Caminar
Gr 6 Up—Unlike many novels in verse, which can read like conventional narratives with line breaks, Caminarcontributes poetry that elevates the genre. In this story of a decimated Guatemalan village in 1981, readers will encounter a range of imagery, repetition, rhythms, and visual effects that bring to life the psychological experience of Carlos, a young boy caught in the violent clash between the government's army and the people's rebels. Like most small villagers, Carlos feels far removed from the conflict and is unsure which side to trust. Still, the army emerges as the clear villain after publicly hanging an innocent man and, weeks later, massacring the village while Carlos collects mushrooms in the forest. Now the boy attempts to survive on his own, stay ahead of the army, and warn his grandmother's mountaintop community of the coming threat. Only when he meets a band of rebels does he realize the extent of the carnage he has escaped. Caminar is a good classroom choice for either social studies or English units. Unfortunately, Brown's introductory note lacks clarity, so educators should provide some brief historical context for students. This is a much-needed addition to Latin American-themed middle grade fiction.—Denise Ryan, Middlesex Middle School, Darien, CT