The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom facts for kids
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| Author | Margarita Engle |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Narrative verse |
| Publisher | Square Fish |
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Publication date
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March 16, 2010 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 384 |
| ISBN | 978-0312608712 |
| OCLC | 156845784 |
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom is a special kind of book called a verse novel. It tells a story using poems instead of regular paragraphs. This book is about Cuba's fight for freedom and was written by Margarita Engle. It came out in 2010 and won an important award called the John Newbery Honor in 2009.
Contents
What is The Surrender Tree About?
This story begins in Cuba in 1886. At this time, Cuba was still controlled by the Spanish Empire. The Cuban people had been fighting for their independence for many years.
Meet Rosa, the Healer
The main character is a woman named Rosa. Some people thought she was a witch, but she was actually a skilled nurse and healer. When she was a child, Rosa learned how to heal people using flowers and herbs. This is a natural way of healing.
Helping Those in Need
Ten years later, Rosa uses her healing skills to help people who are suffering. Many Cubans were starving and getting sick in special camps. These camps were set up by a Spanish general named Weyler.
Rosa helped everyone who needed it, no matter who they were. She even turned hidden caves into secret hospitals. Only a few trusted people knew where these hospitals were.
The Slave Hunter's Obsession
A character called Lieutenant Death was a slave hunter. He became determined to find Rosa. He also wanted to destroy the secret hospitals she had created.
Who are the Main Characters?
- Rosa: She was once a slave, but she became a nurse and a healer.
- Lieutenant Death: He is a slave hunter who tries to find Rosa.
- Valeriano Weyler, 1st Duke of Rubí: He was a tough army officer from Spain.
- Silvia: She is an orphan child in the story.
Is the Story Based on Real Events?
Yes, the character of Rosa is based on a real Cuban hero. Her name was Rosa Castellanos, and people called her “La bayamesa.” However, the real Rosa was born in 1834. This means she would have been older, in her fifties or sixties, during the time the novel takes place.
Awards and Recognition
The Surrender Tree has received many awards for its powerful story and writing. These awards show how important and well-loved the book is.
- 2009 Newbery Honor
- 2009 Pura Belpre Medal
- 2009 Claudia Lewis Award
- 2009 Jane Adams Children’s Book Award
- Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Master List
- Lee Bennett Hopkins Honor
- ALA Best Books for Young Adults
- Americas Award
- Booklist Editor’s Choice
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- ALA Notable Book
- NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book
- Amelia Bloomer Book
- Kansas State Reading Circle
