Awards and HonorsNew York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2014, Stories for Older Readers; Winner, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, 2015; ALA Notable Books for Children 2015, Older Readers; 2015 Ameréicas Award Commended Titles; Capitol Choices 2015
Guatemala, 1981: Carlos’s village is caught in the crossfire of soldiers and rebels. He flees to the forest, all the while questioning his decision not to fight. Note to the reader. Glossary. Q&A with the author.
Topics Guatemala. Military rule. Guerrilla warfare. Communism. Family life. Coming of age.
SRC Level 5.100000
SRC Points 6.000000
Lexile NP
Trim Size 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2014-02-28
JLG Release Date Mar 2014
Minimum grade 6
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Upper Middle School Fiction Plus (Grades 6-8)
Upper Middle School Fiction Plus
Upper Middle School Fiction Plus (Grades 6-8)
For Grades 6-8
This collection features fiction titles selected for older middle school readers who are ready for longer, more layered stories that explore growing independence and changing perspective. Selections include realistic and speculative fiction with increased emotional and narrative complexity, offering stories that look beyond immediate experience and invite readers to engage with broader questions about identity, belonging, and the world around them.