90 Miles to Havana (2012):

Introduction

Imagine waking up one morning to find out you must leave your home-your friends, your country, your parents. You can only take one small suitcase. You don't know where you're going, who will take care of you, or when you'll see your family again.This was the reality for more than 14,000 Cuban children during Operation Pedro Pan, the largest child refugee exodus in the Western Hemisphere.In the novel 90 Miles to Havana, you will follow Julian on a dangerous, emotional journey as he leaves Cuba and tries to survive in a new world.Through this WebQuest, you will uncover the real history behind his story-and discover what courage, freedom, and family truly mean.

Task

You will work individually or in groups to research topics connected to the novel and create one final project that shows what you learned.

Your final project may be:

  • A digital slideshow
  • A poster
  • A short report
  • A video presentation

Your project must include:

  • Historical facts
  • Cultural information
  • Novel connections
  • Visuals (maps, photos, charts)
Process

Step 1 – Read & Track

As you read:

  • Take notes on important events
  • Track Julian’s emotions and changes
  • Write down references to Cuba, Miami, refugees, and freedom

 

Step 2 – Choose a Research Topic

Students choose one:

  1. Operation Pedro Pan
  2. Life in Cuba Before and After Castro
  3. Cuban Immigration to the U.S.
  4. Life in Refugee Camps & Group Homes
  5. Cuban Culture (Food, Music, Traditions)
  6. Child Refugees Around the World (Past & Present)

 

Step 3 – Guided Research Questions

Students answer:

  • What happened?
  • Who was involved?
  • Why did it happen?
  • How does this connect to 90 Miles to Havana?
  • How would this experience affect a child?

 

Step 4 – Create Your Final Product

Must include:

  • Title page
  • At least 5 researched facts
  • 2–3 connections to the novel
  • 3 images or maps
  • A reflection paragraph

 

Step 5 – Presentation

Students will present to the class:

  • 3–5 minutes
  • Clearly explain their topic
  • Show how it connects to the book
Evaluation

 

1. Research and Content 10 points 

10-9

Information is accurate, detailed, and clearly connected to the research topic. Includes at least 5 strong facts from reliable sources.

8-7

Mostly accurate information; contains 3-4 valid facts with minor detail missing.

6-5

Some accurate information, but research is limited or missing important facts.

4-0

Information is mostly inaccurate, incomplete, or not related to the topic.

 2. Historical Connections (10 points) 

10-9

Shows 3 or more clear, insightful connections between the novel and real historical events. Explains HOW and WHY they connect.

8-7

Shows 2 clear connections, but explanation may be brief.

6-5

Shows 1 basic connection but lacks detail or accuracy.

4-0

No meaningful connections to the novel.

3.  Cultural Understanding and Visuals 

10–9 Includes 3+ visuals (maps, photos, charts) that clearly support the topic. Demonstrates strong understanding of Cuban culture or refugee experiences.
8–7 Includes 2 visuals; cultural information is mostly clear.

6–5

 Includes 1 visual; cultural details may be limited.
4–0 Visuals missing or not useful; little understanding of cultural information.

4. Presentation  Quality 

10–9 Presentation is well-organized, neat, creative, and easy to follow. Shows strong effort and meets all project requirements.
8–7 Organization is clear; meets most requirements; some creativity shown.
6–5 Some organization but may be confusing or incomplete.
4–0 Disorganized, messy, off-topic, or missing major requirements.
Conclusion

By completing this WebQuest, you will better understand:

  • The dangers many children face when fleeing their countries
  • The emotional impact of separation from family
  • The real history behind 90 Miles to Havana
  • The meaning of courage, freedom, and survival

You will see how fiction and real life connect.

 

 

Credits

Resources: 

  • Library databases
  • National Archive
  • History.com (Operation Pedro Pan summary) 
  • Scholastic
  • PBS Article “ Cuban Children Refugees: Operation Pedro Pan” 
Teacher Page

Standards: 

  • ELA.6.R.1.1 - Analyze how the interaction between characters contributes to the plot in a literary text. 
  • ELA.6.R.1.2 - Analyze the development of theme(s) throughout a literary text. 
  • ELA.6.R.2.2 - Analyze central idea(s) and provide supporting evidence from the text.
  • SS.6.W.1.1 – Use primary and secondary sources to identify key facts, people, and events.
  • SS.6.W.1.2 – Describe the methods of historical inquiry.
  • SS.6.W.1.4 – Describe the importance of analyzing multiple perspectives.
  • SS.6.G.1.1 – Use maps, charts, and graphs to identify geographic information.
  • SS.6.G.1.2 – Interpret maps to identify physical and cultural features.