Roberto Alvarez is twelve years old. He has grown up on the U.S. side of the southern border. For most of his life he has thought of the border as an invisible line. He and his family have traveled back and forth from one side to another with little thought of danger or the possibility of not being able to return to the U.S.
Roberto's story takes place in 1930-1931. It details a time much like current times. Those in charge of his community have decided that the children of Mexican descent should attend a separate school. This means that Roberto will be forced to leave the Lemon Grove school to go to the Olive Street school that is basically just an old barn.
Some of the students agree to make the move because their parents fear deportation. In fact, this happens to Roberto's best friend, David. It's possible that Roberto may never see David again. Roberto's parents decide to keep him at home rather than send him to the new school, and when they consult a lawyer about the situation, they decide to fight.
Roberto becomes involved in the legal fight as the lead plantiff representing all the other children. He knows this will require being in front of the court answering questions from both sides. Roberto knows how important this is as he prepares with the help of the lawyer.
A SEA OF LEMON TREES by Maria Dolores Aguila is historical fiction written in verse. Readers will feel the sense of injustice many are feeling today about immigration and the deportation of people who have lived in the U.S. for years with their families. This is a book that needs to be in classroom and school libraries everywhere.
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