WINNER of Best YA Historical Novel in the Texas Authors Museum Book Awards! When Dahlia, the courageous daughter of an Ecuadorian embassy official, sees how Germany is changing as Adolf Hitler's reign takes hold, she knows she must act. Her best friend, Werner, and his family have been ostracized and endangered, and she can't stand to see them suffer. With a new identity, Werner hesitantly finds a new beginning as part of the Aviles family back in Ecuador. He and Dahlia must balance the typical growing pains of youth with the distance in culture and geography for Werner. Based on true accounts from Holocaust survivors, THE CENTER OF THE EARTH gives a heartwarming yet heartwrenching firsthand look at what it means to be a family. "A powerful, moving, and well-written account of a young Ecuadorian girl and her family (whose father is a diplomat) who take in a young Jewish boy in Germany prior to WWII and give him refuge when they return to Ecuador. In the course of the narrative, she investigates family dynamics, aspirations, and intercultural understanding. Narrative perspective alternates between the girl and the boy, both of whom are memorable. Dahlia is particularly intelligent, aware, and sassy." -Greg Fields, author of National Book Award nominee The Bright Freight of Memory "THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is a moving coming-of-age historical fiction about a young Holocaust survivor who finds refuge in Ecuador. It's about found family, identity, and hope, but it's so much more. It's a window into the incredible, lesser-known history of Holocaust refugees in Ecuador. The Author's Note, at the end of the novel, describes Campos's extensive research process and the journey she went on to write this novel. The story gives voice to the real survivors who inspired it." -Erica Lyons, National Jewish Book Awards Finalist "This is a story of bravery, identity, and standing up for what's right, even when you're just a kid. Darlene weaves together history, family, and friendship in a way that feels honest and deeply human. If you've ever wondered how an author turns real-world events into a story that connects with young readers, you'll love this. THE CENTER OF THE EARTH is a moving reminder that history isn't just something we read about--it's something we can feel, question, and learn from." -Annisha Jeffries, host of Reading in the Middle podcast "A heartwarming story of strength, conviction, devotion, and love." -Merle Eisman Carrus, The Syndey Taylor Shmooze "One of the best books I've read this year... Campos's stellar research blends expertly into the narrative, and it offers readers compelling insight into events not widely known." -Keith McCabe, author of Bone Merchant