The Surrender Tree

Bibliography

Engle, Margarita. 2008 THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. New York: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN: 9780805086744.

Plot Summary

This is the story of  a girl named Rosa and her plight  during the three wars that Cuba fought to get  their freedom Many of Rosa’s people have been put in camps where there is not enough food and many people are sick However, Rosa is a nurse who is called a witch because she uses medicinal plants to heal. Rosa, her husband, Josa, and her others have to hide in caves and hospitals that they find or build in the jungle. Some people want to capture Rosa because she heals the rebels. A man that she knew as a boy and calls Lieutenant Death is looking for her to capture her. Rosa is nice and will use her medicines and skill for anyone that needs it, including her enemies.

Critical Analysis

In this verse novel, Engle tells a wonderful story using little words but the reader is still drawn into the character’s lives. Engle explains how the three wars effect Rosa, her family and friends.)

This book is very moving and It was written similarly to a chapter book and told from the different perspective of the characters so as a reader one had a personal connection with the reasons why every character behaved the way they did whether you agreed with them or not.

At the end of the book there is a  chronology of the early independence movement in Cuba with selected references, author notes, and historical notes.

 Review Excerpts

“An absolutely lovely book… that should be read by young and old, black and white, Anglo and Latino.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“The moving poetry and finely crafted story will draw readers in and leave them in tears and awe” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review

“A work of literary imagination. Engle’s skillful portrait will spark readers’ interest in Manzano’s poetry"

 

Awards

Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, 2009

Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, 2009

American Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2009

Pura Blepre Award, 2009

Connections

1.Combine this book with Engle’s THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO and use it to discuss poetry, slavery, medicinal plants and other topics.