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“An evocative, nuanced, and powerful coming-of-age story that skillfully explores the many ways in which the personal is political.” —Randy Ribay, author of National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing

Libertad

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A queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.

As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, churns louder and faster. For her part, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán takes heart in writing political poetry for her anonymous Instagram account and a budding romance with someone new. But things come to a head when Mami sees texts on her phone mentioning a kiss with a girl and Libi discovers her beloved older brother, Maynor, playing a major role in the protests. As Libertad faces the political and social corruption around her, stifling homophobia at home and school, and ramped up threats to her poetry online, she begins dreaming of a future in which she doesn’t have to hide who she is or worry about someone she loves losing their life just for speaking up. Then the ultimate tragedy strikes, and leaving her family and friends—plus the only home she’s ever known—might be her only option.

“An emotionally charged must-read.”
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Estimated Ship Date: July 15th, 2024

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Author

Bessie Flores Zaldívar

Born in 1997 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Bessie Flores Zaldívar is a writer and professor of fiction. They’re currently based in the New Haven area. Libertad is Bessie’s debut novel.

Book Details

Publisher Penguin Teen
Genre Young Adult
Publication Date Aug 27 2024
ISBN 9780593696125

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