Set during the Mexican Revolution of 1913, this novel is based on the author’s family history. When he was forcibly taken by federal troops to join the war, thirteen-year-old Petra promised her father that she would keep the family together until they could be reunited. Now those same Federales have burned her village and she, her grandmother, younger sister, Amelia, and baby brother, Luisito, must flee across the desert.

This is a marvelous story of courage in the face of adversity, easily enjoyed by middle-school children as well as adults. Petra is a wonderful character: strong, intelligent, observant, loyal, resourceful and a born leader. She is NOT going to be one of the women her grandmother insists she is destined to become: subservient, obedient, quiet, content to be at home caring for her husband and children. No, Petra has bigger dreams. She will learn to read and to care for herself.

On their dangerous trek towards the promised safety of the “other side” (i.e. the United States), Petra encounters a few people who help her and who nourish her dreams. She also learns from her grandmother’s experience, and always keeps in mind her promise to her father.

Petra carries her most treasured possession with her: a lump of coal her father brought her from the mine he worked. He explained how diamonds are formed by the pressure exerted on such black rocks. Petra contemplates how the pressures she is enduring are also forming her strong character. Like her rock, she is a “baby diamond” who will one day sparkle and shine.

Dobbs includes notes about how her own great-grandmother related her story of fleeing their village for the safety of the United States. Those stories sparked curiosity and Dobbs went searching for confirming details in recorded news accounts of the day. She includes a timeline of Mexican history leading to the critical events depicted in the book. ( )

Fantastic journey set during the start of the Mexican Revolution. Very vivid depictions of poverty, the massacre of towns, the hardship of fleeing across deserts contrast with the strengths that Petra carries inside her and nature's lessons that he Abuela shares. An incredible history that is not well know in the United States -- and I'm talking both about the Revolution itself, and the heritage of Petra's meztizo ancestors. A riveting story set in a harsh and difficult time. Loved that there were women soldiers, that Pancho Villa's revolutionaries were actively helping anyone who came to them, that there's an appreciation for the beauty of even simple foods. Loved that it was based on family stories. ( )

RGG: A perfect read-alike for Esperanza Rising. The history of the Mexican Revolution shared through the eyes of a poor Indigenous girl. Important history and perspective. Reading Interest: 10-12.

RGG: A perfect read-alike for Esperanza Rising. The history of the Mexican Revolution shared through the eyes of a poor Indigenous girl. Important history and perspective. Reading Interest: 10-12.

"A sacrifice? I asked myself. A sacrifice meant surrendering something valued, simething cherished for the sake of a greater good. But who decided how much we sacrificed? Who decided when to stop? Who decided it'd be enough?"

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna completely warmed my heart. It is the story of a 12 year old girl trying to keep her family safe during the Mexican Revolution. Eventually they have to head to the U.S. border after their town is burned down and the Federales are targeting citizens.

Petra Luna's character and story are based on the author's great grandmother. Petra was forced to grow up a lot sooner than most being the only one who could keep.her younger siblings and grandmother safe. She was constantly told that she should just accept their fate because opportunities for Indigenous & mestizo women were pre-determined by caste. Petra was torn between the old ways and having to survive on a daily basis. Meeting a soldada for the rebels helped to spark her motivation to dream bigger and want more for herself and others like her. I was inspired by Petra's tenacity for life and love of her family. I also learned a lot of Mexican history from this middle grade treasure.

The themes that stick out the most are:
🇲🇽 the role the U.S. plays in blocking physical access to their right to seek asylum
🇲🇽 the disparities in opportunities for women
🇲🇽 the idea of good people vs. bad people not being simple
🇲🇽 how innocent poor BIPOC are displaced by civil war & unrest
🇲🇽 how corrupt governments are aided by outside forces who will them not offer aide to those needing asylum
🇲🇽 how total desperation leads one to leave their home for another country
🇲🇽 how important the contributions of young people are to revolutions and movements
🇲🇽 how love of family aides survival
🇲🇽 how even during war, the rich hold privilege
🇲🇽 how dreams can be limited within our own cultures
🇲🇽 how BIPOC children, especially outside of the U.S. have to grow up and take on familial responsibilities early on in life
🇲🇽 how important land and nature is to daily life
🇲🇽 that sacrifice is a not choice for many ( )