I was really interested in reading this book because of the way it was written all in prose. To look at it there seems like there isnt enough text to tell such an emotional story. I think because of the prose there is more meaning conveyed and the story flows along with a lot of depth.

Libertad lives in poverty in Guatemala with his Mami and his younger brother Julio. They live in the town dump, scavenging for stuff to sell so they can buy food. Eventually Libertad and Julio set off for America so they can find their Papi and live in freedom.

This book has a unique perspective and tells an important story, but I found the boys' passage to the United States too easy to be believable. An author's note provides some information about the thousands of children who undertake similar journeys each year. For a tale of border crossing, I prefer Ann Jaramillo's LA LINEA.

This book was my selection for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge Prompt #23: A children's or middle grade book (not YA) that has won a diversity award since 2009.

Libertad is simply written but the story itself was very emotional, beautiful, and memorable. This book is even more fitting in the current climate we live in today and serves as a great reminder as to what it means to be free.

A sweet and sad story about two brothers traveling from Guatemala to America to find their father after the accidental death of their mother. This was a very quick read, the entire book was more like a poem than a novel. I thought the writing style suited the story told from the older brother, Libertad's, view. It gave it an unfinished, childlike quality that I really enjoyed.