What Parents Should Know
The writing and characterization aren't the strong points
here; it's all about the adventure.
Common Sense Media Review
There's a great story in this book if the author's lapses in
writing can be overlooked. She tends to flatly state her points
with unnecessary asides such as, "It was hard to take such
treatment when you were clearly innocent." The dialogue can be
awkward, and a subplot about how Toro was involved in David's
friend's crime feels contrived. A wandering point of view
doesn't add anything to the understanding of the characters.
Bernardo also has a taste for hackneyed phrases: David's
girlfriend is his "pretty companion," sharks are "swift
predators" and "marine opponents."
But once readers wade through these flaws, there's a perspective on the plight of the Cuban boat people that no news stories can provide. The characters simply have no other options. The shortages that they face in Cuba are evoked clearly: no food, no power, no jobs, no freedom. The dangerous journey is also carefully described, and the moment when they see the lights of Miami is thrilling. This fills a need for young adult fiction about life in Cuba and about the boat people.
Young adults looking for more good stories about refugees might enjoy either Goodbye, Vietnam by Gloria Whelan, about Vietnamese boat people, or Grab Hands and Run by Frances Temple, about a family fleeing El Salvador. For another exciting novel about an adventure on the water, try Downriver by Will Hobbs.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
