Colibri

By Ann Cameron
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

Set in Guatemaela, Tzunun is a Mayan girl, kidnapped at the age of 4 years old, from her parents in busy Guatamaela City. "Uncle" has kept her for the last 8 years, renaming her Rosa, and making her travel the roads with him from town to town, begging and conning people to get by. Fortune tellers told Uncle that one day she would be great luck to him, and Uncle is convinced that she will finally win him a great treasure. So she is dragged along with Uncle, wishing to be free to find her family but not quite having the courage to ever leave. But Uncle is growing impatient for his great treasure to come his way and becomes more violent and abusive. Meanwhile, Tzunun finds someone who might help her escape him...but can she break the hold Uncle has on her and finally be free like her old nickname, Colibri (hummingbird)? A story both moving and frightening of learning to be brave enough to do what you have to do.