Journey of Dreams
by Marge Pellegrino
2009
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 256 pages
Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd, London

Journey of Dreams tells the story of how one family survives the Guatemalan army’s ’scorched earth’ campaign in the 1980s and how, in the midst of tragedy, suspicion and fear, their resilient love and loyalty – and Papa’s storytelling – keeps them going. On their harrowing journey as refugees to the United States, the dramatic ebb and flow of events are mirrored in the tapestries of one daughter’s dreams. The American History component is the Sanctuary Movement's underground railroad and the author notes in the back talks a little more about the arrests and the impact of the resulting trial.

Since its publication last year, Journey of Dreams has won the Judy Goddard Award for young adult literature and been included on nine recommended/commended lists including Smithsonian Notable Books for Children, the honor list of US Board on Books for Young People, and Southwest Books of the Year. Check them all out at MargePellegrino.com.

“An involving read, strong in the celebration of Mayan-inflected folklore and culture.” — Financial Times