The story of Elfina is one that is all too common in poor communities across the world. Families looking for better opportunities for their loved ones, turn to other family members who might not have their best interests at heart.
This is what happened to Elfina. She lived in a rural community with her grandmother, while her father worked in Brazil to support the family. Her father and grandmother sent her to live with her aunt in the city, in order for her to go to school. Instead, her aunt had Elfina working as their maid. When the family has the opportunity to move to Montreal, Canada, they take Elfina with them.
However, they do not change their behaviour towards her, and they keep her isolated. Her only opportunity to leave the house is to go to the grocery store. During these walks, Elfina passes by the playground and school, and she longs to go there in order to learn.
The loneliness and isolation wear on Elfina, and one day she finds herself in a church, and she breaks down and tells the priest her story. With the help of the priest and a few other people, Elfina is able to be reunited with her country and family.

Teenage Elfina lives with her grandparents in Paraguay until one day, she is told she's moving to the capital to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Elfina is excited about attending school, but once she arrives things are not what they seem and soon she finds herself being whisked off to Montreal. Every day, Elfina hopes that she will be able to escape and get back to her family in Paraguay.

I chose this selection on a whim and would certainly choose it as part of my classroom library as it sheds light on child labor. There were many beautiful lines and the images alone pain a picture of Elfina 's plight. Definitely one not to miss!

Goodreads review published 28/02/19
Publication Date 05/03/19