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Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War
A resonant, captivating book about a brother and sister caught in a dark chapter of world history.
Between 1936 and 1939, a civil war raged across Spain. For almost three years, ordinary citizens lived in fear of bombs dropping from the sky. When fascist dictator Francisco Franco declared victory, he began to persecute everyone who had once opposed him. Spain became a country of secrets, where anyone who was different was in danger.
Different explores this turbulent period through the voices of seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco. Because Papa has fled Spain due to his political beliefs, the siblings and their mother must hide the truth in order to survive. Paco is always hungry, and Socorro is never good enough for her teachers at school. But they can’t ask for more food or better someone might find out who they are, or—worse—why their father isn’t home anymore. At last a letter from Father arrives, with a chance for their family to reunite in Venezuela …
Dramatic oil-pastel illustrations and poignantly chosen words express the emotions of two children coming of age in a time of extremism and fear. Based on the author’s family history, this middle grade story is a stirring depiction of the Spanish Civil War, its tragic aftermath, and the timeless struggle for freedom from political violence.
Between 1936 and 1939, a civil war raged across Spain. For almost three years, ordinary citizens lived in fear of bombs dropping from the sky. When fascist dictator Francisco Franco declared victory, he began to persecute everyone who had once opposed him. Spain became a country of secrets, where anyone who was different was in danger.
Different explores this turbulent period through the voices of seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco. Because Papa has fled Spain due to his political beliefs, the siblings and their mother must hide the truth in order to survive. Paco is always hungry, and Socorro is never good enough for her teachers at school. But they can’t ask for more food or better someone might find out who they are, or—worse—why their father isn’t home anymore. At last a letter from Father arrives, with a chance for their family to reunite in Venezuela …
Dramatic oil-pastel illustrations and poignantly chosen words express the emotions of two children coming of age in a time of extremism and fear. Based on the author’s family history, this middle grade story is a stirring depiction of the Spanish Civil War, its tragic aftermath, and the timeless struggle for freedom from political violence.
88 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2022
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October 27, 2020
‘Los distintos’ es un cuentecito infantil que tiene la difícil tarea de explicar a los niños y niñas algo que nunca deberían sufrir: las penurias de la Guerra Civil, la persecución política, la imposición ideológica y, en última instancia, la ruptura y el desapego que supone el exilio. La historia está narrada por dos hermanos españoles (padre y tía de la escritora) que se crían en Valencia durante la guerra y el primer franquismo, malviviendo con la ausencia de un padre huido primero a Francia y después a Latinoamérica.
El texto tiene especial vigencia ya que la autora cuenta la emigración de sus mayores de España a Venezuela precisamente mientras, varias décadas después, ella tiene que emprender el camino de regreso y dejar atrás su Venezuela natal para volver a la España de la que tuvo que huir su familia. Me parece fascinante como esto nos hace reflexionar sobre que nada de lo que creemos inmutable lo es realmente. Y es que, como dice la primera línea del cuento, “La vida te puede cambiar de pronto y sin avisar. Lo sé porque a mí me ha ocurrido”.
Los dibujos que ilustran el cuento, de Eva Sánchez Gómez, son especialmente llamativos y están muy cuidados. Huyen de la infantilización y presentan hermosas estampas a lápices de colores que al principio son oscuras, casi siniestras, con un punto dickensiano, para irse coloreando e iluminando conforme la acción cruza el océano.
Conocí a Mónica Montañés en el primer minuto de un curso intensivo de escritura creativa impartido por Sabina Urraca al que asistimos los dos hace un par de veranos. Nada más verme me ofreció sentarme a su lado y entre nosotros surgieron flores y sonrisas. Desde que la escuché leer su primer ejercicio me enamoré de sus personajes peculiares, de su humor amable y de sus eses líquidas, y supe que había encontrado una amiga. Este cuentecito me sabe a un aperitivo de la obra de una mujer de la que quiero leerlo todo.
El texto tiene especial vigencia ya que la autora cuenta la emigración de sus mayores de España a Venezuela precisamente mientras, varias décadas después, ella tiene que emprender el camino de regreso y dejar atrás su Venezuela natal para volver a la España de la que tuvo que huir su familia. Me parece fascinante como esto nos hace reflexionar sobre que nada de lo que creemos inmutable lo es realmente. Y es que, como dice la primera línea del cuento, “La vida te puede cambiar de pronto y sin avisar. Lo sé porque a mí me ha ocurrido”.
Los dibujos que ilustran el cuento, de Eva Sánchez Gómez, son especialmente llamativos y están muy cuidados. Huyen de la infantilización y presentan hermosas estampas a lápices de colores que al principio son oscuras, casi siniestras, con un punto dickensiano, para irse coloreando e iluminando conforme la acción cruza el océano.
Conocí a Mónica Montañés en el primer minuto de un curso intensivo de escritura creativa impartido por Sabina Urraca al que asistimos los dos hace un par de veranos. Nada más verme me ofreció sentarme a su lado y entre nosotros surgieron flores y sonrisas. Desde que la escuché leer su primer ejercicio me enamoré de sus personajes peculiares, de su humor amable y de sus eses líquidas, y supe que había encontrado una amiga. Este cuentecito me sabe a un aperitivo de la obra de una mujer de la que quiero leerlo todo.
February 3, 2023
Translated from Spanish; Award winner.
Lovely illustrations, and gentle children’s perspective on Spanish Civil War.
Winner of Batchelder Award for 2023
Lovely illustrations, and gentle children’s perspective on Spanish Civil War.
Winner of Batchelder Award for 2023
October 4, 2023
Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War was written in 2020 by Mónica Montañés and illustrated by Eva Sánchez Gómez, and first published in the US in 2022. The book is a 2023 Honor Recipient of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award. I found this book through the award website.
Different shares the experience of the Spanish Civil War through the alternating perspectives of two siblings: Paco and Socorro. As the children of a Rojo, a man who fought against Franscisco Franco, they face extra challenges under the new regime, from discrimination in school and food scarcity, to emigrating and adapting to life in Venezuela. Telling the story through the eyes of these two children characters personalizes and helps readers relate to and understand the struggles people went through during this turbulent period.
The illustrations look like they are done in crayon and pencils – mediums often used by children. This, combined with images that focus primarily on the characters, give a sense of intimacy to the book and reinforces the children’s perspective. It feels like we’re getting a very personal glimpse of their family life.
At the end of the story, the gives historical information about the Spanish Civil War, as well as a glossary of terms. This book is a great introduction for children to the Spanish Civil War because it personalizes the facts this period through the experiences of Paco and Socorro.
Different shares the experience of the Spanish Civil War through the alternating perspectives of two siblings: Paco and Socorro. As the children of a Rojo, a man who fought against Franscisco Franco, they face extra challenges under the new regime, from discrimination in school and food scarcity, to emigrating and adapting to life in Venezuela. Telling the story through the eyes of these two children characters personalizes and helps readers relate to and understand the struggles people went through during this turbulent period.
The illustrations look like they are done in crayon and pencils – mediums often used by children. This, combined with images that focus primarily on the characters, give a sense of intimacy to the book and reinforces the children’s perspective. It feels like we’re getting a very personal glimpse of their family life.
At the end of the story, the gives historical information about the Spanish Civil War, as well as a glossary of terms. This book is a great introduction for children to the Spanish Civil War because it personalizes the facts this period through the experiences of Paco and Socorro.
November 12, 2022
Copy provided by the publisher
Based on the childhood experiences of Montañés' father and aunt during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), we see how the deportation of their father affected seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco. The father is part of the Republican movement opposed to the Nationalists, led by Franco and often called the "Falangists". Paco is kept in the city with his mother, where he has to hide the fact that his father was sent away because of his political beliefs and there is a great scarcity of food. Socorro is sent to live in the country with relatives, but misses her mother and doesn't want to eat any of the food forced upon her. She is at first in a school where they know her family situation, but manages to transfer to one where they do not. Because his father has fled to France, Paco hopes to learn French in school, but is traumatized by having to state what his father does that he finds it difficult to learn the language. He instead lies and tells the teacher his father works for the railway. Socorro and her mother eventually join the mother back in the city, although they have to rent the house out to an English family and live in one room. When the father leaves France and settles in Venezuela as World War II is gaining momentum, he sends for his family, and they undertake a long journey by boat and plane to join him. While life in Venezuela is different, the children are glad to see their father after eight years, and slowly adjust to living in a new country.
Strengths: This reminded me strongly of Levi's Just a Girl, in that it is from the point of view of very young children who don't necessarily understand the politics of why their lives have been upended. I learned quite a lot about what happened in Spain in the twentieth century, and have to admit that I was woefully ignorant about Franco's long reign; he ruled until 1975. I have a fair number of students who are interested in what is going on in Ukraine and stop by the library to read the newspaper; this book would be helpful in explaining to elementary school students some of the experiences that children in war torn country go through. The artwork is very beautiful and reminds me of some children's books from the time period and also of Bishop's 1952 Ten and Twenty.
Weaknesses: I have a lot of readers interested in World War II, but they are more often concerned with events on the battle field or concentration camps. It's somewhat harder to get them interested in stories of civilians trying to continue with their everyday lives, although that's what I find most compelling.
What I really think: Eerdman's first came to my attention with Tak's 2011 Soldier Bear and 2014 Mikis and the Donkey when I was on the Cybils realistic middle grade fiction panel. This book has a similar feel, and it was interesting to learn about the Spanish Civil war. It's fascinating that the author herself moved from Venezuela to Madrid, Spain, just the opposite of her grandfather's journey, and her perspective as a resident of both of the countries adds a lot of vivid details to the story.
Based on the childhood experiences of Montañés' father and aunt during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), we see how the deportation of their father affected seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco. The father is part of the Republican movement opposed to the Nationalists, led by Franco and often called the "Falangists". Paco is kept in the city with his mother, where he has to hide the fact that his father was sent away because of his political beliefs and there is a great scarcity of food. Socorro is sent to live in the country with relatives, but misses her mother and doesn't want to eat any of the food forced upon her. She is at first in a school where they know her family situation, but manages to transfer to one where they do not. Because his father has fled to France, Paco hopes to learn French in school, but is traumatized by having to state what his father does that he finds it difficult to learn the language. He instead lies and tells the teacher his father works for the railway. Socorro and her mother eventually join the mother back in the city, although they have to rent the house out to an English family and live in one room. When the father leaves France and settles in Venezuela as World War II is gaining momentum, he sends for his family, and they undertake a long journey by boat and plane to join him. While life in Venezuela is different, the children are glad to see their father after eight years, and slowly adjust to living in a new country.
Strengths: This reminded me strongly of Levi's Just a Girl, in that it is from the point of view of very young children who don't necessarily understand the politics of why their lives have been upended. I learned quite a lot about what happened in Spain in the twentieth century, and have to admit that I was woefully ignorant about Franco's long reign; he ruled until 1975. I have a fair number of students who are interested in what is going on in Ukraine and stop by the library to read the newspaper; this book would be helpful in explaining to elementary school students some of the experiences that children in war torn country go through. The artwork is very beautiful and reminds me of some children's books from the time period and also of Bishop's 1952 Ten and Twenty.
Weaknesses: I have a lot of readers interested in World War II, but they are more often concerned with events on the battle field or concentration camps. It's somewhat harder to get them interested in stories of civilians trying to continue with their everyday lives, although that's what I find most compelling.
What I really think: Eerdman's first came to my attention with Tak's 2011 Soldier Bear and 2014 Mikis and the Donkey when I was on the Cybils realistic middle grade fiction panel. This book has a similar feel, and it was interesting to learn about the Spanish Civil war. It's fascinating that the author herself moved from Venezuela to Madrid, Spain, just the opposite of her grandfather's journey, and her perspective as a resident of both of the countries adds a lot of vivid details to the story.
October 17, 2023
This illustrated short chapter book from Spain seems to be a retelling of memories that two children living in Valencia, Spain during the Spanish Civil War told to their children, born in Venezuela decades later.
It presents a good example of the disorienting, ambiguous feelings children experience when the government has outlawed dissidents and encouraged the entire population to report anyone who is "different" for almost any reason. Because they are too young to understand, they fear inadvertently revealing a secret that could harm their family, and must therefore restrain themselves in every manner.
The poignant cover illustration shows a schoolgirl washing the chalkboard - this is Socorro, who is forced to do chores more than other students because her father is known to be a Republican rather than a state-mandated Nationalist.
The lovely illustrations in charcoal, pastel, and colored pencils convey a somber tone, but at the same time show that the children have active imaginations, fierce spirits, and a solidly loving family - in the midst of deprivation caused by a lack of food, forced separation from their father, and an inability to freely explore or express ideas at school and with friends.
The story covers roughly the time period 1936-1946, I believe, although they don't actually say what year it is. There is a memory of the first time a German plane dropped bombs nearby (that would be 1936), the departure of their father (not dated, but perhaps 1938, when Valencia feel from Republican to Nationalist control - according to Wikipedia), the end of World War 2 (that would be 1945), then 8 years after their father left, when the children and mother join their father in Venezuela (not dated, but I'm calculating 1946).
The timeline within the story is also presented in a confusing manner; the family consists of the father, mother, sister, & brother; the father leaves; the sister is living in the country; the sister is at home with her mother, brother, grandmother, and tenants; the grandmother is forgotten when the children and mother depart Spain for Venezuela. It is hard to differentiate between flashbacks and consecutive events - which, to be honest, helps the book feel disorienting and out-of-sorts. Since this matches the children's own experiences, it feels cohesive, as if a linear narrative or a more clear sequence would allow the reader to feel some calm satisfaction that doesn't belong here.
There are places where the text feels overly long, but otherwise it fits the general presentation of oral memoir.
While this won't be to everyone's taste, it's an excellent piece (on the shorter side; great for reluctant readers) for a historical fiction assignment and will give readers plenty to write about in their school reports, while they absorb the visceral sense of living under an oppressive regime during wartime.
It presents a good example of the disorienting, ambiguous feelings children experience when the government has outlawed dissidents and encouraged the entire population to report anyone who is "different" for almost any reason. Because they are too young to understand, they fear inadvertently revealing a secret that could harm their family, and must therefore restrain themselves in every manner.
The poignant cover illustration shows a schoolgirl washing the chalkboard - this is Socorro, who is forced to do chores more than other students because her father is known to be a Republican rather than a state-mandated Nationalist.
The lovely illustrations in charcoal, pastel, and colored pencils convey a somber tone, but at the same time show that the children have active imaginations, fierce spirits, and a solidly loving family - in the midst of deprivation caused by a lack of food, forced separation from their father, and an inability to freely explore or express ideas at school and with friends.
The story covers roughly the time period 1936-1946, I believe, although they don't actually say what year it is. There is a memory of the first time a German plane dropped bombs nearby (that would be 1936), the departure of their father (not dated, but perhaps 1938, when Valencia feel from Republican to Nationalist control - according to Wikipedia), the end of World War 2 (that would be 1945), then 8 years after their father left, when the children and mother join their father in Venezuela (not dated, but I'm calculating 1946).
The timeline within the story is also presented in a confusing manner; the family consists of the father, mother, sister, & brother; the father leaves; the sister is living in the country; the sister is at home with her mother, brother, grandmother, and tenants; the grandmother is forgotten when the children and mother depart Spain for Venezuela. It is hard to differentiate between flashbacks and consecutive events - which, to be honest, helps the book feel disorienting and out-of-sorts. Since this matches the children's own experiences, it feels cohesive, as if a linear narrative or a more clear sequence would allow the reader to feel some calm satisfaction that doesn't belong here.
There are places where the text feels overly long, but otherwise it fits the general presentation of oral memoir.
While this won't be to everyone's taste, it's an excellent piece (on the shorter side; great for reluctant readers) for a historical fiction assignment and will give readers plenty to write about in their school reports, while they absorb the visceral sense of living under an oppressive regime during wartime.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
This book tells the story about a family who has someone that has to go to Spain to serve in the Spanish Civil War and the affects it has on their family emotionally.
Young children Paco and Socorro tell this story from their POV's. These children discuss how the departure of their father has affected their social/emotional well being when it comes to being connected as a family and their perseverance as life goes on without their father. It was very inspiring and a little heartbreaking to see Paco, the older brother, take on the role of being "the man of the house". Showing how he had to grow up so quickly at such a young age in order to help take care of his younger sister Socorro and also be there for his mother and grandmother as the only man left in the house to serve. It also tugged a little at my heart strings to read about what both Paco and Sacarro went through when it came to how their peers treated them at school as they knew about where their father had gone. Also how this affected their performance and behavior at school. It was interesting to see how Sacarro started to become a bit rebellious after how she was getting treated at school by students and teachers and same with Paco. Doing what he can to survive in the condition that he was in.
I would recommend this book to young readers ages 6 and up as it discusses social and emotional issues when children lose parents to a situation not in their control. Discussing how it affects their performance in school and at home when that parent is no longer present in their everyday lives. I would incorporate this book as a read aloud in an SEL lesson or even a Social Studies lesson as it discusses events that happened during the Spanish Civil War and also how to cope with certain feelings that children or even adults may face when some of these life altering events take place.
Young children Paco and Socorro tell this story from their POV's. These children discuss how the departure of their father has affected their social/emotional well being when it comes to being connected as a family and their perseverance as life goes on without their father. It was very inspiring and a little heartbreaking to see Paco, the older brother, take on the role of being "the man of the house". Showing how he had to grow up so quickly at such a young age in order to help take care of his younger sister Socorro and also be there for his mother and grandmother as the only man left in the house to serve. It also tugged a little at my heart strings to read about what both Paco and Sacarro went through when it came to how their peers treated them at school as they knew about where their father had gone. Also how this affected their performance and behavior at school. It was interesting to see how Sacarro started to become a bit rebellious after how she was getting treated at school by students and teachers and same with Paco. Doing what he can to survive in the condition that he was in.
I would recommend this book to young readers ages 6 and up as it discusses social and emotional issues when children lose parents to a situation not in their control. Discussing how it affects their performance in school and at home when that parent is no longer present in their everyday lives. I would incorporate this book as a read aloud in an SEL lesson or even a Social Studies lesson as it discusses events that happened during the Spanish Civil War and also how to cope with certain feelings that children or even adults may face when some of these life altering events take place.
October 23, 2022
A few years ago, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers has published a book called Mexique that chronicled the story of children who were sent to Mexico as refugees of Spanish Civil War. Different tells the story of the children who stayed, exploring the war through the voices of Socorro and Paco, siblings whose father has been forced to flee the country because of his political beliefs. Life in fascist dictator Francisco Franco’s Spain is difficult. Their family is broken. Their bellies are empty. They live only on the charity of others and in fear of Franco’s soldiers. Finally, hope comes in the form of a letter from Venezuela and the family packs up in secret to flee across the world.
Different is best described as a short, illustrated chapter book, best intended for middle elementary students. Some of the vocabulary is a bit difficult for young readers and could have been a bit simpler. Regardless, Socorro and Paco’s story is compelling, offering young readers an immersive and much different perspective on life. The narrative is a bit choppy and I wonder if some of the story elements are lost a bit in translation.
Different is a book that I would use to teach the Spanish Civil War. There are numerous talking points that are raised through the story and the book’s postscript includes a nonfiction sketch of the war, a glossary, and resources for further reading. While it’s maybe a bit stale as a standalone book, its serviceable as an educational resource and capable of getting young readers to realize that history doesn’t just happen to famous adults but also regular children.
Different is best described as a short, illustrated chapter book, best intended for middle elementary students. Some of the vocabulary is a bit difficult for young readers and could have been a bit simpler. Regardless, Socorro and Paco’s story is compelling, offering young readers an immersive and much different perspective on life. The narrative is a bit choppy and I wonder if some of the story elements are lost a bit in translation.
Different is a book that I would use to teach the Spanish Civil War. There are numerous talking points that are raised through the story and the book’s postscript includes a nonfiction sketch of the war, a glossary, and resources for further reading. While it’s maybe a bit stale as a standalone book, its serviceable as an educational resource and capable of getting young readers to realize that history doesn’t just happen to famous adults but also regular children.
March 13, 2024
While I can see this book's value since it covers territory about which most youngsters--not to mention older readers--won't know very much [the Spanish Civil War], it left me wanting more. I appreciated how the story is told from the point of view of two siblings, one seven and one nine, living in Spain when Franco came into power in 1936, and anyone who opposed him was in danger, the narrative seems rather detached and didn't have the emotional impact that might be expected. There are passages about being hungry, having to be secretive, and worrying about their father who has fled the country that were interesting but not developed enough for me. And even when the family joins their father in Venezuela, the description is minimal and lacks detail and emotional depth. I wish there had been more explication and exploration of emotions. Perhaps the artwork, created with charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil, some full-page artwork, some double-page spreads, and some spot art, adds much-needed emotional resonance. The idea of being different-on the "wrong" side politically in this case is an important consideration, especially in today's charged political climate, and might have been developed further. I'm not sure how many fourth, fifth, or sixth graders will be enticed by this one.
February 18, 2023
9yo Paco must become the man of the house when his father is deported from Franco controlled Spain. 7yo Socorro is Paco’s sister. She lives for a time in the Pueblo with family, but because her father fled Spain, the nuns in the school punish her. She always works very hard and excels, as it makes the nuns mad. Paco stays in the family house with his mother and abuela, living in one small room while they rent the rest of the house to a British family. With no other income, the family is very poor and Paco is always hungry. For years they wait for the infrequent letters of their father hoping for the day they can join him.
Different is an illustrated picture book perfect for elementary readers, but I think it would work in middle school as well. Beautifully illustrated with pictures reminiscent of 1930 art. The story, which alternates between Paco’s experience and his sister’s spans 8 years, and is based on the author's father and aunt. I loved that it began with an author introduction referring readers to the glossary and sources, and I loved the short but thorough explanation of the Spanish Civil War included at the end. Having read Paco’s and Socorro’s story I was super interested in learning more. The family is Spanish.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
Different is an illustrated picture book perfect for elementary readers, but I think it would work in middle school as well. Beautifully illustrated with pictures reminiscent of 1930 art. The story, which alternates between Paco’s experience and his sister’s spans 8 years, and is based on the author's father and aunt. I loved that it began with an author introduction referring readers to the glossary and sources, and I loved the short but thorough explanation of the Spanish Civil War included at the end. Having read Paco’s and Socorro’s story I was super interested in learning more. The family is Spanish.
Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
February 9, 2023
This is a very unique title as it is a translation from the Spanish about a difficult subject for children: the subject of war. In this title it is the Spanish Civil War that occurred just prior to WWII. The content of this brief story with some illustrations is based on stories she heard of her father and aunt from their young lives living under a dictatorship after the war.
What I really appreciated as an adult was the brief bibliography of titles and media and the concise ten page summary of the facts, the people and countries involved in the Spanish Civil War and the fact Spain did not go back to being a democracy Until the death of Franco in 1975.
This title is an honor book for the Mildred Batchelder Award for translation into English in 2023.
What I really appreciated as an adult was the brief bibliography of titles and media and the concise ten page summary of the facts, the people and countries involved in the Spanish Civil War and the fact Spain did not go back to being a democracy Until the death of Franco in 1975.
This title is an honor book for the Mildred Batchelder Award for translation into English in 2023.
March 30, 2023
ALA 2023 ??? Honor book
Tells the history of the Spanish Civil War from the points of view of a young brother Pavo and his sister Socorro. Paco at 9, becomes the man of the family when their father has to leave Spain to escape General Franco’s punishment of the Republicans who are opposed to his dictatorship. Mother has to rent their home to an English family and live in the servant’s room with her children. Only five letters from the father come in eight years, two from France, two from Mexico, and finally one from Venezuela where he has gavels travel to join him to begin their lives together again.
Authors Notes, a glossary and a lists of books provide further information and resources.
Tells the history of the Spanish Civil War from the points of view of a young brother Pavo and his sister Socorro. Paco at 9, becomes the man of the family when their father has to leave Spain to escape General Franco’s punishment of the Republicans who are opposed to his dictatorship. Mother has to rent their home to an English family and live in the servant’s room with her children. Only five letters from the father come in eight years, two from France, two from Mexico, and finally one from Venezuela where he has gavels travel to join him to begin their lives together again.
Authors Notes, a glossary and a lists of books provide further information and resources.
November 16, 2023
Two siblings give almost diary entries of their lives after the Spanish Civil War. Their father is taken away because he sided with the Republicans, and the Nationalists won the war. It gives a good child perspective on what it would be like in war-torn times, like what we are seeing today in Ukraine and Gaza. It's told in chapters, but it's very short. I learned a lot about a time in history that I knew nothing about (another win for children's books), especially from the backmatter. (So much of my education ended with WWII.) The somber illustrations complement the text perfectly. It kinda reminded me of Genius Under the Table but nowhere near as detailed or as long. If kids really like Refugee or A Long Walk to Water, this might be of interest too.
February 26, 2023
Brother and sister, Paco and Socorro, tell what it was like after their father, a supporter of the Spanish Republic government had to flee, because it was dangerous for him to stay. It was also dangerous if anyone outside the family knew who he was. Life was slightly different for the two siblings, so we get a broader view of Spain at that time.
Lives of today's refugees may have similarities.
At the end, eleven pages of text give historical background to the 2936-1939 war and rule of the Nationalists until the death of Fracisco Franco November 20, 1975. A glossary and list of resources follows.
Lives of today's refugees may have similarities.
At the end, eleven pages of text give historical background to the 2936-1939 war and rule of the Nationalists until the death of Fracisco Franco November 20, 1975. A glossary and list of resources follows.
May 19, 2023
This book was promoted at an international literacy seminar I attended and is also on the 2023 USBBY outstanding international book list.
There are very few young adult or children's books published in English about the Spanish Civil War. However, it does not necessarily follow that those few books on this subject are by default worth reading or even "literature." This book had beautiful illustrations. However, the "story" was stiff and disjointed. The endnote after the story that supposedly gives a historical summary of the war is almost entirely inaccurate.
There are very few young adult or children's books published in English about the Spanish Civil War. However, it does not necessarily follow that those few books on this subject are by default worth reading or even "literature." This book had beautiful illustrations. However, the "story" was stiff and disjointed. The endnote after the story that supposedly gives a historical summary of the war is almost entirely inaccurate.
October 29, 2022
Two children survive the Spanish Civil War and WWII with their mother and Abuela. Over those eight years, their father lives in exile. The stories, told in the children's voices, are poignant. The transition from seven and nine year old to fifteen and seventeen year old was so abrupt that I had to pause to imagine how trying the time must have been. Interesting historical perspective from a group not often learned about.
February 7, 2023
A worthy book. Told from the point of view of a brother and a sister, it's about the period when they are waiting for their refugee father to get them out of Spain, and talks briefly about the hatred they experience and the way the state treats them.
It's not a good book. It's far too dutiful. But it does cover something important and I'll be hanging on to it to give to my baby nephew so he knows something about his grandpa's childhood.
It's not a good book. It's far too dutiful. But it does cover something important and I'll be hanging on to it to give to my baby nephew so he knows something about his grandpa's childhood.
February 20, 2023
Nonfiction picture book in translation about the Spanish Civil War. This was a key tragedy of the 20th century that we should all be conversant with. Paco and Socorro's father is taken away and they survive deprivation before eventually emigrating to Venezuela. The short story is out-weighed by ten pages of documentary backmatter. The dreamlike colored pencil illustrations evoke a nostaligic childhood in Spain during the war.
November 20, 2023
I thought I knew all of the book awards. Then, I heard about the Batchelder Award, which goes to
"the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States. "
This book is a Batchelder honor book.
I don't know much about this time period, so I appreciated what the book taught me. I was unaware of the 2008 "grandchildren's law."
"the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States. "
This book is a Batchelder honor book.
I don't know much about this time period, so I appreciated what the book taught me. I was unaware of the 2008 "grandchildren's law."
July 9, 2024
Excellent introduction to the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. The father of a family must flee Spain and leave his family behind. The story follows the family’s experiences in Spain under Franco.
The story is gentle considering the topic, but I recommend for ~3rd grade through middle school. 61 pages of story followed by 10 pages with more detailed background and then a glossary. Illustrated chapter book.
The story is gentle considering the topic, but I recommend for ~3rd grade through middle school. 61 pages of story followed by 10 pages with more detailed background and then a glossary. Illustrated chapter book.
September 23, 2025
A very brief story of the Spanish Civil War told from the perspective of two young children.
As other reviewers have mentioned it is extremely brief and lacks some of the detail that would make it substantial enough to pique the interest of middle / high schoolers, but on the other hand it can be used as a mentor text or for context for other books like "Shadow of the Wind" or "Fountains of Silence"
As other reviewers have mentioned it is extremely brief and lacks some of the detail that would make it substantial enough to pique the interest of middle / high schoolers, but on the other hand it can be used as a mentor text or for context for other books like "Shadow of the Wind" or "Fountains of Silence"
July 20, 2023
The illustrations are warm and feel nostalgic. The use of chalk and charcoal textures gives the text a rich quality. I enjoyed having a story about this period of modern history. Montañés has an interesting parallel narrative with Paco's and Soccoro's view of how their lives change in the 1930's. The last few pages have short and accessible annotations about events in the story.
September 14, 2023
There is the beginnings of a story here? If it had been done as a verse novel with more emotional weight I would likely think better about it, as it was I missed an almost 8 year gap in the story that I wanted to hear more about.
Great piece of history that isn't covered as much as it should be,
Enjoy!
Great piece of history that isn't covered as much as it should be,
Enjoy!
Read
March 25, 2023Children's historical fiction story set directly after the Spanish Civil War.
I wonder if the book will find a target audience -- it looks like a book for younger readers, but the topic is definitely more targeted for an older group.
I wonder if the book will find a target audience -- it looks like a book for younger readers, but the topic is definitely more targeted for an older group.
July 26, 2023
More like a 3.5 than a 4 for me. Very simple book but the back of the book had notes on the Spanish Cival war that was interesting. Since this book is from children's perspectives I'm not surprised at how simple it is but was hoping for more than what I got.
August 20, 2023
I know very little about the Spanish Civil War, other than Americans who gave money or supported the Republic were investigated by the FBI and federal government. Different focuses on the aftermath and how it affected families.
YMA 2023 Mildred L. Batchelder honor book
YMA 2023 Mildred L. Batchelder honor book
Read
September 30, 2023I felt like this book was very informative. I liked how it showed different peoples perspectives all about The Spanish War. It is so easy to get caught up in one side of the story, but it is so valuable to look at all sides of the story to get a better picture of what happened.
June 27, 2025
Muy hermoso libro con increíbles ilustraciones sobre lo que representa crecer siendo diferente, teniendo que ocultar cosas de la propia familia, de la separación familiar pero luego su reunificación.
Recomiendo mucho.
Recomiendo mucho.
December 31, 2022
3.5 stars
February 23, 2023
A quick read about a time in history that Americans aren't very familiar with. Lovely illustrations and may prompt some kids to do further reading/research.
March 26, 2023
The story is fine but without the foreward and afterward that give history and context it is a flat story. Good history if studying the Spanish Civil War.
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