I Am a Taxi: 1 (Cocalero Novels) - Softcover

Ellis, Deborah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0888997361 ISBN 13: 9780888997364

Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada, 2008

Synopsis

For twelve-year-old Diego and his family, home is the San Sebastian Women s Prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia. His parents farmed coca, a traditional Bolivian medicinal plant, until they got caught in the middle of the government s war on drugs. Diego s adjusted to his new life. His parents are locked up, but he can come and go: to school, to the market to sell his mother s hand-knitted goods, and to work as a taxi," running errands for other prisoners. But then his little sister runs away, earning his mother a heavy fine. The debt and dawning realization of his hopeless situation make him vulnerable to his friend Mando s plan to make big money, fast. Soon, Diego is deep in the jungle, working as a virtual slave in an illegal cocaine operation. As his situation becomes more and more dangerous, he knows he must take a terrible risk if he ever wants to see his family again."

About this title

Review:

Winner of the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, 2007

A SSLI Honor Book, 2007

Long-listed for the YALSA BBYA, 2007

..".the strength of the book lies in the glimpse of a single individual struggling to exist in a society with limited options for escape." -- Horn Book, starred review

"Vivid details and a thrilling plot will keep older children and teens engaged in this highly-accessible, realistic storyline." -- Reforma

"This is not your usual teen storyline...an excellent story that will appeal to any readers who feel trapped by their lives...The characters are well-drawn and realistic." -- Library Media Connection

Synopsis:

Living with his family in a prison in Bolivia due to his parents' convictions for drug trafficking, twelve-year-old Diego does his best to live a normal life, but when his mother receives additional fines, Diego risks everything to earn quick money.

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0888997361
• ISBN 13: 9780888997364
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208