The Surrender Tree

Engle, M. (2008). The surrender tree. NY: Holt

This story chronicles the life of Rosa who lives in Cuba during the war

between Cuba and Spain.  The book is a collection of poems. Rosa is a healer, but some consider her a witch because of her gift to heal with natural remedies.  Rosa and her husband Jose build hospitals in caves and huts Cubans have freed their slaves, but Spain does not accept it. The slaves and peasants are put into concentration camps, those that are not in the camps are killed. Rosa and Jose live in constant fear of being caught by the slave hunter, even in between wars.  Eventually, the USA becomes involved and takes control of Cuba.  The end of the story reveals that the main characters are the authors great grand parents.  She is retelling the stories that she heard from her great grandmother as a child. This book could be used in a World History or Geography class. Students may find the personal stories more interesting than

textbooks.  Hope and resilience are two important themes in this story.  The 

reader will see how the Cubans fought and didn't give up hope for freedom.