Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review Each day in the village of Esperanzas 1913, during the Mexican Revolution -year-old Petra chops wood to sell. After Mama passed away and Papa was taken, forced to become a soldier for the Federales in the revolution, Petra has worked hard to keep her family safe, as she promised she would. But when Federales descend on them, her siblings and their abuela barely escape with their lives, and Petra is forced to leave behind the home she has always known, clinging to the hope that one day Papa will find them. Journeying on foot, Petra and her family come across others who are fleeing to America for safety. Along the way, Petra endures incredible hardships but also forges new friendships, comes to terms with her grief and loss, and discovers her own strength and capability to make her dreams of learning to write come true. Dobbs' wrenching debut, about family, loss, and finding the strength to carry on, illuminates the harsh realities of war, the heartbreaking disparities between the poor and the rich, and the racism faced by Petra and her family. 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.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 5 Up-Set during the Mexican Revolution, mostly during 1913, this book follows Petra and her grandmother, her sister, and her baby brother as they flee the Federales after the burning of their village. Loosely based on the stories from the author's own family, the novel weaves traditional Mestizo tales and desert knowledge, historical events, and original storytelling. The book is compelling, with well-paced action that flows and keeps readers engaged. The lyrical writing perfectly evokes the loneliness of the desert, the companionship of fellow refugees, and the bravery of Petra. Throughout the journey, Petra struggles to recognize that she is a leader in her family and must choose new paths even while respecting and balancing the place of her grandmother's traditional knowledge. The conclusion is thrilling, though cheapened slightly as Petra pedantically explains what she has learned. End materials include an author's note on Dobbs's own family's experiences and her research methods, as well as a time line of historical events. VERDICT 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. Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage P.L., AK

Kirkus Reviews (Wed Nov 30 00:00:00 CST 2022)

Against the backdrop of revolution in northern Mexico, 12-year-old Petra Luna must undertake a hero's journey.The 1910 appearance of Halley's comet, the citlalin popoca, is seen as a bad omen by many, but not Petra, a mestizo girl who believes in science and reason, not old superstitions. Omen or not, there are dark days ahead for Petra, as a military coup results in her father's conscription, leaving her to provide for her family. Then the Federales return and destroy their village-but where is safe? Between the harsh environment and looming threats of violence, the only option left is to head north to los Estados Unidos and hope to cross the border. Along the way, Petra anchors herself in her aspirations for literacy and learning, bringing along the most treasured traditions of her ancestors and discarding those that no longer serve. The parallels between past and present government corruption and violence make this historical fiction that is as relevant as ever. Though the author drew inspiration from her own family stories from a century ago, the bones of the story could easily apply today. With its tight focus on Petra, the book does not address the broader historical context of the impact of U.S. involvement in Mesoamerican politics, but it may spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore this history on their own.A timeless and timely tale of one girl's journey to save her family and discover herself. (author's note, timeline) (Historical fiction. 10-14)