Tropical Secrets Holocaust Refugees in Cuba [Hardcover]

Daniel has escaped Nazi Germany with nothing but a desperate dream that he might one day find his parents again. But that golden land called New York has turned away his ship full of refugees, and Daniel finds himself in Cuba.

As the tropical island begins to work its magic on him, the young refugee befriends a local girl with some painful secrets of her own. Yet even in Cuba, the Nazi darkness is never far away . . .

Margarita Engleis a Cuban American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She is the author of young adult nonfiction books and novels in verse includingThe Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor Book,The Poet Slave of Cuba,Hurricane Dancers, andThe Firefly Letters. She lives in northern California.

1. Daniel refers to the Night of Crystal, also called the Night of Broken Glass. What happened? Was it just in one place or many? How do you think Daniel escaped this night?

2. Daniel's ship is refused in both the United States and Canada before heading to Havana, Cuba. Do some research. Why were German refugees refused entry to the United States at this time? Do you think the same thing would happen today?

3. At first Daniel refuses to give up his heavy coat. What could the coat symbolize for Daniel?

4. Daniel's parents tell him they will meet him at the Statue of Liberty in NY. Even if his parents made it out of Germany, how difficult do you think this might be? Are there any stories of families reuniting after the end of the war?

5. On page 32 Daniel writes, Some words can be understood/without knowing/the language. What does he mean? Give an example from something outside of this book.

6. Music threads through the book. How is music a universal language? Why is it important to Daniel?

7. Daniel decides, that improvising/is the music/for me. He refers to decimar on page 109. How does this fit Daniel and his life? What style lÝ