The Road to Santiago

By D.H. Figueredo

Book Overview

A fictional story about a boy and his family in Havana who overcome obstacles to reach their relatives in Santiago to celebrate Christmas during the Cuban revolution in the 1950s.

It's Noche Buena, the night before Christmas, and Alfredito and his parents head for the train station for their annual trip to their relatives in Santiago. But this year things are different. The government is fighting a war against the rebels and the trains are not running. Alfredito worries that they'll miss the family's traditional Christmas celebration and all the special foods.

Alfredito's father enlists the help of a farmer, and they set out down the bumpy road. Little does Alfredito know, they are embarking on a great adventure he will never forget.

Based on author D.H. Figueredo's own experiences growing up in Cuba in the late 1950s, The Road to Santiago is an action-packed celebration of the human spirit. This heartwarming story is perfect for sharing with the whole family all year long.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1620143178
• ISBN13: 9781620143179
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.3" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

The Road to Santiago is a magnificent chapter among many cuban stories

Having been touched by a previous story by Mr. Figueredo, I recently added this one to my collection. This story underlines the challenges that a lot of cuban children experienced during and after the cuban revolution. Politics aside, it emphasizes world experiences through a child's eyes. For children, all that is experienced is an adventure. It wasn't until I became an adult that I realized the elements of danger that I went through growing up in a country going through political turmoil. Great story, beautifully illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla. The illustrations reminded me so much of the memories I have of my land of birth. Don't miss sharing this information with your children.

I felt like I was there...

Reading Mr. Figueredo's book was a delight! All through the book I felt as if I was there with him experiencing everything he went through as he and his family traveled to Santiago. I even had to feel my chin after he received his bunelo from his abuela. I was sure it was going to be sticky from the dripping honey! I don't have any children but this was a delightful book to read and I highly recommend it. I bought this book for my mom and she said she felt the same way..."I felt I was there." I am a proud owner of 3 of Mr. Figueredo's books and a giver of them to my family as gifts.