Max loves his grandfather's stories about the legend of the gatekeeper who guides people to safety. Everyone knows the rumors about the hidden ones who passed through Santa Maria on their escape from neighboring Abismo. People say they are criminals, but Max isn't so sure.
His father refuses to talk about the legends, so Max doesn't know what to believe. His father also refuses to talk about Max's mother, who left when he was a baby. He also likes to keep Max safe at home, but as Max grows older, this feels more restrictive.
When a friend from the village offers Max and his friends the opportunity to train with the new futbol coach, all the boys are excited, but he knows what his father will say. So while the rest of the boys train, Max is stuck at home. At least he gets to explore the old tower near the village. The legends say this tower was a stop on the trail to freedom for the hidden ones.
While his father is out of town, Max discovers some shocking secrets about his family, and he jumps at the opportunity to have an adventure of his own. Not only will he use the clues from Buelo's stories to guide someone to safety, but he also hopes he will find his mother at the end of the journey as well.
Pam Munoz Ryan's new book reads like a fable about immigrants fleeing from oppressive circumstances. Max's frustration with his father's secretive and overprotective nature makes sense until the final revelation at the end. If definitely has fable-like qualities from Max's ability to lead someone on a dangerous journey with only the words of a story to guide him to his father's quick acceptance of his decision to even undertake the journey on his own. Suspend your disbelief and go on this journey with Max.
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