Before We Were Free

by Julia Alvarez  |  Grades: 7-9 |  Reading Level 5.6

Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her twelfth birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have immigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government's secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition to Trujillo's iron-fisted rule.

Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind. 

From renowned author Julia Alvarez comes an unforgettable story about adolescence, perseverance, and one girl's struggle to be free. 

A Miami Herald Best Book of the Year
Winner of the Américas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award
An ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book

Available Teacher Guides, Novel Units, Lesson Plans, & More For Before We Were Free: