THE FIREFLY LETTERS by Margarita Engle

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Engle, Margarita. 2010. THE FIREFLY LETTERS: A SUFFRAGETTES"S JOURNEY TO CUBA. New York: Henry Holt and Co. ISBN 9780805090826

PLOT SUMMARY:
Margarita Engle, A Cuban American poet wrote THE FIREFLY LETTRERS based on the diaries of Fredrika Bremer. The sroty of Cicilia , a teenage slave who was traded by her own father for a cow tells her feelings of living the life she was sold in to. Readers hear alternatley from Cecilia, Fredrika and Elena. Fredrka is an advocate for women's rights while Elena is a 12 year old Cuban who feels trapped in her world of wealth. The three characters explore the countryside in Cuban as they form a bond that will amaze and inspire readers.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The writing of Margarita Engle takes the reader on a magical journey as she reveals the feelings of oppression that women and people of color have lived with througout history. The feelings and thoughts of the women are effectively communicated with the use of similes and metaphors. The book is based on historical events of a visit Fredrika Bremer took to Cuba in 1851. Her writings are a display of the author's powerful emotions through her simple verse. A simple to understand easy reading acount of historical fiction.

REVIEW EXCEPTS:
"And like the firefly light, Engle's poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage." KIRKUS Starred Review.

"Through this moving combination of historcial viewpoints, Engle creates dramatic tension among the characters, especially in the story of Elena, who makes a surprising sacrifice." - BOOKLIST

"The easily digestible, poetic narrative makes this a perfiect choice for reluctant readers, students fo the women's movement, those interested in Cuba, and teens with biography assignments." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

CONNECTIONS:
Use as an example of how potry can be used to tell a story with history integrated.

Discuss the friendships of the 3 women and what created the bond for the three women.