An Uninterrupted View of the Sky

Another heavy book to read with my son. We enjoyed it, despite his groaning and eye-rolling at the romantic bits, but it really is brutal, kids in Bolivia living in prison with their incarcerated parents. It's like the US Drug War my spouse and I demonstrated against on steroids (pardon the expression). I feel a sense of despair when I try to imagine a way through the lasting effects of colonialism around the world. (Build Your Library, Level 7)

Striking story of a boy from Bolivia and what happens when his indio father is arrested and thrown in prison. His mother abandons them, apparently without much thought, and the Francisco and his sister, Pilar must live in the prison. They are not the only ones. Each day they leave the prison and walk to school. They have very little food and have to wash in a bucket since going to the men's showers is out of the question. Through all of this Francisco writes poetry. Encouraged by his teacher he reaches into himself to pour his feelings on paper. Soon he makes friends with a girl who also lives in the prison.

This is a story that takes place every day in Bolivia. The U.S. pushed the government to create a law that makes it too easy to show more arrest anyone who even looks like they may be dealing or making cocaine. And it seems that it is too easy for mothers to walk away from their families too.

This book is for those readers who like to investigate what life is like in other parts of the world. show less

This fictional account of Francisco’s life takes an unexpected turn when his dad is arrested under false pretenses. The book exposes the hardships indigenous people in Bolivia still endure. Includes Author’s Note, Glossary, Selected Sources.

CW: Attempted sexual assault of a child by a prison inmate

4.5 Stars