Eyes Open

Portugal, 1967. Sónia thinks she knows what her future holds. She’ll become a poet, and together she and her artist boyfriend, Zé Miguel, will rise above the government restrictions that shape their lives. The restrictions on what Sónia can do and where she can go without a man’s permission. The restrictions on what music she can enjoy, what books she can read, what questions she can ask.

But when Zé Miguel is arrested for anti-government activities and Sónia’s family’s restaurant is shut down, Sónia’s plans are upended. No longer part of the comfortable middle class, she’s forced to leave school and take a low-paying, grueling, dangerous job. She thought she understood the dark sides of her world, but now she sees suffering she never imagined.

Without the protection of her boyfriend or her family, can Sónia find a way to fight for justice? This poignant novel in verse follows a teen girl discovering how to resist tyranny and be true to herself.

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

"A revealing, timely glimpse into Portugal's frighteningly recent history and a passionate, authentically teen portrait of one young woman finding her voice, claiming her power, and writing her way to freedom." - Melanie Crowder

"Sensuous. Atmospheric. Compelling. You won't want to put this one down." - Ellen Hopkins

"Beautifully-written verse perfectly captures this young poet standing up to injustice. A must read!" - Kip Wilson

"Deeply engrossing and moving. Miller-Lachmann is masterful in showing us the heart of a girl who's finding her voice and the soul of a country in conflict with itself." - Betty G Yee