“Seven-year-old Juan lives in Guatemala, a place of stunning beauty and grim
economic reality. Abandoned by his mother, Juan lives with his grandmother and
shines shoes. He passionately wants to attend school, but fears Grandmother
will say no. Finally gathering his courage, he is surprised when she not only
agrees to send him to school but also chides him about the importance of
standing up for himself. Juan tells this bittersweet story, which reads
smoothly and powerfully on several levels, with warmth and
dignity.”– “Booklist.
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