When Cristina's summer is ruined, she tries to escape her problems in the Dominican Republic. Instead, Cristina ends up being changed forever by the island, its people and the lessons they share with her.
Entre las nubes altas uses both preterite and imperfect tenses and 390 unique words. Total word count 7600. Includes a complete glossary and engaging, full-color illustrations. Recommended for level three high school Spanish.
Based on my story / Todos los detalles
When I was a student at Wheaton College, I signed up for a summer of service learning overseas. However, I didn’t get to choose my destination. When I found out I was going to work with Kids Alive International in the Dominican Republic, I had no idea where the Dominican Republic was and had to look it up on a map! I didn’t speak much Spanish, but I was excited about working with kids.
Traveling to the DR shifted the course of my life in some big ways. First, I fell in love with the Spanish language and the warmth of the Dominican people. I kept learning Spanish when I returned to the U.S. I pursued friendships with native Spanish speakers. I continued working with kids, got my teaching license, and ended up teaching Spanish. And, I married someone who grew up in Brazil. I can confidently say that NONE of these things would have happened had I not traveled to the DR.
My trip was the most formative experience of my education. If you’ve ever thought about traveling internationally or doing service overseas— I encourage you to go for it!
Park Care Center
Children wait outside the gate for school to begin. They are excited about a warm avena breakfast.
Fact vs. Fiction Quiz: *spoiler alert
See if you can guess which of these events in the book are true and which are invented or altered:
My boyfriend broke up with me via txt message.
I didn’t get into my academic summer program.
My aunt Laura lives in the Dominican Republic.
I did a crash course in Rosetta Stone before my trip.
I was in high school when I went to the Dominican Republic.
I went to the Dominican Republic by myself.
The first words of Spanish I ever spoke to a real Spanish speaker were “¿Cuánto cuesta?”
I met Dedé Mirabal, and she held my hand.
I learned that I had value and didn’t have to prove myself.
Luis and Ángela became like second parents to me, and they are still there, caring for children every day.