Libertad

Gr 9 Up–In 2017, Libertad, a high school senior living in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, is considering her future and evolving relationships in an atmosphere of political turbulence. After sharing a kiss with her best friend Camila, Libertad worries about being accepted amid the homophobic culture and conservative gender norms in Honduras. As a contentious presidential election nears, protests form across Tegus (as the capital is nicknamed) to denounce the incumbent right-wing government. The tension exacerbates already challenging living conditions, marked by power outages, corruption, and limited career options for people like Libertad’s older brother. Libertad finds solace by writing poetry, which she shares from a secret social media account, gaining followers who connect with her powerful words. Surrounding Libertad is a strong cast of family and friends of varying and complex political and social perspectives, which the author depicts with authenticity and empathy. Zaldívar, who based the novel on real events, provides historical context via flashbacks and dialogue, and concludes with an update on the political state in Honduras.