Amidst a tumultuous presidential election in Honduras and widespread protests, high school senior Libertad (Libi) Morazán finds solace in her political poetry and a new romance. But her world unravels as she navigates family tensions over her sexuality, discovers her brother’s involvement in protests, and faces online threats. Ultimately, tragedy forces Libi to consider leaving behind everything she loves in search of a safer future.

I just finished this book and cried my eyes out. Normal Thursday night. It took me several days to finish this book and it’s not for lack of interest. It was very heavy on my heart.

*spoilers*

I loved watching Libi learn about herself, and I truly thought the family dynamics were incredible to read about. I loved her brothers and her close relationship with both, along with her mother and Abuela. I wanted to hug Alberto, he was so sweet. I also loved her group of friends and how they interacted. Again, it was a really great dynamic to play out in the book.

I was absolutely devastated when Maynor died in the protests. We are talking sobbing. Tears running down my face. He was just figuring himself out, in love, and had so much hope. My heart broke and I could FEEL the grief coming off of these pages. So many incredible quotes about grief and how it feels.

I recovered and then by the end with the poem and mural I was a mess again. But - I was so hopeful for Libi and her future. She had figured out a good balance and got into a school she was hopeful for. It was a really full circle ending.

I loved the culture and language and prose and beauty of this book. Absolutely stunning. The author’s note had me tearing up as well - don’t miss it.

*I was provided a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher and NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.*

Libertad is the wrenching and inspiring story of Libertad, a queer high schooler coming of age during the illegal presidential reelection of JOH in Honduras. I haven’t read (much? Anything?) about this time period in Honduras before, which made this book especially interesting to me. Libertad’s character is endearing from the start—she’s a smart, family-focused teenager who also lets loose on the weekends. Libertad finds a creative outlet in poetry, and we get to read some of her writing. Libertad is close with her older brother, Maynor, who we find out is an active participant in the JOH resistance. As the energy around the election heightens, it becomes increasingly impossible for Libertad to stay quiet about who she is, politically and socially. We see Libertad struggle with who and how to tell people she is queer, but really no confusion about the fact that she IS queer, and then how to engage safely in what’s happening politically. Within her multi-generational home, these are struggles for the family, too.

This book moved slowly for me, but I’m not sure why. The content is good and I liked the writing, but it took a long time to get through. It’s possible it was me and a distracted mind! There is a lot of sadness in this book, but it was also an education for me. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is deep. Even though it is fiction it tells the story of Honduras being under a unconstitutional president and the protest of the people of that country. I really felt for the main character who couldn't be who she wanted to due to being under the right wing rule. Definitely a book to read to learn more about a place I know nothing about

This queer YA novel takes place in 2017. High school senior Libertad is the protagonist of this coming of age drama set during the rigged presidential election in Honduras. It follows her discovering her voice through poetry, her navigating family and friend expectations, and living through political unrest.

This book is compelling and vivid. I enjoyed reading and learning about the past events in Honduras. The story feels relatable- political unrest, a sense of despair about the future, student action and protests. The author does a great job with pacing and balancing struggle with hope and belonging.

This was a fabulous read, which I devoured in one sitting. I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book; while it is identified as YA, adult readers will surely enjoy this amazing book.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC.

This book was an incredible read. Not only did I get to connect with these characters and root for them, but I also learned about the history of these events, what led up to them, and what happened as it was occurring. I love books like this which not only tell me a story about characters with heart and determination to make a change but also teach me the history of someone or something that I do not know a lot about. This book was a great example of mixing together the art of storytelling while also telling history, and it was balanced in a way that is great for readers of various ages.

Libertad is a heartbreaking story about generational trauma in an oppressed Honduras during the 21st Century.
This book left me speechless. At first having no Spanish I was hesitant with the occasional use, but began to really understand the necessity of so. Set in 21st Century Honduras in a politically oppressed country Libertad navigates family self identity and the desire to escape to find a better life for herself. The use of family in this book is honestly one of the most empowering aspects of the story. Knowing the author based Abeula off her own grandmother only made me love her more. I enjoyed the twists in this story although I’ll never forgive the author for that one (no spoilers). Although I chose to read this book after seeing Libertad’s character I instantly fell in love with others Maynor especially. His drive for change not only for himself but his family was truly inspiring. As someone who lives in a safe country having heard basically nothing about Honduras’s presidential and political struggles I was shocked that things like this still happened so recent. Overall I loved this book as it portrayed exploring ones self identity in a religiously and politically oppressed country and how a family unit can whilst struggling be there for each other not matter what.