Christina Gonzalez has created a fictionalized story inspired by the experience of her parents who as children came to this country from Cuba between 1960-62. The number of unaccompanied Cuban children who arrived on these shores during that time grew to 14,000. They joined a program that became known as "Pedro Pan," sponsored by the Catholic Welfare, and were sent to private homes or orphanages while waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. While this separation was intended to be a short one, in reality it extended over many years and some of these children never saw their parents again. Christina's book is marketed as a novel for Young Adults, but the crisp writing and the universal feeling of loss and longing for home will appeal to readers of all ages. The story revolves around a 14 year of girl, Lucia, who dreams of celebrating her "quinces" in her native Cuba, and her 7-yr-old brother. After a short time in Miami at a camp for Cuban children they are sent to live in a farm up north where they experience snow for the first time. Although their new family shows them kindness and tries to make their adjustment to this country a pleasant experience, Lucia and her brother want nothing more than to be reunited with their parents. The title of the book comes from a red umbrella Lucia's mother owns, an umbrella Lucia hates but whose color the mother defends. It's not until the end of the book that we understand the true symbolism of the umbrella. Red stands for strength, courage. For me it stood for genius. Christina has personalized the story of two Pedro Pans--this reviewer was one of them--with dignity and heart! Brava, Christina!