THE SURRENDER TREE by Margarita Engle

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Engle, Margarita, 2008, The Surrender Tree, Henry Holt and Company, New York, ISBN 0805086749

PLOT SUMMARY

2009 Newbery Honor Book, The Surrender Tree is a gripping novel in poetic verse which documents Cuba’s historical struggles for liberation.  This haunting story, narrated through the poetry of 5 characters, guides its readers through the struggles and brutality of war, hiding and independence.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Margarita Engle provides a compassionate and emotional account of Cuban history which is raw, honest and moving.  This powerful collection of poems eloquently details the history and geography of Cuban culture. Engle’s rhythm is short and simple with strong emotional impact. The language is vibrant yet straightforward which resonates with young adult readers.  As expressed through eyes of Rosa, a nurse committed to helping save lives, “The little war/ how can there be a little war/  are some deaths smaller than others/ leaving mothers to weep a little less?” Engle’s depictions of Cuba’s struggles are uncomplicatedly mesmerizing.

A riveting free verse historical tale which belongs in every library and in every middle school classroom: a captivating example of integrated international culture and government into American literature.

REVIEW EXCERPT

“Engle writes her new book in clear, short lines of stirring free verse. Caught by the compelling narrative voices, many readers will want to find out more.”—Booklist, starred review

“A powerful narrative in free verse . . . haunting.”—The Horn Book

“Hauntingly beautiful, revealing pieces of Cuba’s troubled past through the poetry of hidden moments.”—School Library Journal

“Young readers will come away inspired by these portraits of courageous ordinary people.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The poems are short but incredibly evocative.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

AWARDS: 

Newbery Honor 2009   

NCSS Notable Social Studies Children's Book

ALA Best Book for Young Adults

ALA Notable Children's Book

Booklist Editors' Choice Children's Book

Pura Belpre Author Award

 

CONNECTIONS

-Poetry Browse: Provide volumes of poetry in the classroom for students to browse through and enjoy. You might also provide a form for students to record favorite poems and their responses to poems.

-Favorite Poem: Ask students to bring in and read aloud a favorite poem (include song lyrics if age-appropriate).
-Host a poetry night and invite students’ family and friends.
-As students explore the theme of “crossing borders,” one of the desired outcomes is an increased social consciousness.  As a final product, consider compiling an anthology of students’ poems (and possibly artwork).
-Have students make a visual interpretation of their poem by creating a collage of words and images that conveys its message.

 Other recommended verse novels:

Willard, Nancy, A VISIT TO WILLIAM BLAKE’S INN, ISBN 0152938230,

Fleischman, Paul, JOYFUL NOISE, ISBN 0060218525
Sidman, Joyce, DARK EMPEROR, ISBN 0547152280
Schlitz, Laura Amy, GOOD MASTERS! SWEET LADIES!  ISBN 0763650943  
Nelson, Marilyn, CARVER: A LIFE IN POEMS, ISBN 1886910537