Vector

by Carrie Toth

A vector of venom infects Antonio, a typical Panamanian teenager, with an illness that has far-reaching consequences. He is carried away from home and transported back in time to the early 1900s, where he unknowingly joins his grandfather on the construction of the Panama Canal. Will Antonio escape from the past and survive the consequences of working on one of the most dangerous construction sites in history?

84 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[AmyQuijada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mí me gusto este libro porque fue intersante. Aprendistes un poco mas del pasado en Panama y el concepto era bueno. Yo sí lo recomendariá aunque para algunos puede ser difícil para entender.

[Alexa Lamberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

El libro me confusó. Estaba perdida durante casi todo el cuento. Buen concepto pero estaba mal hecho en mi opinión.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having traveled to Panama last year, I enjoyed the focus on history of the Canal construction and liked the unusual format of dream(?)/reality. However, there were times I was uncomfortable with how racism was depicted through the lens of the White author. In one scene, the character laughs off a blatant racist incident in a caricature way that also downplays the harm of the incident. I also found it problematic that the two main characters (Black) were excited about being given the most deadly jobs - vs the reality of being forced into dangerous work out of economic need under racial capitalism. Lastly, the representation of women was poor - a nurse described as pretty, and a mom and grandma that only popped in to make meals.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Carrie Toth's books, but this one was not it for me. It was too historical at the beginning for me to get into. I liked the ending...but it was kind of confusing going back and forth with the falling asleep and "becoming" a new character. I am sure some of my students will like it, but personally, it wasn't my absolute favorite.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. Would have liked a more comprehensive glossary, with phrases.