When a guy in his class looks at him funny, Diego punches him in the face, and ends up on probation. At first he wants nothing to do with his probation officer. But as Diego starts to open up, he begins to realize that Mr. Vidas is the first person in his life who ever really wanted to listen to him. With Vidas’s help, Diego begins to make real progress in controlling his anger. He even opens up enough to tell Vidas about the shark tooth that his stepfather gave him that he uses to cut himself. But only if Diego can find the courage to trust Vidas with the darkest secrets from his past will he be able to heal completely. In this story of a boy trying to grow beyond a painful past, award-winning author Alex Sanchez calls upon his personal experience as a probation officer to reveal the complexities of one of his most genuinely realized characters to date.
Americas
Materials from the Americas
The Spirit Of Tio Fernando: A Day Of The Dead Story/El Espiritu De Tio Fernando : Una Historia Del Dia De Los Muertos
As he prepares to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a young boy remembers all the things he liked about his favorite uncle.
My Abuelita
Abuelita’s hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha–her jalopy–with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever–with a very important job. With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all. Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.
See the review in WOW Review, Volume 4, Issue 1.
Cinco De Mouse-O!
Yum! Yum! A delicious beany, cheesy smell wakes up Mouse. He follows his nose down the street to a Cinco de Mayo festival. There, high in a tree, he spies a magnifica pinata. If only Mouse could get just one piece of candy from it. But danger is everywhere, from the stomping feet of dancers to Cat, who is planning a holiday fiesta of his own with Mouse on the menu.
Gracias / Thanks (English And Spanish Edition)
In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful. Come share the joy, and think about all the things for which you can say, ¡Gracias! Thanks!
Ivy And Bean – Book 6 (Ivy & Bean)
Finally! After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want…well, not exactly. Much to their surprise, it turns out ballet lessons do not include karate chops and roundhouse kicks to the villain’s heart. The girls have no interest in learning how to dance gracefully, but they promised their parents they would finish the entire ballet course! When it comes time for Ivy and Bean to participate in the ocean-themed class recital, the girls must figure out a way to get out of it without breaking their promises.
Exposure
Carnegie Medalist Mal Peet takes a searing look at the world of soccer and pop-celebrity culture — and the lives of three street kids caught in its glare. When a black South American soccer star signs on to a team in the country’s racist south, headlines blare. And when he falls for the sensual Desmerelda, a stunning white pop singer and daughter of a wealthy politician, their sudden and controversial marriage propels the pair to center stage, where they burn in the media spotlight. But celebrity attracts enemies; some very close to home. And its dazzle reaches into the city’s hidden corners, exposing a life of grit and desperation the glitterati could never imagine. When a girl is found murdered, reporter Paul Faustino is caught between worlds as he witnesses the power of the media in making — and breaking — lives. Inspired by Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, this modern tragedy of desire and betrayal, incisively and compassionately told, is a truly enthralling work of crossover fiction.
3 Tales Retold and Illustrated
Three classic fairy tales all dressed up in new clothes for contemporary readers. Fairy tales play an integral role in child development as they introduce the tenets of storytelling and the concept of good and evil. Here are three beloved fairy tales bound up in one fresh edition, newly retold and illustrated in Edward Miller’s bold and inviting style. This timeless picture book is perfect for parents and children to read together.
Senor Don Gato: A Traditional Song
When he climbs on a roof to read a love letter, a cat has an unfortunate fall with unexpected consequences. Music and Spanish translation at back of book.
James Marshall’s Cinderella
Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!” (Booklist, starred review) “An excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale, e.g. A strong addition to any picture book collection…and great fun.” (School Library Journal, starred review)