Mission Libertad (21 page)

Just like Abuela in the story, Cubans entered the Peruvian embassy in 1980. In just twenty-four hours,
thousands of Cubans—men, women, and children— packed the embassy, trying to flee Cuba. This prompted the Mariel Boatlift, in which more than 125,000 Cubans, from April to October 1980, sailed from Cuba's Mariel Harbor to the straits of Florida.

Millions of Cubans have arrived to the United States during the years in various exoduses: the Camarioca Boatlift, Freedom Flights, Pedro Pan, the Mariel Boatlift, and in rafts by sea.

The Daughters of St. Paul operate book and media centers at the following addresses. Visit, call or write the one nearest you today, or find us on the World Wide Web,
www.pauline.org

Youth/Historical Fiction

The smell of wet grass filled the dark night. Luisito picked his way along the path by the light of the full moon, the only sound the squashing of mud beneath his feet. He was on the run.

Imagine a world where the government controls how much you can eat, where you can go, even what you're allowed to believe. This is the world of Luis Jemot ... but it's about to change.

As Luis enjoys his new life in the United States, he can't help fearing for the safety of his grandmother, left behind in Cuba. What risks is she taking? Will Luis be able to fulfill his promise to her?

All the while, his every move is still being watched ...

Lizette M. Lantigua was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Miami, Florida. Her parents were born in Cuba and exiled to the United States in 1961. As a newspaper reporter, writer, and Emmy-nominated television producer in southern Florida, Lizette has extensively covered the experiences of the Hispanic community. She also designs, illustrates, and licenses artwork through her company, Lantigua Designs. Lizette lives with her husband and three daughters in a suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is her first novel for young people.