“... not a story of economic migrants but rather the loss and sadness felt by the family and friends that are left behind... sensitively handled.” The School Librarian “...this evocative and thought-provoking story is to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.” CubaSi “I became interested in Cuba after studying Cuban history... about the wet foot, dry feet policy during this and also about those people who tried to escape from Cuba in search of a better life in Florida and beyond. I really wanted to know more about these extraordinary flights for freedom but there seemed to be little in the way of accessible information... I'm sure many of you who know about Cuba's history have guessed that this children's story isn't really a happy one. It's hard to read because it's rooted in deep and troubling truth. Many have lost their lives in the pursuit of a better life and the acknowledgement and realisation of this makes for hard reading... It's a simple story but one encompassing true emotion and the hope of youth. Enrique Perez Diaz has not shied away from heartbreaking content, however, the book is not overly explicit about Alain's fate. This really gives the reader the opportunity to dwell on the themes of hope and friendship but grief and loss too... The voyages of the Boat People are absolutely fascinating but incredibly sad too. I am pleased that this book has been translated into English because I think it will hopefully show many children and adults too that there is another side to this immigration.” May, Goodreads Letters from Alain by Enrique Perez Diaz translated from Spanish by Simon Breden (Aurora Metro Press, 2008) The panel welcomed the first ever entry from Latin America, a novel by Enrique Perez Diaz (a Cuban author who has won awards in his own country). Letters from Alain, reflecting the experiences of illegal immigration, is the moving story of 12-year-old boy Arturo, who tries to understand why his good friend Alain has leftsecretly. Adults confuse him by providing conflicting views on whether Alain's move was selfish, brave or necessary. The author writes from a clear perspective about complex contemporary issues, which are relevant to the current generation of readers. Award-winning translator Simon Bredon translated Las Cartas de Alain, first published in Spain in 2001. Literary Awards.com.au

• The moving tale of a child coming to terms with the realities of emigration in a troubled society. • Award-winning Cuban-born writer Enrique Perez Diaz creates a contemporary novel for teenage readers steeped in the burning issues of today's world. • Shortlisted for the Marsh Award for Children's Literature in Translation.
Les mer
Arturo, a 12 year old boy lives on the island of Cuba. One day, his best friend Alain goes away with his family on a small boat, in search of a better life in America. The moving tale of a child coming to terms with the realities of a troubled society.
Les mer
Arturo, a 12-year-old boy lives on the island of Cuba. One day, his best friend Alain goes away with his family on a small boat, in search of a better life in America. But the sea can be a perilous place... When Alain's dog returns mysteriously, the adults fear the worst. But Arturo begins to receive strange letters from his friend. What do they mean? And will his friend ever return?
Les mer
“... not a story of economic migrants but rather the loss and sadness felt by the family and friends that are left behind... sensitively handled.” The School Librarian “...this evocative and thought-provoking story is to be enjoyed by adults and children alike.” CubaSi “I became interested in Cuba after studying Cuban history... about the wet foot, dry feet policy during this and also about those people who tried to escape from Cuba in search of a better life in Florida and beyond. I really wanted to know more about these extraordinary flights for freedom but there seemed to be little in the way of accessible information... I'm sure many of you who know about Cuba's history have guessed that this children's story isn't really a happy one. It's hard to read because it's rooted in deep and troubling truth. Many have lost their lives in the pursuit of a better life and the acknowledgement and realisation of this makes for hard reading... It's a simple story but one encompassing true emotion and the hope of youth. Enrique Perez Diaz has not shied away from heartbreaking content, however, the book is not overly explicit about Alain's fate. This really gives the reader the opportunity to dwell on the themes of hope and friendship but grief and loss too... The voyages of the Boat People are absolutely fascinating but incredibly sad too. I am pleased that this book has been translated into English because I think it will hopefully show many children and adults too that there is another side to this immigration.” May, Goodreads Letters from Alain by Enrique Perez Diaz translated from Spanish by Simon Breden (Aurora Metro Press, 2008) The panel welcomed the first ever entry from Latin America, a novel by Enrique Perez Diaz (a Cuban author who has won awards in his own country). Letters from Alain, reflecting the experiences of illegal immigration, is the moving story of 12-year-old boy Arturo, who tries to understand why his good friend Alain has leftsecretly. Adults confuse him by providing conflicting views on whether Alain's move was selfish, brave or necessary. The author writes from a clear perspective about complex contemporary issues, which are relevant to the current generation of readers. Award-winning translator Simon Bredon translated Las Cartas de Alain, first published in Spain in 2001. Literary Awards.com.au
Les mer
The postman came by today. He leaned his bicycle against the wall. He opened the gate. Filling his cheeks with air he gave a whistle and left an envelope in the garden mailbox. Since I'm twelve years old now, and they know I can read perfectly well, they have given me permission to collect the post and then deliver it to everyone in the house. We get a lot every day, because my Dad is a journalist and a writer and he's constantly sending messages to people all over the place, all over the world. He tends to exchange books, information, ideas.
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780955156649
Publisert
2008
Utgiver
Vendor
Aurora Metro Books
Aldersnivå
JC, 02
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
104

Illustratør
Oversetter

Biographical note

Enrique Pérez Díaz Born in Havana, Cuba. Winner of many awards for his short stories and novels for children including: The Golden Age, New Pines, Ismaelillo. He has been a finalist in the Edebé Children's Literature Award and was awarded the Cuban 'White Rose' prize by the UNEAC Children's Literature section. His work is highly contemporary, dealing with burning issues, whilst also combining a sense of magical realism.