The early migration of Cuban refugees to the United States after the ascent to power of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, was made up in disproportionate numbers by white (or lighter skin) Cubans. As part of that migration, Operación Pedro Pan reflected the racial make-up of those seeking to leave the island. In Black Pedro Pan, the author recounts his childhood and major family influences that gave shape to his life. As he entered his teenage years, his life is abruptly interrupted by his participation in Operacion Pedro Pan, a program that saw the mass exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors ages 6 to 18 to the United States, where the vast majority were received and sheltered by the Catholic Welfare Bureau. He then briefly describes his participation in the program, his personal experiences and observations after his reunification with his exiled parents at age 17. As he continues his life's journey, he offers, through a series of vignettes and anecdotes, his outlook on racial issues in general, his insights into the Cuban exile and African-American communities and the relationship between the two, and, from a distance, his impressions on the state of his native country, all from the perspective of a Black Cuban (or perhaps as appropriate, a Cuban Black).

First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

A survivor of the Cuban Revolution recounts his pre-war childhood as the religiously devout son of a judge, and describes the conflict's violent and irrevocable impact on his friends, family, and native home.

Florida Book Awards, Bronze Medal for General Nonfiction International Latino Book Awards, First Place, Best History Book (English) Scholarly and popular attention tends to focus heavily on Cuba’s recent history. Key to the New World is the first comprehensive history of early colonial Cuba written in English, and fills the gap in our knowledge of the island before 1700.

The Red Umbrella is a moving tale of a 14-year-old girl's journey from Cuba to America as part of Operation Pedro Pan—an organized exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied children, whose parents sent them away to escape Fidel Castro's revolution. In 1961, two years after the Communist revolution, Lucía Álvarez still leads a carefree life, dreaming of parties and her first crush. But when the soldiers come to her sleepy Cuban town, everything begins to change. Freedoms are stripped away. Neighbors disappear. And soon, Lucía's parents make the heart-wrenching decision to send her and her little brother to the United States—on their own. Suddenly plunked down in Nebraska with well-meaning strangers, Lucía struggles to adapt to a new country, a new language, a new way of life. But what of her old life? Will she ever see her home or her parents again? And if she does, will she still be the same girl? The Red Umbrella is a touching story of country, culture, family, and the true meaning of home. “Captures the fervor, uncertainty and fear of the times. . . . Compelling.” –The Washington Post “Gonzalez deals effectively with separation, culture shock, homesickness, uncertainty and identity as she captures what is also a grand adventure.” –San Francisco Chronicle

A New York Public Library "Best Books for Kids 2019" choice in nonfiction history. Discover the whimsical tale of friendship between one man and his gold pan, and their journey in the wake of the Gold Rush. Pedro and his pan go on an exciting adventure together--to strike gold! They hike mountains, whack through bushes, and wade through streams as they sift through dirt and gravel in search of the hidden nuggets. But as time goes by without any success, Pan begins to worry that he is broken. Will he and Pedro ever find what they're looking for? Inspired by the true story of Felix Pedro, a prospector who launched one of the richest gold rushes in Alaska's history, Pedro's Pan offers a glimpse into American history as well as educates how gold panning works in a fun and exciting way.

"All children grow up. All except one." That special child is Peter Pan, and since making his debut on the stage in 1904, this eternal youth has carried boys and girls off to magical, marvelous Neverland. It's a trip that all kids want to make, and with this easy-to-read version of the classic, everyone can fly "second to the right, and straight on till morning" with Peter. Along with Wendy, John, and Michael Darling, they'll meet the fairy Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the menacing Captain Hook.