Jumping off to Freedom

by Anilú Bernardo

Overview

A dangerous journey into the unknown is the only hope for the future of the Leal family in Anilú Bernardo’s new novel for young adults, Jumping Off to Freedom.

The stifling dictatorship in Cuba has left young David Leal and his family no other recourse than to join the thousands of balseros plunging their rafts into the sea in hopes of reaching the Florida coast in search of a new life.  In order to brave the treacherous voyage, David and his father must leave half of the family behind with promises to send for them after securing jobs and housing in Florida.

In this gripping story for young adults, father and son are pitted against the dangerous forces of nature—storms, sharks, hunger, thirst—and the chaos brought on by two uncontrollable traveling companions.  When David’s father becomes dangerously ill during the journey the young man is left to face the turbulent seas and his chaotic raft mates by himself.  This riveting psychological thriller pitches the reader into a nerve-racking adventure on the high seas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611927306
Publisher:	Arte Publico Press
Publication date:	03/31/1996
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	169 KB
Age Range:	10 - 15 Years

About the Author

Though ANILÚ BERNARDO first wrote poetry, she now focuses her talents on fiction for young adults, much of her writing focusing on the Cuban-American experience. Her award-winning novels include Jumping Off to Freedom (1996), Fitting In (1996), and Loves Me, Loves Me Not (1998), all published by Arte Público Press. Bernardo spent her adolescent years in Miami and attended Florida State University where she earned a B.A. in Spanish and a Master’s degree in Communications. As the Director of Public Information for a large organization, she honed her skills writing media releases and internal communications. She turned to writing books in 1995 and currently lives in Plantation, Florida, with her husband and two daughters.