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.
- ISBN: 9780152025731
- Author: Soto, Gary
- Published: 2000 , Harcourt Children's Books
- Themes: Adolescence, California, daily life, Mexican Americans, struggles
- Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, Short Stories - Anthologies - Collections, United States
- No. of pages: 128
Through his collection of short stories, Gary Soto tugs on the heartstrings of every grown-up with memories of coming of age and adolescents and young adults searching for a voice who can tell their own stories of hope, love, friendship, and growing up. Just as in many of his books, Soto draws from his own experiences growing up in California’s Central Valley and uses his experiences as the backdrop for many of his characters. Each story zooms in on a particular character and his/her specific issue or problem. Readers feel as if these characters are old friends, and can empathize when things don’t go as planned, when hopes are tested, and when new life discoveries are made. Soto includes Spanish words and phrases to help paint the picture of the setting, character, and relationships, then includes a Spanish Words and Expressions section in the back of the book.