The Surrender Tree Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom

Who could have guessed that after all these years, the boy I called Lieutenant Death when we were both children would still be out here, in the forest, chasing me, now, hunting me, haunting me . . . It is 1896. Cuba has fought three wars for independence and still is not free. People have been rounded up in concentration camps with too little food and too much illness. Rosa is a nurse, but with a price on her head for helping the rebels, she dares not go to the camps. Instead, she turns hidden caves into hospitals for those who know how to find her. Black, white, Cuban, SpanishRosa does her best for everyone. Yet who can heal a country so torn apart by war?

MARGARITA ENGLE is a Cuban American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She lives with her husband in northern California.

“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.”—Booklist, Starred Review “A powerful narrative in free verse . . . haunting.”—The Horn Book “Hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba’s troubled past through the poetry of hidden moments.”—School Library Journal “Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits of courageous ordinary people.” —Kirkus Reviews “The poems are short but incredibly evocative.”—Voice of Youth Advocates