Juan Francisco Espinoza is a twelve-year-old shoeshine boy when fate places Karl Price, the principal of an American school in Venezuela, in his path. Though they only meet in passing, Price is so taken with the eager child's winning personality that a correspondence begins between them.
The relationship between the American man and Nicaraguan child deepens to the point where Price offers to raise Juan as his son. Juan, who already has a loving, albeit impoverished home, knows that Price is offering him a miraculous opportunity, and with the blessing of his natural family, moves to Venezuela.
After a short time, the newly cobbled family fares so well together that Price and Juan decide to take in another child. The three are happy together until changes in Price's employment alter the delicate balance of their family.
Compelled to return to the United States, times become difficult for Price and his sons. Contending with the adjustments they need to make in coping with the changes in climate and culture is hard enough, but when the US Immigration and Naturalization Services send Juan back to Nicaragua, their world is ripped apart.
In this memorable narrative, Juan tells his own story in a voice that resonates with courage and truth. As he describes the frustrating and tragic struggle to be reunited with his adopted father and brother, we come to know an extraordinary young man of rare strength and resiliency.
