The composition

People Pedro knows are being taken away by the government. It's a scary time. Then a general comes to Pedro's school and announces a contest for the best composition. The theme? What My Family Does at Night.


This little picture book shines. It could have easily been a diatribe against dictatorships

but the author makes his point without lecturing. And, in the process, he shares little moments in the lives of families during this scary time.


Here's a little bit from the story, with Pedro talking to his friend about the essay.


“What are you going to write?” he (Pedro) asked.

“Anything,” said Juan. “How about you?”

“I don't know,” said Pedro.

“What did your parents do yesterday?” asked Juan.

“Same as usual. They came home, they are, they listened to the radio, they went to bed.”

“Just like my mother.”

My mother started crying,” said Pedro.

“Mothers are always crying,” said Juan.

“I hardly ever cry,” said Pedro. “I haven't cried for a year.”

“What about if I hit you and you get a black eye. Would you cry then?” asked Juan.

“Why would you do that when you're my friend?” said Pedro.

“That's true. I wouldn't,” answered Juan.