock who is treated as a social outcast by her father's legitimate family. As she falls in love and discovers the growing movement for women's suffrage, she must learn to navigate the painful sting of shame while fighting for her own worth. This verse novel is a powerful tool for discussing historical injustice, the complexities of family identity, and the courage it takes to demand a seat at the table. It is ideal for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated but accessible look at how personal resilience can fuel social change.
The book deals directly with the social and legal disadvantages faced by children born out of wedlock in 1920s Cuba and the systemic oppression of women. The approach is realistic and historically grounded. While it touches on the heartbreak of family rejection, the resolution is hopeful, focusing on self-definition rather than external validation.
A middle or high schooler who feels like an outsider or is struggling with 'family skeletons.' It will especially resonate with young activists or those who feel a deep connection to animals as a source of comfort.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical context of unequal legal rights for children born outside of marriage in 1920s Cuba, and the social consequences Rima faces as a result, and the lack of legal rights for women in early 20th-century Cuba. No specific scenes require censoring, but the emotional weight of social rejection is constant. A parent might choose this after hearing their child express feelings of being 'less than' or 'not belonging,' or after a child shows interest in feminist history and social justice.
Younger teens will focus on the romance and the bond with the horse. Older teens will grasp the nuanced critique of patriarchy and the complexities of class and legal status.
Unlike many suffrage stories centered on the US or UK, Engle provides a rare, lyrical look at the movement in Latin America through the lens of a protagonist fighting both political and personal erasure.
In 1920s Cuba, Rima is the daughter of a wealthy man and his mistress. She is forced to live in the shadows of her father's 'legitimate' family, facing social ostracization. Amidst this personal struggle, she finds solace in her horse and her growing attraction to a young man who supports her. Together, they become involved in the suffragist movement, fighting for women's rights and for Rima's recognition within her family and society.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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