Cuban-American novelist speaks at Northwest Catholic

Enrique Flores-Galbis speaks to students. Submitted

Northwest Catholic High School students were encouraged to write by author Enrique Flores-Galbis during a recent two-day visit at the school. 

The author of 90 Miles to Havana, spoke to some students and teachers, sharing information about creativity and the writing process and encouraging students to focus their imagination. The author also talked about Cuba's history and culture and answered student questions. Student participants wrote winning essays about the author's book, 90 Miles to Havana, a title included on the summer reading list for NWC students.
Published in 2010, 90 Miles to Havana is based on Enrique's own experience as one of 14,000 children who left Cuba in 1961, alone, in a mass exodus called "Operation Pedro Pan." In the early 1960s, Cuban parents feared indoctrination of their children and that the Cuban government under Fidel Castro would take away their parental authority. Parents were able to get their children out of Cuba through Operation Pedro Pan. Enrique and his two older brothers spent months in a refugee camp in southern Florida.
The book received several honors for its depiction of Hispanic culture and Cuban history, including the Association for Library Service to Children and REFORMA, The National Council for the Social Studies Exceptional Children's Book list, Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year, Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book list, and The Cooperative Children's Book Center's Choice Award.