About the Book

" A] story with both horror and redemption . . . of a family struggling to find its way back to one another. A stunning achievement."--Deborah Ellis

Daniel's papa, Marcelo, used to play soccer, dance the cueca, and drive his kids to school in a beat-up green taxi--all while publishing an underground newspaper that exposed Chile's military regime.

After papa's arrest in 1980, Daniel's family fled to the United States. Now Daniel has a new life, playing guitar in a rock band and dating Courtney, a minister's daughter. He hopes to become a US citizen as soon as he turns eighteen.

When Daniel's father is released and rejoins his family, they see what five years of prison and torture have done to him. Marcelo is partially paralyzed, haunted by nightmares, and bitter about being exiled to "Gringolandia." Daniel worries that Courtney's scheme to start a bilingual human rights newspaper will rake up papa's past and drive him further into alcohol abuse and self-destruction. Daniel dreams of a real father-son relationship, but he may have to give up everything simply to save his papa's life.

This powerful coming-of-age story portrays an immigrant teen's struggle to reach his tortured father and find his place in the world.

" An] impressive novel...Miller-Lachmann skillfully incorporates elements of family drama, teen romance, and political thriller into this story of a father and son reknitting themselves into each other's lives...From the stark cover image of an empty pool used to torture victims to the intensely poignant essay that concludes the novel, this is a rare reading experience that both touches the heart and opens the mind."--School Library Journal

"This poignant, often surprising and essential novel illuminates too-often ignored political aspects of many South Americans' migration to the United States."--Kirkus Reviews

"Heartfelt and strong, with an in-your-face immediacy, this novel is revelatory in its portrayal of repressive regimes, immigrants, and familial relationships. Because of its strong subject matter, this novel would be an excellent choice for older teens and high school curricula."--VOYA

"In Miller-Lachmann's book, the effects of political repression and violence are played out within the walls of one family's home. The novel is a disturbing and meaningful exploration of deep but damaged relationships. It's also a thought-provoking journey for teenagers who wonder if their decisions and actions can make a difference in the world."--MultiCultural Review

"This novel covers crucial historical events that have been too long ignored. Most compelling are the teens' non-reverential narratives about living with a survivor."--Booklist

"In this novel, Miller-Lachmann describes with absolute honesty and empathy the victims of Pinochet, as well as the brutality of this time, but the author is also able to reveal hope. this is a moving novel, essential reading for those in North as well as South America."--Marjorie Agosin, author of A Cross and a Star: Memoirs of a Jewish Girl in Chile

"Beyond everything else, this story is about survival. Miller-Lachmann has written a universal tale so good that I hated to see it end."--Rene Saldana Jr., author of The Whole Sky Full of Stars

"The tension between loyalty to family and loyalty to country, as well as the price one is willing to pay for one's principles, is portrayed without being a cold lesson; it offers no answers, just this family's story. The message never overwhelms the story."--A Chair, A FirePlace & A Tea Cozy Blog

"Gringolandia tackles a hard subject to talk about openly, but Miller-Lachmann does it extremely well... This book] may not be about princes, wizards, or princesses wanting to be rescued, but tells the story of three independent people that believe in themselves."--Flamingnet (Reviewer Age: 14, Rating: 9 of 10, Top Choice)..".a good story, a useful look at one family's immigrant experience, and an education in the politics, history, and culture of Chile."--Semicolon Blog"A must read... Gringolandia] is about 'real people' in real historical settings. Young people should read this] and learn the lessons of history and perhaps be instrumental in seeing that situations like these do not happen in the future...highly recommended for all ages."--Market Block Books Blog

"Told with raw honesty, Miller-Lachmann's gritty novel grabs readers from the first word and holds them until the very last. This poignant novel introduces young adults to a horrific period in history, finally giving a voice to those long silenced. Highly recommended."--REFORMA Newsletter

Lyn Miller-Lachmann is editor of MultiCultural Review. For Gringolandia, she received a Work-in-Progress Grant for a Contemporary Novel for Young People, given by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Albany, New York, where she is active in organizations for peace, human rights, and a sustainable environment.

Product Details

Media: Hardcover Book, 279 pages

Series: Not Applicable

Publisher: Curbstone Press

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1931896496

Edition: Unknown

ISBN-13: 9781931896498

Publication Date: May. 1st, 2009

Dimensions: 5.80 x 8.60 x 1.00 inches

Shipping Weight: 1.05 lbs

• Categories: Hispanic Children's Books & Latino Children's Books