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akennedy772's review against another edition
4.0
Worth teaching in 6-7 grade. Some of the cultural references don't stick anymore, but Soto has this age down pat regarding their concerns, motivations, etc. Also, many of the stories offer opportunity for seminar style discussion.
rbreade's review against another edition
A sweet, gentle look at the loosely interconnected lives of middle- and high-school Latinx kids in mid-1980s Fresno, CA. This slim book of short stories delivers gem after gem about what it feels like to grow up, especially in the world before the internet and smartphones.
crey18's review against another edition
3.0
What a delightful collection of short stories about love, family, friends, and growing up. My favorites are "Broken Chain," "Barbie," "The No-Guitar Blues," and "Mother and Daughter." Not only are the characters engaging, but the language is also beautiful.
soccerkid's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
uncle_nino's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
gschmidt05's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a wonderful collection of stories, and it’s also a good introduction to the genre of short stories. For each tale you may find yourself faced with questions of “but what happens next?” as the listeners get pulled in.
Much more importantly (to me) is that I found a story I’ve been half-remembering since grade school! In one of those large literature books and in one of those numbered grades, I read a story about a young girl who wanted to be the best at marbles. She worked out so hard, squeezing an eraser with her thumb, that her family grew concerned and other kids thought she’d broken her finger. Lo and behold, that’s “The Marble Champ” by Gary Soto, part of this collection. I feel vindicated that my memory was accurate. And the story is just as good this second time around, some 20+ years later.
Much more importantly (to me) is that I found a story I’ve been half-remembering since grade school! In one of those large literature books and in one of those numbered grades, I read a story about a young girl who wanted to be the best at marbles. She worked out so hard, squeezing an eraser with her thumb, that her family grew concerned and other kids thought she’d broken her finger. Lo and behold, that’s “The Marble Champ” by Gary Soto, part of this collection. I feel vindicated that my memory was accurate. And the story is just as good this second time around, some 20+ years later.
editrix's review against another edition
I was really into Gary Soto stories in middle school, and these hold up well. They’re mostly about growing up, but they’re also about growing up in a specific place and within a specific cultural milieu and at a specific time (my time; my kids called this “historical”), and the subject/tone/pacing is a good bridge from little-kid lit to big-kid lit, full of complex emotions and situational ambiguity. The audio is great and, if you have a choice, I recommend it over paper.
osoordinary's review against another edition
4.0
It's so nice to read stories about people who look and live like me. :)
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of 11 short stories is a realistic, often humorous look at the everyday problems of growing up. Though the main characters are all Latinos growing up in the barrios of Los Angeles, middle school students from everywhere will be able to relate. My favorite is “La Bamba,” about a boy who lip-synchs and dances to the song “La Bamba” in the 7th grade talent show. The performance doesn’t turn out the way he plans, but everyone loves it. Sometimes, our greatest humiliations can turn out to be our greatest triumphs. A glossary of Spanish terms is helpful.