Synopses & Reviews
The Mexican American author Gary Soto draws on his own experience of growing up in Californias Central Valley in this finely crafted collection of eleven short stories that reveal big themes in the small events of daily life. Crooked teeth, ponytailed girls, embarrassing grandfathers, imposter Barbies, annoying brothers, Little League tryouts, and karate lessons weave the colorful fabric of Sotos world. The smart, tough, vulnerable kids in these stories are Latino, but their dreams and desires belong to all of us. Glossary of Spanish terms included.
Awards: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Booklist Editors Choice, Horn Book Fanfare Selection, Judy Lopez Memorial Honor Book, Parenting Magazines Reading Magic Award, John and Patricia Beatty Award
Review
"Soto writes with humor, wit, and a voice that will appeal to tweens and teens alike. This work is a terrific addition to the growing collection of literature that features Hispanic protagonists."—School Library Journal "Sotos affection and concern for his characters is evident throughout, while his greatest gift to readers may be the attention he focuses on meaningful lives, experiences, and occasional injustices that might otherwise go unobserved."—Booklist
Review
"Another first-rate collection from a perceptive and sensitive chronicler of ordinary life."--
The Horn Book (starred review)
"As always, Soto shows that the concerns and triumphs of Latino children are no different from anyone's, and . . . their misadventures are treated with a light touch."--Kirkus Reviews
"The stories show the humor of growing up as well as the anguish."--Booklist
Review
"Soto masterfully conveys the Hispanic-American experience."--
Publishers Weekly"A believable, compelling picture. . . . Powerful."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
"The author's keen understanding . . . produces a story that is both touching and enlightening."--
Publishers WeeklyReview
Award-winning poet Gary Soto and Caldecott winner David Diaz turn their eyes on the world of kids. From family pictures to pinatas, from the
gatowith a meow like a rusty latch to Fourth of July fireworks, the startling and often overlooked moments that define childhood are vividly brought to life by these two acclaimed talents.
An exuberant celebration of everyday life from an award-winning team.
"With humor, sensitivity, and insight, Soto explores the lives of children . . . David Diaz's contemporary black-and-white illustrations . . . effortlessly capture the varied moods . . . of this remarkable collection."--The Horn Book
"Through Soto's keen eyes, [readers] see, and will be convinced, that there is poetry
in everything . . . An expression of joy and wonder at life's daily pleasures and mysteries."
--School Library Journal
Review
Celebrate childhood and the Mexican American experience with this lively collection of poems accompanied by beautiful woodcut illustrations. This touching and humorous volume is a vibrant companion toNeighborhood Odes.A favorite collection by a beloved poet, now in paperback[star] "A harmony of words and pictures to be anticipated and savored . . . Read it, sing it, share it."--School Library Journal(starred review)"Humorous, tender . . . A fine introduction not only to poetry but to Chicano culture."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
In this unique collection of short stories, the small events of daily life reveal big themes--love and friendship, youth and growing up, success and failure. Calling on his own experiences of growing up in California's Central Valley, poet Gary Soto brings to life the joys and pains of young people everywhere. The smart, tough, vulnerable kids in these stories are Latino, but their dreams and desires belong to all of us.
"[Soto's] sensitivity to young people's concerns and his ability to portray the world as it is perceived by children is nothing less than remarkable."Los Angeles Times Book Review
"A fine collection of stories that offers a different cultural perspective about feelings common to all teenagers. Soto writes well and with tremendous insight into the process of growing up."The Boston Globe
"Will strike chords of recognition in readers of all ages."The Horn Book
Review
"Gary Soto is an astute observer of the desires, fears, and foibles of children and teenagers going about the business of daily living. In these eleven vignettes featuring Mexican American families, the character portrayals are gentle; the tone is quiet and somewhat bittersweet; and respect for family is a consistent value. This illumination of the everyday will strike chords of recognition in readers of all ages." -- The Horn Book
"[Soto's] sensitivity to young people's concerns and his ability to portray the world as it is perceived by children is nothing less than remarkable." — Los Angeles Times Book Review
"A fine collection of stories that offers a different cultural perspective about feelings common to all teenagers. Soto writes well and with tremendous insight into the process of growing up." — The Boston Globe
Review
"Soto writes with a touch as light as Chuy's ghost and with humor, wonderment, and generosity toward life." —
Kirkus Reviews "Sweet and sarcastically funny." —
YMReview
[star] "A harmony of words and pictures to be anticipated and savored . . . Read it, sing it, share it."--School Library Journal (starred review)"Humorous, tender . . . A fine introduction not only to poetry but to Chicano culture."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Readers looking for a finely written, contemplative narrative will appreciate this work."--
School Library Journal (starred review) "Just as Soto tenderly captures Jesses tentative forays into adulthood, so he paints a more universal picture of the lives of Mexican Americans in central California in a time of cultural and political change. A moving, engrossing novel that contains strands of both humor and despair."
The Horn BookReview
"Soto excels at getting into the minds of both boys and girls . . . Readers, Latino or not, have a good chance of seeing themselves and their feelings in these compelling stories."--
Kirkus Reviews"Humorous . . . Thought-provoking."--School Library Journal
Review
"With humor, sensitivity, and insight, Soto explores the lives of children . . . David Diaz's contemporary black-and-white illustrations . . . effortlessly capture the varied moods . . . of this remarkable collection."--
The Horn Book "Through Soto's keen eyes, [readers] see, and will be convinced, that there is poetry
in everything . . . An expression of joy and wonder at life's daily pleasures and mysteries."
--School Library Journal
Review
"[A] lighthearted, off-beat slice of life . . . Breezy and entertaining."--Kirkus Reviews"This rollicking novel about the painful beginnings of adolescence should have wide appeal."--The Horn Book
Review
"All of these stories exhibit dazzling imagery and Soto's intense understanding of his subjects . . . Lively, absorbing, and meaningful."--
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Review
"A hip, funny play."--School Library Journal
Review
"Soto's descriptions are poetic, and he creates deep feelings of heat and despair. A powerful and thought-provoking read."--School Library Journal
Review
"The tough-girl/good-guy romance is a refreshing twist, and Marisa and Rene are unique and long-overdue characters."--The Bulletin"With humor and insight, [Soto] creates memorable, likable characters."--Booklist
Synopsis
What do Gaby Lopez, Michael Robles, and Cynthia Rodriguez have in common? These three kids join other teens and tweens in Gary Soto's new short story collection, in which the hard-knock facts of growing up are captured with humor and poignance.
Filled with annoying siblings, difficult parents, and first loves, these stories are a masterful reminder of why adolescence is one of the most frustrating and fascinating times of life.
Synopsis
In this follow-up to
Baseball in April, Gary Soto gives readers a baker's dozen of smartly funny and surprisingly moving short stories about the pitfalls and triumphs of the teen years.
Synopsis
In thirteen stories full of wit and energy, Gary Soto illuminates the ordinary lives of young people. Meet Angel, who would rather fork over twenty bucks than have photos of his naked body plastered all over school; Philip, who discovers he has a "mechanical mind," whatever that means; Estela, known as Stinger, who rules Josandeacute;'s heart
and the racquetball court; and many other kids, all of them with problems as big as only a preteen can make them.
Funny, touching, and wholly original, Local News is Gary Soto in top form.
Synopsis
When Lincoln and Tony take up the martial art of kempo, they never imagine that it will lead them to Japan as exchange students. They have little idea of what lies ahead when they fly from San Francisco to Tokyo, but when it comes time to return home, Lincoln has learned that his Japanese family, and people everywhere, are not unlike his family back in California. “The authors keen understanding of his characters produces a story that is both touching and enlightening.”-Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Lincoln Mendoza has to face his homeboys when his posh new school goes up against his old school on the basketball court.
Synopsis
Lincoln is in a jam when his basketball team at his new school--where the students are rich and mostly white--faces his old team from the barrio on the boards. How can he play his best against his friends? No matter who wins, it looks like it will be lose-lose for Lincoln.
Synopsis
Lincoln Mendoza remains loyal to his former schools basketball team, even after he moves from the barrio to the suburbs and plays for his new schools team. “This touchingly realistic story explores the divided loyalties of a Hispanic basketball player who has recently moved from a poor neighborhood to a more affluent one. . . . Soto masterfully conveys the Hispanic-American experience.”-Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Lincoln Mendoza thought life as a Mexican-American in the States was tough, but that's
nothing compared to what he finds when he goes to Japan.
Synopsis
In Japan for the summer to practice the martial art of
kempo, Lincoln sometimes feels like little more than a brown boy in a white
gi. Yet with the help of his Japanese brother, Mitsuo, Lincoln sees that people everywhere, whether friend or
kempo opponent, share passions much like his own--for baseball, family traditions, and new friendships.
Synopsis
Meet Manuel, a young man who wears hand-me-downs from his older brothers until he finally gets a brand-new pair of shoes. And Jose Luis, who watches the vet bills rise after he buys a sick rooster to save it from becoming someone's dinner. And Alma, a young woman who runs to every shop and flea market in town buying back the clothes of her dead mother that her father has given away. These Mexican American youths meet life's challenges head-on in this hard-hitting collection of short stories.
Synopsis
Eddie's father, two uncles, and best friend are all dead, and it's a struggle for him not to end up the same way. Violence makes Fresno wallow in tears, as if a huge onion were buried beneath the city. Making an effort to walk a straight line despite constant temptations and frustrations, Eddie searches for answers--and discovers that his closest friends may actually be his worst enemies.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Includes a reader's guide and a glossary of Spanish words and phrases.Synopsis
Ninth grader Rudy has a date with eleventh grader Patricia. Nowand#160;he has to come up with the money, the poise, and the conversation to carry it off. This one-act play, by turns heartwarming and heart-wrenching, follows Rudy from his desperate search for guidance through the hilarious date itself--all the way to its happy conclusion.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;Includes a glossary of Spanish phrases.and#160;
Synopsis
In this new edition of his first young adult novel, Gary Soto paints a moving portrait of seventeen-year-old Jesse, who has left his parents' home to live with his older brother. These Mexican American brothers hope junior college will help them escape their heritage of tedious physical labor. Their struggles are humorous, true to life, and deeply affecting. Young adults will sympathize with the brothers as they come to terms with what is possible for each of them in an imperfect world.
Includes a reader's guide.
Synopsis
A collection of short stories that captures the humor and poignance of growing up
Synopsis
After his brutal murder, fourteen-year-old Chuy discovers what life is all about.
Synopsis
You'd think a knife in the ribs would be the end of things, but for Chuy, that's when his life at last gets interesting. He finally sees that people love him, faces the consequences of his actions, finds in himself compassion and bravery . . . and even stumbles on what may be true love.
A funny, touching, and wholly original story by one of the finest authors writing for young readers today.
Synopsis
A favorite collection by a beloved poet, now in paperback
Synopsis
Touching, vibrant, and humorous, this lively collection of poems accompanied by beautiful illustrations celebrates childhood and the Mexican American experience. “Invoking ordinary domestic and community incidents, its a fine introduction not only to poetry but to Chicano culture. Nelson debuts with scenes--homey, comfortable, bright--that make the book even more accessible.”--
Kirkus Reviews This is a collection to read aloud and get kids writing about themselves.”--
BooklistThis title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 2-3, Poetry)
Synopsis
Two brothers live the American dream—sort of—in this funny, moving novel.
Synopsis
In ten funny, heartbreaking tales, Gary Soto reveals the hopes and hearts of today's teens.
Synopsis
With real wit and heart, Gary Soto takes readers into the lives of young people in ten funny, heartbreaking tales.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;Meet Carolina, who writes to Miss Manners for help not just with etiquette but with bigger messes in her life; Javier, who knows the stories his friend Veronica tells him are lies, but can't find a way to prove it--and many other kids, each caught up in the difficulties of figuring out what it means to be alive.
Synopsis
An exuberant celebration of everyday life from an award-winning team.
Synopsis
Award-winning poet Gary Soto and Caldecott winner David Diaz turn their eyes on the world of kids. From family pictures to pinatas, from the
gato with a meow like a rusty latch to Fourth of July fireworks, the startling and often overlooked moments that define childhood are vividly brought to life by these two acclaimed talents.
Synopsis
Turning thirteen is not for wimps.
Synopsis
On his thirteenth birthday, Ronnie woke up feeling like a chimp--all long armed, big eared, and gangly. He's been muddling through each gawky day since. Now his best friend, Joey, has turned thirteen, too--and after Joey humiliates himself in front of a cute girl, he climbs a tree andand#160;refuses to come down. So Ronnie sets out to woo the girl on Joey's behalf. After all, teenage chimps have to stick together.
Acclaimed author Gary Soto tells a fun and touching story about friendship, understanding, and the painful insecurities of being thirteen.
Synopsis
A hard-hitting short story collection takes a hard look at teens and preteens on the edge.
Synopsis
A unique offering from favorite author Gary Soto
Synopsis
The hard-hitting tale of one teen's struggle to survive in a violent community
Synopsis
There are laughs as well as heartbreak in a tale of an unlikely first love.
Synopsis
It all starts when Marisa picks up the wrong cell phone. When she returns it to Rene, she feels curiously drawn to him. But Marisa and Rene aren't exactly a match made in heaven. For one thing, Marisa is a chola; she's a lot of girl, and she's not ashamed of it. Skinny Rene gangles like a sackful of elbows and wears a calculator on his belt. In other words, he's a geek. So why can't Marisa stay away from him? Includes a glossary of Spanish words and phrases.
About the Author
David Diaz has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, for which he was awarded the Caldecott Medal; The Wanderer by Sharon Creech, which received a Newbery Honor; and Diego: Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, a Pura Belprand#233;andnbsp;Honor Award winner. An illustrator and graphic designer for more than twenty-five years, he is also a painter and an accomplished ceramic artist. Mr. Diaz lives in Carlsbad, California.
Table of Contents
Contents
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Where Did I Go Wrong? • 1
Capturing the Moment • 23
Identity Theft • 41
You Decide • 52
The Babysitter • 64
Citizen of the World • 85
Wise Uncle Joe • 103
Seeing the Future • 124
The Ideal City • 134
D in English • 157
Selected Spanish Words and Phrases • 175