El escape cubano

by Mira Canion

Inspired by a true story.

In a matter of minutes, Miguel's happiness changes to gripping fear when overhears his parents fighting about escaping from Cuba on a raft.And his dad plans to take him along. he has heard stories about the dangerous escape: swift currents, giant waves, sharks and pitch black nights. That is why Miguel is determined to stay in Cuba, but tie is not on his side.

Genres: Spanish Literature, School

35 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2016

Reviews

[Kathleen Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason that I read this book was for Spanish class. It wasn’t terrible— the plot was decent, not the best and not the most believable. Then again, it was written in very simple Spanish so that people like me could understand it. I also liked how there was a small Spanish to English glossary in the back with all the terms that were new to me. I would recommend this to beginners in Spanish because it was pretty easy to understand.

[Kim Christner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a book-it’s 35 pages and probably the reading level of 3rd grade but it’s a start. It’s in Spanish. I loved it. About two families trying to get scape from Cuba, the vocabulary is a stretch. Barco is raft. De repente is suddenly. Ready to read it again. Faster this time.

[Summertime Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a mere 35 pages, this newest Story from Mira Canion arrives right on time with the death of Fidel Castro. As the relationship between the US and Cuba thaws, this book helps students to process what it was like to make the escape and how the US encouraged it with the "wet foot, dry foot" policy. This short story would be a great book for MS and HS level one students as it is fast paced and eye opening. Much conversation can come from this book, but must be handled delicately to ensure discussions do not turn negative or stereotypical.

I really enjoyed this read even though it is short. I will be adding a few copies of this to my classroom library as it is a great book for independent reading with Spanish learner at the high school level.

[Cassie C · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciated the topic of this book and thinks it’s important to have students reading about the struggles of people fleeing strife for a better life, the simplified language necessary for lower level students made it come off in a stilling way that made it lose some of the seriousness that needed to accompany such a topic. Plus, it seems a bit strange for Miguel to be in a life-threatening situation where they have literally lost members of their group to the sea, and yet he’s just concerned with Gloria giving him attention.

[faya mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

the end was confusing like who died

[Amanda Feiner · Rating 1 out of 5]

i could have lived without this one!

[Ace Marquise · Rating 2 out of 5]

It funny how I came to read this book. I was in school And I was bored so I decided to pick up this book on this table. The book cover was so bend and tear up I wonder if it was still intact. When I first opened and stared to read I was surprised because the words were in Spanish even though the cover and the back was in English. luckily I know how to read Spanish Not in a high level but I understand every word in the book except like two.

First the plot was interesting it was entertaining but it was unrealistic. I can't believe this is based on a true story with all the unbelievable stuff in it. For example a shark try to eat them when they get in the water? From studies and data shows that shark attacks are rare also having it follow you for a day in a half is so unrealistic. Second how did they didn't see Gloria father fall off the raft? I'm pretty sure you can see everyone in the raft without moving your head. Unless the raft is the size of yacht.

Anyways though it was Unrealistic it was entertaining. if you want practice reading Spanish this is good book. even if you don't understand a word there is a glossary In the end pages of the book to look it up. And I like how they even added the Cuban culture reference in there too. It was nice book to passed the time. I finished reading it in couple hours. Not gonna lie this book use more brain muscle than a complicated English book.

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before anything, let me say: I feel that this is a good introductory book for people just beginning to learn Spanish.

With that said:

Esta estuvo un libro muy sorprendido a mí. Estaba pensando que estaría un libro muy felíz--después de todo, fue un libro por una clase de Español-150 en me universidad (soy un TA de Español, y estuve leyendo este para el clase como un TA). Pero, este no fue el caso--algunos cosas muy trágicos aprece en el libro, y aunque es ficción, es un descripción muy verdad sobre los tipos de cosas que apereció en la historia de Cuba y con Fidel Castro. Es... es REAL. Y el dato que este libro no tira de cualquier puñetazos es que hace esta libro tan muy bien. Es similar a Cowboy Bebop, en realidad.

[Uma Kewlani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was supposed to read a Spanish book for school, so I chose this one as it struck my eye since it was based on a true story. I'm not great at Spanish, but for me, this book was pretty easy. I would recommend this for a beginner at Spanish but definitely not for fluent Spanish speakers. Overall I would only rate this a 3 as it was a little bit too easy for me personally, and I wasn't very interested towards the end.

[Garrett Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is extremely short, and best suited for a non Spanish speaker who is just starting to grasp the language.

I have very little understanding of the Spanish language, but this tale of a family attempting to escape Cuba is easy enough to follow, while also providing some real world context of life in Cuba.

[Caleb Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a very interesting book. I enjoyed reading during Spanish reading time.

[Dessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book perfect for a beginner Spanish-learner. It had basic vocabulary, it introduced me to a few new words and thought me a bit about the history of Cuba during the 60s.

[Mary Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple, easy book in spanish for beginner speakers and learners. i like the fact that the plot is informative and interesting, but not too hard to read. i felt very smart when i read this :)

[Josey · Rating 3 out of 5]

very interesting book. first spanish book I've read, but it wasn't too hard

[Tyra Schupbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miguel was so self centered. Only read it for Spanish class.

[Ashtyn Bollig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate Miguel.

[Adam Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ain’t Shakespeare but it does help you learn Spanish and that’s what I came here for. Pum!

[Andrés Escudero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and emotional story for Spanish beginners. Very easy to read and filled with useful vocabulary. The author also has an audiobook version available on her website.