This fictionalized biography, written in verse, is based on the life of Cuban abolitionist poet Gertrudis “Tula” Gómez de Avellaneda. As a young girl in Cuba, Tula questions slavery, thinks that girls should be educated, and ponders the idea of freedom and individual choice.

Engle has a great story to work with here, but the novel in verse format doesn't do it enough justice. ( )

This is the fictionalized biography of Cuban abolitionist, Gertrudis Gomez de Avellanda, otherwise known as Tula. When the novel opens, Tula's mother is planning her engagement, upon her 14th birthday, to a very wealthy man. Tula's mother does not understand her daughter's desire to read and write, which she considers manly interests. The only place Tula can escape her mother's judgement is the convent, where the nuns allow her to read all that she wants, and it is there that she reads the words of Cuban abolitionist Heredia, which deeply inspire her.
Told in verse, predominantly from Tula's perspective. (Although occasionally it offers her mother's, brother's, or Caridad's, a slave to their family who was freed by her father, perspective.)
This book was equally inspiring and sad, as at the end of the novel, Tula fell in love only to become involved in a rather sad love triangle.
In the Historical Note, the author explained to the reader what elements were fictionalized in the story and how forward thinking she was, "Avellaneda not only believed that slaves should be freed and women should choose their own husbands; she was bold enough to portray interracial marriage and voluntary marriage as completely normal." However, she had a sad personal life filled with broken love and disappointment, which was also described in the note.

Pura Belpre Honor ( )

Subtitle: Cuba’s Greatest Abolitionist. This piece of historical fiction is told entirely in verse, the medium which Gertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda (a/k/a Tula) chose to voice her opinions on slavery and women’s rights.

Engle gives us some insight into the conflicting thoughts and feelings of the young Tula as she approaches the age when young girls are given in marriage – or, as she puts it “sold to a stranger to ensure the family’s fortunes.” Her refusal to bow to this tradition earns her the scorn and ridicule of her mother and peers, and banishment to her grandfather’s plantation. She often expresses how she feels almost as enslaved as the slaves her family has to do their work.

Engle’s poetry is moving and elegant; I marvel that she can convey so much in so few words. At the end of the novel she includes some historical background on Gertrudis, as well as some of her original poetry (in Spanish, with translation).

I highly recommend this for everyone, but especially for young women.
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The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist is a chapter book written in verses. In Cuba, girls are not allowed to have an education. Tula is a girl who yearns for words, who falls in love with all kinds of stories. She is expected to marry well because she will be given to the highest bidder and with that money her Mama will buy slaves. The thought of it only pains Tula so to escape those thoughts she hides and discover something in the library. She discovers banned books of a rebel poet and those poems are speaking to Tula. Cuba is a country that isn't free and the most daring abolitionist are poets who dare to work with things that no other would and Tula will become one of them. This is a chapter book so there is no illustrations. The text is simple and to make it easier the character names are on top of the page. Teachers actually can't use this book in the classroom because it's just a book for entertainment. Many students will enjoy this book because I know I did. I loved how strong and brave Tula was. She was a strong independent woman and I applaud her for that. ( )