90 Miles to Havana

Operation Pedro Pan airlifted over 14,000 Cuban children to the United States between 1960-1962, following Fidel Castro's rise to power. This historical novel follows Julian, a young boy from Havana who is sent to the U.S. with his brothers amid the mounting political tensions. Julian faces life in a Miami refugee camp while separated from his parents who remain in Cuba. He must navigate a new culture, language barriers, and relationships with other displaced children as he waits for news from home. The story tracks Julian's journey from protected middle-class life in Havana through his struggles to find his place in a foreign land. His experiences reveal both the harsh realities of displacement and the resilience of young people adapting to radical change. The novel explores themes of family bonds, cultural identity, and the loss of childhood innocence against the backdrop of political upheaval. Through Julian's perspective, readers gain insight into a significant yet often overlooked chapter of Cuban-American history.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of the 1961 Operation Pedro Pan evacuation through a child's perspective. The book resonates with Cuban-American families and helps young readers understand the immigrant experience. Positives from reviews: - Strong character development, especially Julian's growth - Historical accuracy and cultural details - Engaging action scenes - Clear explanations of complex political events for young readers Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in the middle sections - Some found the camp life descriptions repetitive - A few readers wanted more resolution with certain characters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (190+ ratings) Scholastic: 4/5 One teacher noted: "My students connected deeply with Julian's struggle to protect his brothers while adapting to a new country." Several Cuban-American readers commented that the book accurately captured their families' experiences during this period.

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🌴 The book is inspired by the author's own experience as a child refugee during Operation Pedro Pan - a mass exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children to the United States between 1960-1962. 📚 Enrique Flores-Galbis was only nine years old when he and his brothers were sent from Cuba to the United States, mirroring the age of the book's protagonist, Julian. 🏆 90 Miles to Havana received the Pura Belpré Honor for Narrative and was named the Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year. 🗺️ The title references the approximate distance between Cuba and Key West, Florida - a distance that represented both physical separation and the emotional gulf between refugees and their homeland. 🎨 Before becoming an author, Flores-Galbis worked as a professional painter, and he brings this visual artistry to his writing through vivid descriptions of 1960s Cuba and Miami.