REVIEWS

“Vibrant, full-color pictures of Cuban children and their families in rural and urban settings cover the pages of this upbeat and positive photo-essay. Celebrations, school, a doctor’s office, farm work, sports, making music, and dance are shown. Without broaching political differences between Cuba and the U.S., the text informs readers that education is free, even for university. Youngsters dressed in their school uniforms are depicted reading and writing in rustic classrooms. The photos also reflect a close-knit home life; the children are shown laughing and playing with makeshift sports equipment. The text alone suggests a life with few problems. The photos add balance, showing some of the challenges that the Cuban people face.”
– School Library Journal

“Photojournalist George Ancona takes his camera back to Cuba 40 years after his first visit, which was right in the middle of the revolution. What he finds four decades later is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions but short on things Americans take for granted like paper, gasoline, and medicine. Superb color photographs show children at work and play, emphasizing the love and pride they have in their country. Many of their activities will be familiar: Cuban kids love playing baseball, blowing out candles on birthday cakes, and listening to stories, with a few variations, of course. The well-written text also touches on the impact of communism, Castro, and other important names like Che Guevara and Jose Marti. A very fine portrait of modern Cuba.”
– Booklist