The Other Side of the River

Summary

From the acclaimed author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, comes the compelling story of one girl’s quest for a better life in a new country.

Petra Luna escaped the terror of the Mexican Revolution to come to America.

Now that they are safe, Petra and her family can begin again in this country that promises so much. Still, twelve-year-old Petra knows that her abuelita, little sister, and baby brother depend on her to survive. She leads her family from a smallpox
stricken refugee camp on the Texas border to the buzzing city of San Antonio, where they work hard to build a new life. And for the first time ever, Petra has a chance to learn to read and write.

Yet Petra also sees in America attitudes she thought she’d left behind on the other side of the Río Grande—people who look down on her mestizo skin and bare feet, who think someone like her doesn’t deserve more from life. Petra wants more.

Isn’t that what the Revolution is about? Her strength and courage will be tested like never before as she fights for herself, her family, and her dreams.