The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom


Bibliography
Engle, Margarita, 2008. THE SURRENDER TREE: POEMS OF CUBA'S STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM. New York, NY: Square Fish. ISBN 9780312608712

Plot Summary
Written from the point of view of a healer, former/freed slaves and a lieutenant, this story uniquely tells readers of Cuba's fight for independence through short, free verse poems. Rosa, a healer, tells the story of how she's healed others hurt from the many wars, always on the run or hiding away from the slave hunters, and how her country fought so hard to gain their independence back. 

Critical Analysis
The beauty of Engle's story is the personal connection to it. The author has family members who lived in Cuba during these hard times, her great grandparents were refugees during the wars and her grandmother was born in Cuba postwar in 1901. It is also mentioned that the only completely fictional characters in this book was Silvia, a girl who escaped the concentration camp to seek healing remedies from Rosa, and the oxcart driver. The other characters were historical figures, which Engle took great imagination to creating their daily habits. Great picturesque details went into describing Cuba's countryside, the pain of the brutality endured, surviving multiple wars, and how Rosa healed many physically and emotionally. Reading this story from multiple point of views really gives readers the opportunity to learn about the political history of Cuba, from all sides affected. A beautifully told story with fierce, inspiring characters, fighting to survive a difficult time period in Cuba. 

Review Excerpt(s)
John Newbery Medal - 2009
Pura Belpré Award - 2009
ALA Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults
Jane Addams Peace Award
Claudia Lewis Award
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book
Booklist Editors' Choice
Amelia Bloomer List
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits of courageous ordinary people." 
- Starred review in BOOKLIST: "Many readers will be caught by the compelling narrative voices and want to pursue the historical accounts in Engle's bibliography." 

Connections
- For fans of historical reads, specifically the history of Cuba and slavery, told from the point of view from a healer, former/freed slaves, and a lieutenant. 
- For young readers with dreams of healing, learning about natural remedies used during war time. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Engle, Margarita, 2006. THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO. Ill. by Sean Qualls. ISBN 9780312659288.
Engle, Margarita, 2015. THE LIGHTNING DREAMER: CUBA'S GREATEST ABOLITIONIST. ISBN 9780544541122.

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