I like to read how these novels are progressing. From the first, which emphasized the illegal status of cocaine production and some of the damage done to indigenous Bolivians, this novel emphasized the role of indigenous activists in pushing for change. It refers briefly to the Cochabamba water wars, and provides a deeper background on why the coca leaf is important to indigenous Bolivians. Nicely-paced plot, great characters. ( )

The fast-paced action continues in this sequel to ``I am a Taxi``. When Diego escapes from slavery, he is taken in by a family of cocoa farmers and he finds himself in the middle of a protest between the Bolivian government and cocoa farmers. This book ends with a complex and unresolved situation, and leaves the reader wondering what will become of Diego next. It has strong messages for standing up for your beliefs and is empowering to young adults. ( )

Diego is taken in by the Ricardos who are farmers scraping out a living. The government takes all their coca leaves so the Ricardos and many other farmers set up a blockade. In the end, Diego returns home but not before he almost dies. ( )