In September 2021, I closed Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna with mixed feelings. Relief came first when Petra, her little sister, her baby brother, and her abuelita formed part of the crowd escaping the Federales across the narrow bridge into the United States just before the gates were closed. Still, I impatiently wanted answers to other questions and mentioned in my review that I really needed for the sequel to come soon. Fortunately, the rest of the story was in progress, and Author Alda Dobbs read my review and took pity on my impatience. She was kind enough to send me an advance reading copy of The Other Side of the River to cut my wait for the rest of the story.
In this sequel, twelve-year-old Petra must find a way in this world that is totally new to her. First there is the immigrant camp with the double death threats of smallpox and hunger. Soon soldiers are putting up a fence around the camp which makes Petra wonder, “If the river was fierce enough to stop the Federales, why would we need a fence?” Her bargaining for a way to get to San Antonio trades one set of problems for another. The struggle in the city is real as Petra must sort out those she can trust as she tries to earn enough money to feed her family. She must face attitudes she thought she had left behind as people take more note of her bare feet and brown skin than of her abilities. Her dream of learning to read becomes a distant loss in the shuffle for survival until she meets Sister Nora.
The author’s note is not to be missed as she pays her own homage to the people who helped Petra, whose character is based on her great-grandmother, find her place in the new land. The entirety of Alda’s story draws much of its essence from her own family history. Her account of a real connection to Wilbur J. Knox who has a prominent place in this very realistic fiction brought tears to this retired teacher.
This is a book for those who love gritty protagonists who make their way through difficult circumstances. It is especially for those who love it when that way leads through a path of education. It’s available today, September 6, to order from your favorite local bookstore or other book venues.