The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico

by Sarah McCoy

Book Overview

It is 1961 and Puerto Rico is trapped in a tug-of-war between those who want to stay connected to the United States and those who are fighting for independence. For eleven-year-old Verdita Ortiz-Santiago, the struggle for independence is a battle fought much closer to home.

Verdita has always been safe and secure in her sleepy mountain town, far from the excitement of the capital city of San Juan or the glittering shores of the United States,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307460177
• ISBN13: 9780307460172
• Release Date: August 2010
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 14 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 9 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Need a break? Go visit the Island of Puerto Rico!!!!

If you loved reading A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith when you were young, then you will love reading THE TIME IT SNOWED IN PUERTO RICO! I remember reading A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN and feeling the pains of being a family with Francie. As I read THE TIME IT SNOWED IN PUERTO RICO I had flashbacks of my own growing up and the timeless feeling of being part of a family with Verdita. I became engrossed with her character as I once did with Francie. I wondered for days what Verdita could be doing in Washington, D.C.? Where could she be living? Did she get a job? How did she overcome her feeling of wanting to be "Americanized?" I still wonder... I do hope that the author is considering a sequel! With Puerto Rico still trying to find her place in America's family, this book becomes relevant to its readers. I do hope that students of history, sociology and cultural studies will delve into the underlining thoughts of Puerto Ricans as they read McCoy's book. Not only does this bring to mind the Puerto Rican politics of the day but also the smells and colors of every day living! It is wonderful to know that our country is still being blessed by great authors!

Great Read

Loved this novel! The feisty main character, Verdita, pulled me right in. Her trials and experiences were so relatable. We've all been there, when you realize your parents are human, your peers have a huge influence on your likes/dislikes, and you are just bursting to be any age older than the one you are. Verdita's story is one that made me reflect on everything in my life and past that makes me who I really am. This novel shows that no matter the time period in history or the culture we grow up in, there is a journey of self-discovery that we all take in our lives. I've already recommended this one to all my friends!

An escape from reality - for a little while

Sarah McCoy delighted me with this book. The setting of Puerto Rico was artfully described - I felt like I was there! Her character of Verdita was interesting, entertaining, and youthful. I enjoyed the escape into her world for this one-day read.

Wonderful Debut

The Time it Snowed in Puerto Rico is a lyrical, coming-of-age story that is written with gorgeous prose and so beautifully captures a specific time and place. I was completely absorbed by the author's descriptions of each detail of her character's lives. When I learned that this is the author's first novel, I was amazed! The pacing and flow of the story along with the author's ability to create such real and authentic characters is something I expect from a seasoned writer. It is a rare thing to read such an authentic voice. The themes and experiences written about in this novel are so universal, the loss of innocence, growing up in a tumultous time, etc., that I can see this book appealing to a very wide audience. It would make a fantastic book club selection. Verdita, the main character, experiences so many poignant moments throughout the novel that are beautifully and subtly captured by Sarah McCoy's effortless writing. I can't wait to follow this talented author's career.

great read!

This was not my usually type of book. I prefer romance books but when I started reading about the 11 year old Verdita and the experiences she was going thru at that age, I couldn't put my kindle down. I felt like I was there in Puerto Rico from the wonderful descriptions in the book. This book would be great for a book report it was about 200 pages so it didn't take long to read.