"Fullerton weaves strands of beauty. . . It doesn't take long to read, but it packs an emotional punch.
Highly recommended."
— CM Magazine

"Alma Fullerton creates two characters who wend their way into the reader's heart with a story that will have even the most reluctant reader forging forward with them to a better future."
— The Brandon Sun

"The suspense is real and though readers may question some of the choices Libertad makes along the way, they will celebrate his perseverance and ultimate success. With realistic detail and well-paced suspense, this survival story is a good choice for reluctant readers."
— The School Library Journal

"The spare free verse is uneven but still packed with heartrending images of desperation and squalid poverty that will be eye-opening to young readers. Libertad's fierce love for his brother is deeply moving and based on the story of a real boy's journey combined with other children's actual experiences. Although there are some contrivances and loose ends, this short yet evocative tale will attract readers."
— Booklist

"Fullerton does not underestimate the dangers faced by her fictional characters: although occasionally helped out by a few generous souls, the boys elude predators of various kinds, narrowly escape permanent membership in the street gang in Mexico City, and nearly drown in the Rio Grande. The details of their ordeal are clear and precise, and it is obvious that the book has been a labour of love. It is a well-told adventure story, but it is also a record of injustice overcome and a lament."
— Canadian Literature

"This novel in verse is a heart-wrenching, emotional look at two brothers and their dog, and their quest to reach their father. Their naivety is evident, and the poverty, even seen through the eyes of the young boys is immense and overwhelming. Despite the blight of the main characters, however, this is a story of hope. . . All Middle School libraries should have novels like this as part of their collections. Fans of Deborah Ellis will enjoy this novel, and even students who are wary of novels in verse will find this read enthralling.
Rating: Excellent."
— Resource Links

Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award Winner, 2009

2010 Skipping Stones Honor Award Winner - Multicultural & International Awareness Books category

Golden Oak Award winner, 2009

Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards 2009 finalist

On Resource Link's "Best of 2008" List

CLA Children's Book of the Year Award Honour Book, 2009

Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards shortlist, 2010

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009 "Starred Choice

OLA's Silver Birch Fiction nominee 2010

On CanLit for Little Canadians' list of Exceptional Novels in Verse for Young Readers