2020
WISE Score
Amazon
Fascist Spain, stolen babies, and a high-stakes romance—it’s a masterclass in why history isn't just a list of dates.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
Ruta Sepetys is the queen of 'history you actually want to read.' This isn't a dry lecture; it’s a gripping story about what happens when a whole country is forced to keep secrets for decades.
It’s heavy, sure, but it’s the kind of book that makes you feel smarter after you finish it. For a teen who wants a story with actual meat on its bones, this is about as good as historical fiction gets.
Best for 14 and up. It’s sophisticated and heavy. A 12-year-old might get lost in the political weeds or find the stolen children subplot too upsetting, but high schoolers will find it gripping.
The story centers on integrity, seeking truth, and the courage to protect others. While the setting is a brutal dictatorship, the core relationships are built on genuine connection rather than toxic tropes.
Sepetys builds a vivid, sensory-rich version of 1950s Madrid. Using photography as a narrative device encourages readers to think about perspective and what remains hidden in plain sight.
It deals with heavy historical trauma, including the reality of 'stolen babies' and political executions. It isn't gratuitous, but the emotional weight is significant for younger or more sensitive readers.
This is top-tier historical fiction. It educates readers on the Franco era—a period often skipped in history class—while exploring complex ethics, media literacy, and the cost of political silence.
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