Softcover

ISBN 10: 0142302090 ISBN 13: 9780142302095

Publisher: Puffin Books, 2002

Nailed into a crate in the back of a truck, fifteen-year-old Maria, her older sister, Julia, their little brother, Oscar, and a boy named Tomas endure a terrifying and torturous journey across the U.S. border and then north to Chicago. There they struggle to find work-cleaning, sewing, washing dishes-always fearful of arrest and deportation back to the cruelties of El Salvador. By turns heartbreaking and hopeful, this moving story of the secret lives of immigrants is not to be missed.

A gripping, lyrical portrayal of a continuing American dilemma." (Kirkus Reviews, pointer review)

From the Publisher:

Nailed into a crate in the back of a truck, fifteen-year-old Maria, her older sister Julia, their little brother Oscar, and a boy named Tomas endure a cruel journey across the U.S. border and then north to Chicago. There they struggle to find work--cleaning, sewing, washing dishes--always careful to remain "invisible" so the authorities won't arrest and deport them.

Despite the family's ordeals, hope and love can be found--in Maria's budding romance with Tomas, in the help given by a kindly midwife and priest, and most of all, in the stories Maria tells to lift the family's spirits, of a little sparrow who brings a rainbow.

Starkly realistic and tenderly poetic, this powerfully moving story of the secret lives of immigrants who courageously triumph over incredible obstacles is not to be missed.

About the Author:

Fran Leeper Buss, MDiv, PhD, is an award-winning oral historian and writer. Some of her works include Journey of the Sparrows, La Partera: Story of a Midwife, and Dignity: Lower Income Women Tell of Their Lives and Struggles. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her UCC minister husband, David Buss.