1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Engle, Margarita. The Lightning Dreamer. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, 2013. ISBN 054454112X
2. PLOT SUMMARY
This story is an historical fiction novel in verse based on the life of abolitionist poet Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda or Tula, her childhood nickname. Set in Cuba during the late 1800s, Tula becomes aware of the great injustices in her country, namely slavery and uneducated girls forced into arranged marriages. Facing her own arranged marriage, Tula finds comfort in the books she is allowed to read at the convent, and ultimately finds her voice to speak out against the laws through her own secret writings. Eventually, this rebellious behavior leads to an estrangement from her family, but Tula bravely continues her cause, finds her way, and continues speaking out on behalf of those without a voice.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This book is filled with beautiful free verse poetry that moves easily from page to page even as different characters give voice to the words of the poems. This is in direct contrast to the rigid laws and societal norms that these poems describe and the rules to which the characters are expected to adhere. The rich metaphors create beautiful imagery of the things left unsaid and give the reader a glimpse into the type of writing Tula herself may have penned in order to be able to speak out against the government and society without being caught and severely punished. The poems are short and broken into a few simple stanzas, often with just one or two powerful words on a line for added emphasis to that particular emotion or idea. Sometimes lines move within the stanza to further illustrate her words. For example, poetry is described as a “free dance” and the following lines move rather than line up with the margin. Every word chosen and the style in which it appears on the page is designed to create a deeper understanding of this beautiful story.
There are no illustrations in this book, and there is no need for them. The emotion that is poured into every line of every poem is easily felt by the reader. The anger over an arranged marriage, the excitement and anxiety of reading and writing banned words, the joy of working with the orphans, and the sorrow of so many wrongs in the world are clearly portrayed through Engle’s words. The historical notes and excerpts added at the end of the book bring another layer of clarity to this tale. This is not just a beautiful fiction story, it is steeped in history. Tula and Heredia were real people who fought this heroic fight and didn’t stand idle on the sidelines. The theme of equality for all is important even in today’s modern society. Readers find inspiration through Tula’s story as well as a timeless example of perseverance and how anyone can make a difference regardless of gender, race, age, or any other restriction placed upon them.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2014 PURA BELPRE HONOR AWARD
2014 PEN Literary Award for Best Young Adult Book
NCTE Notable Book for the Language Arts, ALSC Notable Children's Book for 2013
From Booklist starred review: "This is the context for a splendid novel that celebrates one brave woman who rejected a constrained existence with enduring words that continue to sing of freedom.”
From School Library Journal: “Engle adds another superb title to her lengthening list of historical novels in verse. . . . This is a must-have for . . . anyone in need of a comparative study to our own country's struggle with slavery.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Gather other Pura Belpre award winners or honors such as:
• Alvarez, Julia. Before We Were Free. ISBN 044023784X
• Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom. ISBN 0312608713
Gather other novels in verse by Engle such as:
• The Wild Book. ISBN 0544022750
• Mountain Dog. ISBN 1250044243
Gather other historical novels set in Latin American countries:
• Agosin, Marjorie. I lived on Butterfly Hill. ISBN 1416994025
• Engle, Margarita. Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal. ISBN 0544109414
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