THE SURRENDER TREE POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLES FOR FREEDOM by Margarita Engle

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Engle, Margarita. 2008. THE SURRENDER TREE POEMS OF CUBA’S STRUGGLES FOR FREEDOM. United States: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 9780805086744

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a verse novel that is based on actual events and historical figures of the late 1800s.  At this time Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free.  People are being placed into concentration camps with little food and poor living conditions.  Illness is running wild through the camps affecting many people.  A freed slave, Rosa, is a nurse who helps anyone that is able to reach her.  She turns hidden caves into hospitals in order to help anyone who might need her assistance.  She doesn’t care who they are she simply wants to do her best to help.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Engle’s use of poetry in this novel brings out many of the trials and tribulation Cuba was going through at that time.  Rosa was a remarkable healer to anyone who needed help.  The book shows her to be a remarkable individual who refused to become simply a victim of her time.  The author uses different points of view to tell the story which adds more depth and interest to the book and to its reader.  Even though the poems are being told by other people they all have a commonality and that is Rosa.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “Hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba’s troubled past through the poetry of hidden moments.”

*KIRKUS REVIEW: “Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits of courageous ordinary people.”

*Starred Review in BOOKLIST: “Engle writes her new book in clear, short lines of stirring free verse.  Caught by the compelling narrative voices, many readers will want to find out more.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

*Have the students write how they would feel if they were Rosa, and what they would do if they were in her situation.

*Have the students research Cuba today, then compare and contrast what Cuba was like in the book to what it is like today.

*Use the discussion questions beginning on page 355 to guide your class discussions. 

* Have the students use the discussion questions, beginning on page 355, to guide their own book talks.