About the Author

MARGE PELLEGRINO read Psychology at Marist College, New York. She is a journalist and book reviewer, runs writing workshops and has been Writer in Residence at a number of US elementary and high schools. Her children's books include Too Nice, My Grandma's the Mayor and I Don't have an Uncle Phil Anymore. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Reviews

An involving read, strong in the celebration of Mayan-inflected folklore and culture. Financial Times A modern Underground Railroad story. ABC Best Books for Children The details of the journey make this a gripping story. Marge Pellegrino's expressive, poetic writing makes this art. What an amazing tool language is in the hands of a gifted writer! Journey of Dreams accurately relates a tragic episode of history, and makes it accessible to readers of all ages. Without sentimentality, it teaches that hope, love and generosity can withstand evil. Fortunately, it accomplishes this in sublime language that can only encourage readers to read more, in hopes of finding another such book. Southwest Books of the Year An inspiring story that may alter our perception of immigration. Irish Examiner Not a book for young readers as the horror of certain events is vividly portrayed but it is an informative account of a tragic situation. School Librarian The book moved me so much I immediately went in search of more history about Guatemala and the 'scorched earth' campaign. Luckily there is a detailed historical note at the end of the book to get you started along with a glossary of the Spanish and Quiche words used. Marge Pellegrino knows and cares for her subject and tells Tomasa's tale with tenderness and hope. This book would ignite a lively debate about human rights and the rights of indigenous and native populations displayed by outsiders. Use it as the basis for work around Citizenship or read it simply because it's a great book www.writeaway.org.uk

Drawn from Pellegrino's work with Central American refugees, this dramatic novel opens in 1984, during the violent conflict between indigenous Guatemalans and the government, which (an author's note explains) resulted in the death of some 150,000 people and the destruction of hundreds of villages. More than 200,000 fled Guatemala, including narrator Tomasa, her father and two younger siblings, whose village burns as they escape. At once lyrical and starkly realistic, the tale chronicles this close-knit family's harrowing, furtive journey across their country, through Mexico and finally into the U.S. In the final stages, they are aided by Sanctuary Movement volunteers who shepherd refugees to safety. In Phoenix, the travelers have an emotional reunion with Tomasa's mother and older brother, Carlos, who both fled earlier, fearing Carlos would be forced to join the army. Fables Papa tells his children and Tomasa's dream sequences occasionally cause the pace to slacken, and Pellegrino's (Too Nice) imagery can be clunky ("The quiet in our village relaxes like a taut thread which has been cut"). Yet Tomasa's voice should easily draw readers into this eye-opening story. Ages 11-14. (Aug.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.