Breaking Through

Book Description

At the age of fourteen, Francisco Jimnez, together with his older brother Roberto and his mother, are caught by la migra. Forced to leave their home, the entire family travels all night for twenty hours by bus, arriving at the U.S. and Mexican border in Nogales, Arizona. In the months and years that follow, Francisco, his mother and father, and his seven brothers and sister not only struggle to keep their family together, but also face crushing poverty, long hours of labor, and blatant prejudice. How they sustain their hope, their goodheartedness, and tenacity is revealed in this moving sequel to The Circuit. Without bitterness or sentimentality, Francisco Jimnez finishes telling the story of his youth.

Customer Reviews:

wonderful portrayal of a migrant family.......2007-02-16

I bought *Breaking Through* without realizing that it was a sequel to *The Circuit*. Nonetheless, you aren't lost if you start with *Breaking Through* I loved this memoir because it was one of the best portrayal of a migrant family.

This memoir chronicled the life of Francisco Jimenez from the time that him and his family entered America from Mexico to his entrance into college.

The Jimenez family saved up some money and entered into Mexico illegally. They were soon caught, after a time, and deported back. However, they were able to get papers and return. Despite living in the land of freedom and opportunities, the family has to work hard in order to survive. They worked in strawberry fields, lettuce patches and cleaned buildings.

Francisco is loving school yet struggled to stay on top as he also has to work. His older brother did well in school but worked nearly as much as their often-ill father did. The mother stayed home and took care of the children. However, she often substituted in their work when needed.

*Breaking Through* is a story of a family working together. It's also a story of one finding one's own identity in America. It's also a story of one trying to achieve the American dream.

You'll laugh. You'll cry. If you don't understand the Mexican culture, you'll find yourself puzzled at some things. Coming from a Hispanic family, I found myself nodding and taking strolls in memory lane.

Overall, it's easy reading for a great book.

book review on Breaking Through.......2007-01-16

Book Review on Breaking Through

Hi, this book Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez is a sad book. Why is it a sad book? A boy named Francisco struggles through life trying to keep his family together. He works and goes to school, also trying to keep his grades up. This book is a good book because of the Theme, believable charters, and a nice setting.

The theme is, heart breaking. It's heart breaking since a boy and his family have to face many difficult obstacles. The obstacles are not easy for Francisco and his family. They have to pay bills but they don't have any money. So the whole family except mom and the youngest ones have to work.

Besides the heart breaking theme there are nice believable charters. The charters sometimes where confused. They where confused because they didn't have money. No one to help them, and struggled to keep food on the table.

There also was a very good setting. The setting took place in many different places. Like school, fields, gas company, Twitchel and Twitchel. There are many different places. So that means that the family is all over the places.

So this book has a great theme. Wonderful setting that makes you feel like your there watching it all happing. Also nice believable charters that do things that you could relate to. So if you like heart breaking novels then this is the book for you.

The End

breaking through.......2007-01-15

ANTHONY JOHNSTON
JAN. 11, 2007

"BREAKING THROUGH" BOOK REVIEW

The book is "Breaking Through" and the author is Francisco Jimenez. The main person in the book is the author. It is a true story. He has a mom, dad and brother. His brother's name is Roberto. I thought it would be a good book because the first sentence was "I lived in constant fear for ten long years."

You shouldn't read this book because there are a lot of Spanish words. The book is very long. It has 195 pages in the book. The Spanish words are very hard to read and you can't understand them.

The characters were papa, mama; Roberto and Francisco. They live on a farm or tent. Papa and mama are the mom and dad. Roberto is the brother. Francisco is the author and character in the book.

There are pictures of the author in the back of the book. The Jimenez's lived on a farm or tent. They grew up poor in America. They lived in a tent in America.

This book is very hard to read and it's long. The whole book is Francisco's life. I'd liked to sum up by saying I still don't like the book because I couldn't understand the words. In less you like reading Spanish you shouldn't read this book.

An Inspiring story for all readers.......2006-11-10

This is a wonderful book. It draws you into Francisco's life and really makes you think about how easy most of us had it as a child! A MUST READ!!

Good Stories and Good Message.......2006-10-01

I bought this book after I'd read The Circuit because I needed to find out what happened to the family. I was intrigued by both books, found them fairly easy reading, and believe that they open up opportunities for discussion with teens. Thought provoking, well-written, very descriptive, somewhat depressing although I found the characters' spirit amazing and inspiring, and all together a very good read. Great for young adults as well as adults...highly recommended.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Average customer rating:

A beautiful children's book with an illustrated personal story and a larger message
The story of a lesser known American Hero
Si Se Puede
Beautiful, educational, brought tears to my eyes!
Harvesting Hope is Hopeful

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
Kathleen Krull
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Labor & Industrial Relations | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

First Day in Grapes (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))
My Diary from Here to There/Mi diario de aqui hasta alla (Pura Belpre Honor Book Narrative (Awards))
Cesar Chavez: A Hero for Everyone (Milestone Books)
Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet In Spanish And English
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ASIN: 0152014373

Book Description

Cesar Chavez is known as one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn't always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive.

Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that--maybe--he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.

An author's note provides historical context for the story of Cesar Chavez's life.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful children's book with an illustrated personal story and a larger message.......2006-09-09

Harvesting Hope tells the tale of Cesar Chavez, but more than that, it reveals the power of collective bargaining and fighting for what is just in the world. As a children's book, it has appeal as a well-illustrated biography, an important history lesson, a story of family and personal triumph, and a book with a message. Chavez's crusade took place several decades ago, but the plight of migrant farm workers remains, despite the tremendous inroads Chavez made with La Causa. The story of Chavez's childhood, hard days of labor, and fight for worker's rights is timeless, and Kathleen Krull's award-nominated book deserves a place on every child's bookshelf.

The story of a lesser known American Hero.......2006-02-22

This is a great picture book for all ages. The heroic story of Cesar Chavez is left out of most U.S. history classrooms, save those in California. This book would be an enlightening addition to any classroom or children's library.

Si Se Puede.......2005-06-08

Let's begin by saying that the drawings are super and captivating. Yuyi Morales creates characters that show emotion and the result is a drawing of emotion from the young reader. As the title implies this is the story of Cesar Chavez who many adults came to know about from his work with the farmworkers in California. This story humanizes the man by beginning in his childhood. The roots of the farmworker leader are explored as a young person traveling from crop to crop , from state to state. A drought in Arizona began the family oddyssey that would result in Caser Chavez becoming familiar first hand with the troubles of the farmworkers. Life on the road became a harsh reality. The treatment he encountered in school forced him to drop out in eighth grade but the treatment in the fields wasn't much better, at times it was much worse. This is simple story about a complex problem that one man was determined to overcome. He wanted justice for farmworkers and organized. He became to Mexicans what MLK was for civil rights, for Mexicans it was an extension of civil rights. This is a beautiful book for young readers or those not so young that are learning to read in English if they have a reading foundation in another language. Although it is recommended for children ages 6-9, middle school students, ages 9-12, especially those with limited English proficiency can benefit from this story well told. For the teacher or parent this book can help instill pride and understanding as to how determination, perseverance and hard work can overcome even the greatest odds.

Beautiful, educational, brought tears to my eyes!.......2004-11-25

I recommend this book for anyone 4 and up (adults included!) Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful telling of an important part of history.

Harvesting Hope is Hopeful.......2004-08-02

This story is a wonderful way to teach children about the people who have made a difference in our world. People like Cesar Chavez. The story beautifully illustrates how Cesar did not use violence to solve problems but rather he used his mind, as his mother had taught him. The illustartions are vivid and real. The story is well written and teaches an important part of California history in a wonderful way. It reaches the heart of all ages. This is a great book for any elementary school classroom library, even High School.

Ramon Novarro: The Life and Films of the First Latino Hollywood Superstar

Average customer rating:

What a Disappointment

Ramon Novarro: The Life and Films of the First Latino Hollywood Superstar
Frank Javier Garcia Berumen
Manufacturer: Vantage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0533133963

Customer Reviews:

What a Disappointment.......2001-12-20

The angle of sometimes neglected history, i.e Latino or minority history vs Anglo or majority history could have made this book very interesting. Also, Ramon Novarro, a mega-star of the silent and early talkies has only had one other biography written about him by A. Ellenberger. However, this book is a great disappointment. First of all, you have to wonder how much a biographer knows of his subject when he gets the date of his subject's death wrong (Oct 31 1968, NOT Nov 1 as stated in this book)
Secondly, the biographer states he is not going to talk about rumors, i.e. Ramon Novarro by repute was gay, and then goes on to try to suggest Ramon Novarro as having had affairs with some of his female stars. Almost as bad as the old movie studio publicity when, MGM tried in 1934 to publicise a 'romance' between Myrna Loy one of his co-stars. Apparently, this author had never read her reaction at the time as recorded in her autobiography in the 1980's, which states 'it was ridiculous, Ramon didn't even like the girls'.
It's nice to see another book on Ramon Novarro, a really great movie star, but this one is just plain disappointing.

Pablo Neruda : Nobel Prize-Winning Poet (Hispanic Biographies)

Average customer rating:

Pablo Neruda : Nobel Prize-Winning Poet (Hispanic Biographies)
David Goodnough
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0766010422

Estrellas Peregrinas / Walking Stars: Cuentos de Magia y Poder / Magic and Power Stories

Average customer rating:

Estrellas Peregrinas / Walking Stars: Cuentos de Magia y Poder / Magic and Power Stories
Victor Villasenor
Manufacturer: Pinata Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

No ficción | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

General | Biografías y memorias | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

El Dilema De Trino
El arroyo de la Llorona y otros cuentos
Lluvia de oro
Trece Sentidos
Burro Genius : A Memoir

ASIN: 1558854622

Book Description

First ever Spanish-language edition of the critically acclaimed collection of short stories for young adults by a master of Latino literature

"We're all walking stars," the eighty-four year old guide tells Victor Villaseñor as he travels to his mother's birthplace, La Lluvia de Oro. "Don't you know what we all are? We are all stars that come from the heavens." In Estrellas peregrinas, the Spanish-language edition of his critically acclaimed collection of short stories for young adults, Villaseñor shares that enchanted world with the reader.

Magic rains down from the heavens like stars, coating each of the family stories in a sheen of la vida as it should be: filled with power and surprises that give each character the strength to endure. The stories brim with a cast of extraordinary characters in challenging situations: the young girl on her first day of school who shows bravery even in the face of school-yard taunts . . . a young man about to be hanged that can only be saved by the miracle of song . . . and the young boy who faces El Diablo in a dark peach orchard.

Book Description

In a prose that is so beautiful it is poetry, we see the world of growing up and going somewhere through the dust and heat of Fresno's industrial side and beyond: It is a boy's coming of age in the barrio, parochial school, attending church, public summer school, and trying to fall out of love so he can join in a Little League baseball team.

His is a clarity that rings constantly through the warmth and wry reality of these sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always human remembrances.

Customer Reviews:

Living up the Street.......2006-10-20

Living up the Street (Book Review)

A boy growing up without a father. The only thing Gary knew was violence. By the age of five he was already stealing, beating people up, and trying to set houses on fire. He'd get into fights with his brother just for the fun of it. Gary lives in a bad neighborhood with a lot of Mexicans. He's always getting into trouble by his mom and never listens to anybody. His Family have been living here for a long time ever since their mom and dad was a little girl. After a while Gary, surprisingly, tries to look for work. He doesn't really earn that much money but he still does it for a long time. Then his mom decides to send Gary to a catholic school because she said he was a little devil and needed to go to church. At first it didn't change him but slowly but surely he began to change. He became less mischievous and more polite. He didn't get into much trouble anymore and instead just entered in arts and crafts at the park where a coach taught them. Gary liked sports and he and his brother tried out for the little league baseball team. They tried out three times and never had they made the team. They thought they were going to make it but unfortunately they didn't. Gary eventually got on a baseball team but it wasn't little league. It was a recreation al league that only had two teams. Gary's team always lost to the same opponent over and over. Gary was a growing boy so eventually the hormones of puberty started to kick in. One week he would like one girl and the next week he would like another. When he was about sixteen he volunteered to help little kids at the playground kind of like a new coach. Even though he was a teenager he made lots of friends. The kids played with him like he was one of them. In high school Gary joined the wrestling team. He wasn't that bad at wrestling but he wasn't the best. During the summer he decided to work at his moms work that actually paid very well even though they were harvesting crops in the fields. His brothers and sister eventually joined him because they needed money for school clothes. One day Gary and his friend were being stupid and decided to rob a house. They did but had to leave town to not get caught. Their own guilt eventually lead them to return all of the valuable merchandise. Some while later Gary got married to a girl named Carolyn. They moved to Mexico and didn't make very much money. They still lived happily and that's the thing that counts. I recommend this book to people who like autobiographies and like adventure. This book is a fun to read book that a lot of people can relate to.

The first reason I enjoyed this book was because of the detail in all of the events. For example when Gary tried to set the house on fire. It explained how all the kids were fascinated with fire and how fire basically hypnotized them. How the angry fire made them crazy and want to set everything on fire. The TV did the same thing. They would just sit there as lifeless that anybody could be when they're alive. The book explained how they would bring a bowl of chips to eat during the movie and by the time they finished watching the bowl was untouched. Last example is during the arts and crafts session. The book told how Gary enjoyed doing arts and crafts for the coach and how he wanted to win badly. Gary also thought he was the best of the best of arts and crafts.

The next reason why I liked the book was the suspense. When Gary and his friend robbed the place they stayed longer than they expected. The whole time I thought they were going to get found out but noone came. They even left blood at the crime scene so I definitely thought they were going to get found out then. Even when they left something had to go wrong. A branch got caught under the car and made a whole lot of noise. Another time the book was suspenseful was when Gary's mom heated a fork red hot and threatened to poke them with it. I thought she was actually going to do it because of all the bad things that Gary had already done. She sounded like she was pretty close to doing it because she already whooped all the others for trying to burn the house down. The final example would be when Gary was about to ask a girl out. He was walking back and forth because someone had told him that she liked him. He was walking up to her to ask her out but then his friend came up to him and told him that she liked another Gary.

Last but not least the final reason I liked the book was because of the action. One day when Jimmy was at the playground the playground bully told Gary to play with him or else. So they got into a fight that Gary lost and received a bloody nose. Surprisingly afterwards they made friends with each other even after the huge fight. Next would have to be when Gary was in the sixth grade. He created a gang called the "Mexicans" that consisted obviously all of them were Mexican. They lived by a code that was that you had to hate the "surfer" people. The "surfers" consisted of seventh grade wannabe surfers who probably have never seen the ocean before. One day both groups got into a huge fight that was only stopped because teachers were spotted. The "Mexicans" lost because they were way smaller and a lot weaker than a lot of the seventh graders. Finally the last event was when Gary tried out for the baseball team. He messed up a lot and didn't play his best but there was still action. Whenever he tried to catch the he'd have to dive or jump to get it. When it was his turn to bat he hit several fly balls but a lot of them were foul balls.

People who like autobiographies will love this book. It's fun to read and very exciting. Even though Gary's life wasn't perfect he got around obstacles big and small. This book can teach a lot people out there to appreciate their own life because they are very lucky. Gary didn't turn out perfect but he tried as best as he could and that's better than most people out there. Gary didn't even have a father when he was young and he still turned out to be a very polite and honorable gentleman. So enjoy life because if Gary can do it then you can.

D. Bennett

Book Review.......2006-03-10

Living Up the Street is one of many autobiographies written by Gary Soto. It tells of the ups and downs throughout his childhood, adolescence, and even adult life. This realistic book is enjoyable to read because many people can relate to one of his experiences one way or another. Though the book it without plot, sequence, or continuity, it is interesting from the very first chapter you read. This autobiography is mainly about Gary Soto, and his poor Mexican family, growing up in Fresno, California, in the 60's and 70s'. It is fun to read because it is as if you are reading and viewing someone as they grow up and mature. Through Gary's mistakes, he's learns valuable lessons for life on his own. To give you a better understanding of the book, knowing some events that occurred in the beginning will help you know how interesting it is. In the introduction, the three main characters are presents, who also happen to be all siblings. Rick, who is 6, Gary 5, and Debra 4. Most of the beginning shows the everyday family struggles they had growing up and how when the Mom, when she was angry enough, hit them with a belt after they acted up. One of the first events which happened, is when the Mom had somewhere to go and left the children home alone unattended accidentally. Since the kids loved playing with fire, they managed to burn a few items on fire inside the house and have fun with a tomato fight also, ruining the entire living room and kitchen. This is just one of many events that took place in this novel.

Don't judge a book by it's cover, fools!.......2005-11-02

I had to read this nutjob of a book with the class as a freshman this year and the cover and plot review on the back of the book made it look like bird scratch but right when you start reading you'd notice it's pretty damn good. This is on of those rare books that start o be interesting from the very beginning chapter and have small chapters so you feel optimistic about reading alot of sections of the book and feel a sense of almost finished.

A Really Great Book.......2005-09-07

Hey peoples, the name of this story that I am going to explain to you is called Living up the Street by Gary Soto. This story is an auto - biography about Gary who grows up on the streets near Fresno, California. The story starts when he is five years old until he is married and is visiting Mexico City. This book is funny and cool because there is one part where Gary, Ronnie, and his friend Scott, decide to steal from his sister. Scott's sister went on vacation to Yosemite National Park. That is why they decided to steal at that time. What I thought was funny is that his Scott's sister works for the government. Well after they stole everything, they went back to their apartment. Gary and Scott decided to leave town taking a train to San Francisco because they were all freaked out. Ronnie just stayed at the apartment and started freaking out. Gary and Scott bought tickets for the train ride to San Francisco and when they were in the train, they decided to return their tickets because they were broke and that's when they were certain to return all the stuff they stolen. Anyways, there is a lot of drama in the book, so you should read this masterpiece.
This book has 167 pages, which is great because this story is not that boring. The thickness of this story is somewhat small, buts it is not that hard to read, so do not worry. If you like to read high and low reading level books then you will like this book because it is probably just right for you. If you also like reading auto - biography books like this one then you will definitely like this book. Once you start reading this story, you will not put it down unless you have to because it is compelling. Before I started to read the book, I was thinking that it was going to be the worse auto - biography book I have ever read because of the way the book looks and the thickness of the book. Actually, this story turned out to be better then I thought. Do not judge a book by its cover. Those are the reasons why I like to read Living up the Street. As a whole, this book is not going to take a long time to read, but make sure you read the book slowly so you will not miss out important information.
The rest of the story, I do not want to ruin it for you. Well I hope that you would like reading the book Living up the Street by Gary Soto. See you later!

Living up the Sreet.......2005-09-06

Living up the Street
by Gary Soto
Peer Review
Living up the Street is an autobiography by Gary Soto. Those who love autobiographies will love this novel. One of the reasons I liked this book is because Gary has some very interesting events that occur in his life. Sometimes those events can be quite hilarious, and other times he makes you wonder why he was doing the crazy things he did. Gary not only learns from his mistakes, he also applies what he learns to other problems he encounters throughout his life.
I generally like reading autobiographies because I get to see what another person's life was like and I get to see what problems they faced in life. Then I try to figure out how I can use their problem and solution to make my life better. Another thing I like about reading autobiographies is that it can be fun learning what happened on another person's life. For those of you who hate autobiographies, I think you will still like this novel because Gary's life is very interesting.
The difficulty level was not very high at all because he rarely used highly sophisticated words in his writing. He randomly used Spanish words throughout the book. That increased the length of the book for me because there were some words I did not know the meaning to. Overall, I would say that the novel is not very long and it is very intriguing.

Average customer rating:

Not bad. It is just great to killing time.
"don't just stand there, do something..."
Views of Latinos
Excellent
well organized anthology that keeps the reader interested.

Growing Up Latino

Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Americanos: Latino Life in the United States
It's All In The Frijoles: 100 Famous Latinos Share Real Life Stories Time Tested Dichos Favorite Folkta
Living in Spanglish: The Search for Latino Identity in America
Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America
Latinos: Remaking America (David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies)

ASIN: 0395661242

Book Description

From the mean streets of the barrio to the house on Mango Street, from the Mambo Kings to the Garcia Girls, the authors who contribute to this volume transport us across geographies and through cultures in an attempt to articulate the joys, struggles, defeats, and triumphs of the Latino experience in the United States. Growing Up Latino offers, for the first time, a comprehensive collection of classic and recent Latino writing in English, converging in sometimes shocking, often funny, and always stirring memoirs and stories. Religion, sex, love, language, and family are some of the topics explored in this compelling anthology of fiction and nonfiction. With its laughter and tears, its beauty and power, it is a thoroughly enjoyable book and an unforgettable contribution to the Latino tradition of letters. This diverse collection shatters the myth of a singular U.S.- Latino experience, proving the existence of a rich tradition whose writers, active for more than forty years, are only now being recognized by a rapidly growing audience.

Customer Reviews:

Not bad. It is just great to killing time........2007-09-05

I loved this book. It was fun and good story. Whenever you don't have enough book to read then try this book it is just great to killing time.

"don't just stand there, do something...".......2007-01-27

I really don't know what to make of *Growing Up Latino*. I mean, I did enjoy the book. I laughed, nodded and groaned with memories of my Hispanic background as I read the stories. However, I was surprised at excerpted stories in this book by other well known Hispanic authors.

Oscar "Zeta" Acosta's "The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo" and Jose Antonio Villarreal's "Pocho" are a couple of examples where an excerpt of their stories are in this book. So, it made me wonder just how many other works in this book were also excerpts.

To me, there were lots of other wonderful stories by well known authors, such as Sandra Cisneros, Richard Rodriguez, Gloria Anzaldua, Rudolfo A. Anaya and many more. Each of them were unique with the topics they've chosen as well as their writing styles.

There were many topics covered in the stories. However, just about almost everyone had a similar experience. Topics covered death, education, religion, Spanish, English, gringos, food, social norms and many more. Experiences were similar when it came to social norms, teachers, Catholic schools, pronunciation of names and the like. I could relate to some of them, which made some stories more cherished than others. There were a couple of stories that I just could not "get it".

Nonetheless, it was a good read. I just wished that there were no excerpted stories. Excerpted stories feel abrupted and it's mainly because you're only read a sample. Regardless, I will recommend my friends to read this book, along with an explanation.

Views of Latinos.......2003-11-19

I thought that Growing Up Latino really showed different views of Latino life. They do not come in all the same way. I was glad that to see some of my favorite authors were in this book. I also found new authors that I never knew I was interested in until I read this book. The book showed us through the victories and struggles that follow with the Latino culture. I really enjoyed this book and even recommended it to my friends.

Excellent.......1999-08-25

This is a marvelous anthology. I've given it to friends and want students to read. It is cleverly thought out and has a wonderful preface by Stavans and a solid introduction. The contributors are all first-rate.

well organized anthology that keeps the reader interested........1998-09-16

This book is an anthology of works of various hispanic writers and their experiences in the united states. It provides each reader with a sence of being because in a strange way you are able to relate to each story. Its a great book!

The Pot That Juan Built (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))

Average customer rating:

The Pot That Juan Built By Seth
Could have been Better for Those in the Know
My kid is obsessed with this book
Excellent, Beautiful Book!
A Modern Classic

The Pot That Juan Built (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))
Nancy Andrews-Goebel
Manufacturer: Lee & Low Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Multiculturalism | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Just a Minute!: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book (Pura Belpre Medal Book Illustrator (Awards))
My Diary from Here to There/Mi diario de aqui hasta alla (Pura Belpre Honor Book Narrative (Awards))
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
First Day in Grapes (Pura Belpre Honor Book. Illustrator (Awards))
Me llamo Celia/My Name is Celia: La vida de Celia Cruz/The Life of Celia Cruz (Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. Winner (Awards))

ASIN: 1584300388

Book Description

Quezada creates stunning pots in the traditional style of the Casas Grandes people, including using human hair to make brushes and cow dung to feed the fire. This real-life story is written in the form of "The House That Jack Built," and relays how Juan's pioneering work has changed a poor village into a prosperous community of world-class artists. Illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz.

Customer Reviews:

The Pot That Juan Built By Seth.......2007-03-21

The Pot that Juan built by: Seth K

If you want to know what pottery evolved from read this book. I think it's funny but one part is disgusting, Juan uses cow manure to make a fire to harden the pots. A potter Juan and his burro are the main characters. Juan lives in the village of Mata Ortiz. Juan loves to make pottery and rides his burro up the mountains to get the clay to make the pots. Juan also makes the paint out of rocks and uses hair to paint the paint on to the pots. I recommend this book to people that like funny and a little nasty stories and who are 8-10 years old. The genre is realistic fiction because it actually could have happened. This book won the Pura Belpre Honor book award. If you want to learn about Mexico and how they make pottery, read this book.

Could have been Better for Those in the Know.......2006-03-16

For those in the know, the book suffers for want of careful editing. It is flawed, for example, by illustrator David Diaz' arrogance in placing his own designs on Quezada's pottery. Had this book been about van Gogh, Picasso or any other well-known artist, it is unlikely he would have portrayed their art with no concern for what it looked like in reality. This puts down Juan Quezada. Diaz also carelessly depicts Quezada building a pot by the continuous-coil method of the Indians of the American Southwest rather than by the distinctive method that he innovated and for which he is known. Better editing would have caught these problems with the illustrations as well as a multitude of minor inaccuracies that occur in the text, nearly one to a page. For example, in speaking of using a bean to burnish pottery, the author comments, "Of course dried beans can be found in any kitchen in the village." The bean in question is an inedible wild bean, the chilicote-not the kind that would normally be found in anyone's kitchen. Such editorial problems do not, however, detract from this production as a children's book. They are the sort that only one in the know would see.

My kid is obsessed with this book.......2004-01-23

The absorbing subject matter of this book, presented through catchy rhymes and alliteration and strong, colorful illustrations, has completely captured the imagination of my four-year-old. For three days now, he's been "Juan" almost exclusively, following ants to a vein of "the very best clay, all squishy and white," pretending to make vessels for every conceivable purpose, and peppering me with questions about Mexico, pottery-making, and Juan himself. I've had to draw the line at cutting my hair for paintbrushes and gathering the "dried cow manure" left by the neighborhood dogs. "The Pot That Juan Built" appeals to pre-schoolers' burgeoning interest in rhyme and other aspects of language; making things out of simple materials; and the world around them generally. I give it my highest recommendation!

Excellent, Beautiful Book!.......2003-11-15

I'm appalled at the lack of love for this book! I am a teacher of a 3rd grade classroom in California where my children are learing about how humans use the world around them to create their life and build their culture. This book is a perfect tie-in to this concept. The illustrations are beautiful and I found the rhymes to be intelligent and descriptive. Two thumbs up from me, and 48 thumbs up from my class!!

A Modern Classic.......2003-10-21

This is a beautiful book, in illustration and in content. It is the true story of Juan Quezada, a potter, and a celebratory tale of the village of Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Quezada's discovery of ancient pottery methods transformed Mata Ortiz from an impoverished village into a prosperous community of world-renowned artists. The story is cleverly told in the form of "The House That Jack Built". It is sing-song-y in it's rhythm and children will be enraptured by the story Ms. Andrews-Goebel has written and the beautifully vibrant illustrations of Caldecott Award winning illustrator, David Diaz. A more complete story of the famous pottery is told on the facing pages, providing intricate details of a fascinating process. A photo-illustrated afterward follows Quezada through the process of creating a pot, from the digging of the clay to the completed product. This book is a great addition to any child's multicultural library and informs us of one of the great contemporary and nationally recognized Mexican artists. DELIGHTFUL!!!

Telling to Live: Latina Feminist Testimonios (Latin America Otherwise)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous Book
An Amazing Book

Telling to Live: Latina Feminist Testimonios (Latin America Otherwise)
The Latina Feminist Group
Manufacturer: Duke University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza
Mi Voz, Mi Vida: Latino College Students Tell Their Life Stories
Making Face, Making Soul/Haciendo Caras: Creative and Critical Perspectives by Women of Color
Massacre of the Dreamers: Essays on Xicanisma
Loving in the War Years (South End Press Classics Series)

ASIN: 0822327651

Book Description

Telling to Live embodies the vision that compelled Latina feminists to engage their differences and find common ground. Its contributors reflect varied class, religious, ethnic, racial, linguistic, sexual, and national backgrounds. Yet in one way or another they are all professional producers of testimoniosâor life storiesâwhether as poets, oral historians, literary scholars, ethnographers, or psychologists. Through coalitional politics, these women have forged feminist political stances about generating knowledge through experience. Reclaiming testimonio as a tool for understanding the complexities of Latina identity, they compare how each made the journey to become credentialed creative thinkers and writers. Telling to Live unleashes the clarifying power of sharing these stories.
The complex and rich tapestry of narratives that comprises this book introduces us to an intergenerational group of Latina women who negotiate their place in U.S. society at the cusp of the twenty-first century. These are the stories of women who struggled to reach the echelons of higher education, often against great odds, and constructed relationships of sustenance and creativity along the way. The stories, poetry, memoirs, and reflections of this diverse group of Puerto Rican, Chicana, Native American, Mexican, Cuban, Dominican, Sephardic, mixed-heritage, and Central American women provide new perspectives on feminist theorizing, perspectives located in the borderlands of Latino cultures.
This often heart wrenching, sometimes playful, yet always insightful collection will interest those who wish to understand the challenges U.S. society poses for women of complex cultural heritages who strive to carve out their own spaces in the ivory tower.

Contributors. Luz del Alba Acevedo, Norma AlarcÃ³n, Celia Alvarez, Ruth Behar, Rina Benmayor, Norma E. CantÃº, Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Gloria HolguÃn CuÃ¡draz, Liza Fiol-Matta, Yvette Flores-Ortiz, InÃ©s HernÃ¡ndez-Avila, Aurora Levins Morales, Clara Lomas, Iris Ofelia LÃ³pez, Mirtha N. Quintanales, Eliana Rivero, Caridad Souza, Patricia Zavella

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous Book.......2007-01-19

Telling to Live fills the void by sharing the "testimonios" of the various Latina feminist writers in the book. The testimonios are poignant and at times hilarious.

I used this book in an upper division course and by and large the students liked the book. The Latina/o students were extremely fond of the book and it caused self-reflection on their part.

I own the book and have read it twice and know that I will continue to go back for the book for personal and acadmic reasons.

An Amazing Book.......2002-04-03

Telling To Live is an important book that will serve as both inspiration and information-source for years to come. While calls for a more diverse scholarship permeate academia, so few books are written from the viewpoint of Latinas. The use of the "testimonios" format is particularly compelling as the authors relate their personal experience to larger political issues such as empowerment, invisibility, the body. This thematic organization makes the book particularly well suited for use in the classroom.

Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul: Celebrating La Comunidad Latina

Average customer rating:

YUCKO STINKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A wonderful addition for a multi-cultural curriculum!
Great book for after school programs
Sweet and Spicy Soul
great book

Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul: Celebrating La Comunidad Latina
Jack Canfield , Mark Victor Hansen , and Susan Sanchez-Casal
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Mental & Spiritual Healing | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

It's All In The Frijoles: 100 Famous Latinos Share Real Life Stories Time Tested Dichos Favorite Folkta
Americanos: Latino Life in the United States
Chicken Soup for the African American Soul: Celebrating and Sharing Our Culture, One Story at a Time (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Chicken Soup for the African American Woman's Soul (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
Chicken Soup for the Single Parent's Soul: Stories of Hope, Healing and Humor (Chicken Soup for the Soul)

ASIN: 0757303110

Book Description

Inspiring, heartwarming and humorous, this story collection celebrates the common cultural experience, spirituality and wisdom of Latinos across the country. Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul showcases the beauty, dignity and storytelling traditions of Latino culture, articulating the joys, struggles and triumphs of the Latino experience in America. With stories that will appeal to the cross-section of Hispanics throughout the countryand from every country of originChicken Soup for the Latino Soul offers readers stories that revolve around shared Latino histories, deeply rooted Latino cultural traditions and beliefs, and everyday Latino life: the history of Latino immigrants whose sacrifice and hard work paved the way for new generations; the longing for a sense of connection to ancestral homelands; the common Latino struggle for "American" identity (and the complexity of Latino identity); the challenge of bilingualism and the often comical consequences of living in two languages (Spanglish); the inspiration drawn from Latino cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs; Latino faith in the power of community; the central place of family in Latino cultures; and the way that Latinos love, learn and strengthen cultural bonds in the context of preparing and eating traditional Latino foods in a family setting. This inspiring collection will give power, pride and hope to a specifically Latino audience, with stories from a specifically Latino perspective.

Customer Reviews:

YUCKO STINKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-09-05

I think that I have purchased and loved every single Chicken Soup for the Soul book. This one was the only disappointment; a real waste of money and time. Although there are a few meaningful tales, they are perilously few, and most are a big nothing - AND include many Spanish words without any footnotes, page of definitions, or even recommended dictionary.

There are many, many outstanding Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Don't waste your money on this loser!

A wonderful addition for a multi-cultural curriculum!.......2007-05-31

As a contributing author to this book and former school teacher, I just realized how invaluable this little book of stories is to the future of our Latino children. This great book should be used by any educator wishing to connect with high school level students who will find relevance in the subject matter they are reading. Not only is it enriched with the history of our people and the story of their struggle, but you will also read modern-day social commentary from a Latino's perspective and discover how we contribute to the wonderful tapestry of this mult-culturally rich country. I would recommend this book for all educators seeking to add a book to their multi-cultural curriculum.
JAX, author of Heart of The Jaguar and contributing author to "Grandma's Recipe" and a "Bridge to Freedom"

Great book for after school programs.......2007-05-30

I am using this book with 6-8th grade second language learners who need to work on fluency, comprehension, and oral expression. The short stories are engaging and my students (all Latinas) can easily identify with the different themes presented. The connections my students make with the different story lines make for lively discussions and help them to better understand how they are not alone.

Sweet and Spicy Soul.......2006-09-20

_Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul_ opened my eyes, ears, heart, mind and taste-buds to the rich beauty of many Latino families and their cultures. I also discovered that I may have a Latina soul! Although Swedish by genetics, _Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul_ embraces me and each reader as a confidante. Susan Sanchez-Casal has compiled stirring and hopeful tales of deepest family treasures. These are human stories, anecdotes that reach across boundaries and illuminate our shared and unique experiences. A book of pride!

great book.......2006-09-20

I am not Latina but I loved this book. I don't speak Spanish but I loved the bilingualisms in the book; I could always understand what was being said from the context. And when I didn't I would use the dictionary or ask a neighbor. 99% of the words in the book are English, so I don't think any non-latino will have a problem with it unless they can't read English. I grew up reading Chicken Soup books, but I have to say that I've never read one that served up one excellent story after another like Latino Soul does. This is a real gem. So many diverse themes, and such strength and inspiration in each story. There are some really funny stories too, and I even got a recipe for enchiladas out of it! Highly recommended.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books